Chevrolet offers a flavor for almost every taste—and price range—with the 2018 Malibu.
Although the base model is not very cost-effective, more expensive models might come with a variety of features. In our opinion, that makes the Chevy Malibu an eight out of ten. (Read more about our car rating system.)
The Malibu L is primarily a fleet special, which means that corporate and municipal buyers were intended to order it. It has a rudimentary radio system, cruise control, power windows, and locks, but not much else for those meter maids and insurance salespeople who end up in one. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity are all included in the Malibu LS, which costs around $1,500 extra. It is not opulent, yet it also does not lack much.
With LED running lights, heated exterior mirrors, 17-inch wheels, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a few other extras, the Malibu LT goes above and beyond. A larger 8.0-inch screen, a wireless charging pad for Qi-enabled devices, heated seats, leather upholstery, Bose music, automatic high beams, frontal collision warnings with low speed automatic braking, and other niceties are all included in the LT’s option packages. Overall, an LT with the Convenience/Technology Package and the Driver Confidence Package is most likely the sweet spot. That makes a mid-range Malibu far less than $30,000.
The Malibu Premier, the sole variant with the Malibu’s 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, is at the top of the lineup. It has 19-inch alloy wheels, leather interior, and Bose music system, but it can be further enhanced with one of two safety packages. Low-speed automated emergency braking, park assistance, and automated high lights are all included by the Driver Confidence group. In addition, the Driver Confidence II package includes full-speed automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and an electronic parking brake.
For roughly $2,750 more, Chevy views its Malibu Hybrid as essentially an LT. Its extra-cost choices and specifications are similar to those of the LT.
Interestingly, Chevy provides integrated navigation on any Malibu with an 8.0-inch screen for just under $500, which is a very affordable price. However, the CarPlay and Android Auto features on everything but the base Malibu L may eliminate the necessity for navigation, since the majority of drivers nowadays will have an Apple or Android smartphone.
But the 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch screens have captured our hearts. Both of them are low-glare devices that rank near the top in their category because to their user-friendly menus and fast replies.
