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2019 Malibu Premier Gains LED Headlights: Feature Spotlight

Since the introduction of the ninth-generation Chevrolet Malibu in 2016, the model has been offered with standard halogen projector headlights as the only mode of forward lighting on all trim levels, which the IIHS recently rated as “Poor”. As if that derogatory mark on the Malibu wasn’t enough, many consumers have expressed a significant amount of interest in having modern LED lights on their brand new vehicle. We’re here today to share some good news: Chevy appears to have listened to your concerns, and the 2019 Malibu Premier now features full LED lighting.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Premier - Headlights - LED 001

Specifically, the lighting configuration on the 2019 Malibu Premier includes LED low- and high-beam projectors, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and LED taillights. Hallelujah!

2019 Malibu LED Headlight Specs

We reached out to Chevrolet for some concrete data associated with the new LED headlights, and were told that the midsize sedan’s low-beam projector LED headlights are rated at 1,100 lumens while the high-beams are rated at 1,600 lumens.

For the sake of comparison, the average halogen low-beam emits 700 lumens, while the average high-beam emits 1,200. Of course, other factors – such as the focus of the lighting and the positioning of said lights – could impact the headlight performance. Even so, we think most prospective buyers will be delighted to hear the word “LED” in association with every exterior light on the car, without going into any more detail.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Premier - Headlights - LED 002

The LED headlights of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Premier

2019 Malibu LED Availability

Those looking to have LED headlights on their 2019 Malibu will have to spring for the range-topping 2019 Malibu Premier, which has standard LED headlights, taillights and DRLs.

Notably, the Premier model is also the only 2019 Malibu model to feature the LED headlights; the feature is not offered on any other 2019 Malibu model, either as an option or as part of a package. All other 2019 Malibu models see halogen headlights, incandescent or LED taillamps, and LED or halogen daytime runners.

As a reminder, the 2019 Malibu continues with the same trim level structure as the 2018 model, including L, LS, LT, Hybrid and Premier. However, the sporty-looking Malibu RS trim is new to the lineup for 2019, where it slots between the LS and LT models.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Lighting Availability
Trim Level: L LS RS LT Hybrid Premier
Headlights: Halogen Halogen Halogen Halogen Halogen LED
Taillights: Incandescent Incandescent Incandescent LED Incandescent; Available LED LED
Daytime Running Lights: Incandescent (integral to headlamps) Incandescent (integral to headlamps) Incandescent (integral to headlamps) LED (Separate) LED (Separate) LED (Separate)

2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS exterior 001 front three quarters (1)

About Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan sold in most markets where Chevrolet has a business presence. It is currently Chevrolet's second-largest sedan, in the U.S. and Canada, slotting above the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic and compact Chevrolet Cruze but under the full-size Chevrolet Impala.

The current, ninth-generation model was introduced in 2016. It rides on the GM E2 platform shared with the Buick Regal, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Holden Commodore NG, and the Cadillac XT4.

For 2019 - the fourth model year of the ninth-gen model - the Malibu received a midcycle enhancement, otherwise known as a facelift or refresh, that consists of revised exterior styling, a new Malibu RS trim level, a CVT transmission for L, LS, LT and RS models, a new infotainment system, a new 8-inch reconfigurable driver information center (DIC), LED headlamps on the Premier model, and various other new features.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS exterior 002 rear three quarters (1)

The Chevrolet Malibu is produced at the following GM plants:

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Comments

  1. Where is the spotlight?

    Might choose the words in the title more carefully. At a glance some will be looking for a spotlight.

    Got a good laugh anyways. Carry on.

    Reply
    1. You must a little slow up there. Alex and company have been using that name for vehicle specific features for as long as I can remember.

      Reply
  2. Well the headlight beam spread was very poor in the previous setup. The Malibu’s headlight performance have been ridiculed by many in the automotive media, GM decided to do something about it. We should see significant improvements.

    Reply
  3. Sad, just sad. Once again GM makes safety a luxury item…

    Reply
  4. That Grille Looks like it’s Hungry. The Previous Model before the refresh looks much better. Also. Why are LED’s not standard yet? They’re insanely cheap, and GM is just yet again, milking consumers for every nickel and dime they have.

    Reply
  5. That’s great…now how about a LT1 V8 or twin turbo V6 to go with it?

    Reply
  6. If we ever want to capture a bigger percentage of the hybrid market — and not cede it to Toyota and others — it should offer these as standard along with the Premier.

    Instead, GM continues to convey the message, “Yea, we got a hybrid too — if you want one”

    Reply
  7. “Our goal is to win in every segment,” whether that’s with the affordable mini-compact Spark, a traditionally muscular Camaro, a pat-of-butter-riding Buick Regal, or even a massive luxury Cadillac Escalade. ” -Mary Bara

    I don’t see this taking place…

    Reply
  8. LED lights are of course the latest in a long list of 21st century tech fads. Personally I don’t care for them because the lighting is garish and cold and seeing them at night when a so equipped cars has them is very distracting and blinding. Then there is the added costs. I don’t mind them in certain applications like interior lighting or home fixtures and realize pricing is coming down somewhat. But not choosing a car because it doesn’t have LED lighting is over the top ludicrous. However not choosing a car like the Malibu or Impala for poor lighting is a valid concern and dictates that modern design in headlights needs some work.

    Reply
  9. Pretty crappy of GM. Other manufacturers have LED’s on their most basic model of cars.

    Reply
  10. My 2017 Malibu is like driving blind as if i have no lights on

    Reply

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