The Chevrolet Malibu entered its latest ninth generation for the 2016 model year, breaking cover at the 2015 New York International Auto Show as as the 2016 Malibu. Offering a brand new exterior design, a longer wheelbase, and lighter curb weight over its predecessor, the ninth-gen Malibu also offers two gas-only engine options, including a standard turbocharged 1.5L four and an optional turbocharged 2.0L four. And now, we’re finally getting some official acceleration specs for these two engine options, straight from GM.
Let’s start with the entry-level 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, which cradles GM’s relatively new turbocharged 1.5L I4 LFV. This powerplant is tuned to produce upwards of 163 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm, all of which is sent to the front axle by way of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which replaced the regular 6-speed for the 2019 model year. Properly motivated, the LFV will propel the Chevrolet Malibu to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.3 seconds.
That’s roughly on par with the last-gen Malibu’s naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder LCV engine, which managed a sprint to 62 mph in 9.1 seconds.
What’s more, the latest Malibu’s 9.3-second acceleration figure pairs with some decent fuel economy numbers. According to fueleconomy.gov, Chevrolet Malibu models equipped with the turbo 1.5L manage 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, averaging out to 32 mpg combined.
For those who prefer extra mph over mpg, the Chevrolet Malibu also offers the optional turbocharged 2.0L inline four-cylinder LTG, which doles out upwards of 250 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm. The 2.0L replaces the 1.5L’s CVT with the GM nine-speed automatic transmission, once again feeding the front wheels. With more power under the hood, the Malibu hits 62 mpg in “just over six seconds,” according to GM.
| Engine | Power (hp @ engine rpm) | Torque (lb-ft @ engine rpm) | Transmission | 0-60 mph (seconds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L inline four-cylinder LFV | 160 @ 5700 | 184 @ 2500 | CVT | 9.3 |
| 2.0L inline four-cylinder LTG | 250 @ 5300 | 260 @ 2000 | nine-speed auto | 6 |
Notably, we believe that the Malibu Hybrid is probably quicker than the model with the 2.0L turbo-charged LTG, but no official acceleration specs are available for that model just yet.
It’s also worth noting that the Malibu will be spared – at least for now – as GM streamlines its product lineup to offer fewer sedans and cars and more crossovers and utilities.
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View Comments
Are there any changes to the "looks" of the 2020?
No, that was for 2019.
I was hoping they'd change the body style the rear end is horrible just like prior models the 13-14 yrs rear end was way better. Many will pass just on looks alone. Sad because the decline in purchases may make this car go away going forward. And no one I know is asking about how fast it can go in 6 sec. The first comment I get out of anyone in personal life is they don't like the body design.
I think the current model is the best looking Malibu in a long time. Most styling is a matter personal preference anyway.
The Malibu is a really good road trip car. I think GM could sell more if they cared to advertise it.
I want a 2.7 no I demand a 320 hp Malibu SS. Come on Chevy make one for me.
My 2017 malibu Premier hit 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds, did the quarter in 14.34 seconds at 99.88 totally stock! My lease is up in August ,I'm hoping the 20 malibu will be just as quick. if it's slower gonna look for something else!
That's funny bc I have the 2016 LT model and I get compliments all the time about how the car looks from front to back. Maybe you and your friends just have no style lol. I'm willing to bet that you and your buddies just love how the Element looks huh? Your credibility as a stylist is now in question sir.