2016 Chevrolet Malibu Preview

Fast Facts:

• Completely redesigned for 2016

• Longer, roomier inside, lighter by almost 300 lbs.

• Turbocharged 4-cylinder engines or new hybrid powertrain

• L, LS, LT, Hybrid, and Premier trim levels

• New comfort, infotainment, and safety systems

• Built in Kansas, on sale in fall of 2015

Introduction

Want to know how important the Chevrolet Malibu is to General Motors? Just three years after a completely redesigned model arrived for 2013, another completely redesigned model rolls into showrooms for 2016.

A midsize sedan, the Malibu competes in one of the broadest yet most challenging vehicle segments. Dominated by the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion, this particular sales chart tells a story of haves and have-nots, and with the new 2016 Malibu, Chevrolet intends to reverse its sagging family car fortunes.

The 2016 Malibu goes on sale in the fall of 2015, offered in L, LS, LT, Hybrid, and Premier trim levels. The Premier replaces the LTZ trim level across the Chevrolet lineup for the 2016 model year.

Exterior Features

Longer and lighter than the car it replaces, the 2016 Malibu features styling that Chevrolet says is influenced by the current Impala full-size sedan. Vehicle weight drops by almost 300 lbs., and the new Malibu features both a 3.6-in. wheelbase stretch and 2.3 in. of additional length. The hood and the cowl (where the hood meets the windshield) are lower and the roofline is sleeker for improved aerodynamics. Active grille shutters are standard for some Malibu models.

Interior Features

Thanks to the 2016 Malibu's stretched wheelbase, Chevrolet was able to address a chief complaint about the outgoing Malibu by adding 1.3 in. of additional rear-seat legroom.

Front-seat occupants face a dual-cockpit dashboard design, and Chevrolet says that it has done a better job of separating the infotainment system controls from the climate system controls. Highlights include satin chrome accent trim and a dedicated storage slot for smartphones, and a Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with a 7-in. capacitive touch display screen is standard in most versions of the car.

Optional Features

Perforated leather seats, wireless phone charging, a larger 8-in. MyLink screen, a navigation system, and new Teen Driver technology is optional for the Malibu LT and Malibu Hybrid, and standard for the Malibu Premier.