At the heart of the Chevrolet Malibu are a pair of efficient, turbocharged engines. The base engine is a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder unit that produces 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, power is routed through a 6-speed automatic to the front wheels. The optional drivetrain for the Malibu is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making a healthy 250 horsepower connected to a brand new 9-speed automatic, again powering the front wheels. Acceleration with either engine feels plenty fast, thanks in large part to the weight loss the model went through with its redesign.

An intriguing option on the 2017 Malibu is a hybrid drivetrain, which boasts mileage numbers of 45 mpg highway and 48 mpg in the city. The hybrid drivetrain combines a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, for a total of 182 horsepower and the ability to drive on electricity alone at speeds up to 55 mph.

The Malibu is available in four trim levels: L, LS, LT and Premier. The base L model is far from a bare-bones sedan, featuring most of the amenities one would expect from a mid-sized car. Standard features across the entire Malibu line include remote keyless entry, power, programmable door locks, a 6-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for phones, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, OnStar navigation with a 6-month subscription, an anti-theft system, keyless start and a hill-start assist system.

LS models add 16-inch aluminum wheels, a rearview camera, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and 7-inch touchscreen, 4G LTE connectivity with WiFi capability, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB port for the stereo.

The LT equipment package improves on the LS by adding a bevy of standard features, including LED daytime running lights, heated power adjustable outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, 17-inch aluminum wheels, SiriusXM Satellite radio, improved interior lighting, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat and express up/down control for the driver's window.

The top-of-the-line Premier is powered by the 2.0L turbocharged engine and adds some extra bling to the exterior, with chrome door handles, LED tail lights, 19-inch aluminum wheels and bright sill plates. The premium feel carries over to the interior with drivers being greeted by leather seating surfaces, a heated, leather wrapped steering wheel, power adjustable, heated and cooled front seats, an eight-inch color touchscreen display controlling a 9-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone, automatic climate control, a wireless charger for phones and a rear seat USB port.

The Malibu Hybrid is equipped largely like the LT and adds an electronic parking brake and dual-zone automatic climate control.

A new Sport Package adds 18-inch alloys and all-season low-profile tires, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter inside. The Premier Sun and Wheel Package includes a power sunroof and Universal Home Remote.

Comfortable, Spacious Interior

Improved Fuel Economy

Competitive Pricing

Available Hybrid Drivetrain

Following a complete redesign last year, the Chevrolet Malibu has a few changes for 2017. Among them is a new 9-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the 8-speed automatic on Premier trim. The trim levels get a slight reshuffle as well, including the deletion of the 2LT trim and the addition of a new Sport Package.

The Chevrolet Malibu is a full-sized sedan that competes with both mid-sized cars such as the Toyota Camry, as well as several entry-level luxury cars. The Malibu has always featured a comfortable interior with plenty of room for an American-sized buying public, and this year is no different. The Malibu's wheelbase allows for plenty of space, and reduced weight over its predecessor aids in improved handling, fuel economy and acceleration. Adding further value is the fact that the Malibu is available with a hybrid drivetrain, pushing mileage well into the 40 mpg range. Prices start at around $22,500.

Convenience & Technology Package

Driver Confidence Package

Preferred Equipment Group 1LT

6 Speakers

AM/FM radio: SiriusXM

Radio data system

Radio: Chevrolet MyLink AM/FM Stereo w/7" Screen

Radio: Chevrolet MyLink AM/FM Stereo w/8" Screen

SiriusXM Satellite Radio

Air Conditioning

Rear window defroster

120-Volt Power Outlet

8-Way Power Driver Seat Adjuster

Power driver seat

Power steering

Power windows

Remote keyless entry

Remote Vehicle Starter System

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Four wheel independent suspension

Traction control

4-Wheel Disc Brakes

ABS brakes

Dual front impact airbags

Dual front side impact airbags

Emergency communication system

Front anti-roll bar

Knee airbag

Low tire pressure warning

Occupant sensing airbag

Overhead airbag

Rear anti-roll bar

Rear side impact airbag

Brake assist

Electronic Stability Control

Exterior Parking Camera Rear

Front & Rear Park Assist

Delay-off headlights

Fully automatic headlights

Panic alarm

Security system

Speed control

Bumpers: body-color

Front License Plate Bracket

Heated door mirrors

IntelliBeam Automatic High-Beam Headlamps

Power door mirrors

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Side Blind Zone Alert w/Lane Change Alert

Turn signal indicator mirrors

3-Spoke Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Compass

Driver door bin

Driver Information System w/Color Display

Driver vanity mirror

Dual USB Charging-Only Ports

Following Distance Indicator

Forward Collision Alert

Front Pedestrian Braking

Front reading lights

Illuminated entry

Inside Rear-View Auto-Dimming Mirror

Lane Keep Assist

Leather Wrapped Shift Knob

Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking

Outside temperature display

Overhead console

Passenger vanity mirror

Premium Cloth Seat Trim

Rear reading lights

Rear seat center armrest

Tachometer

Telescoping steering wheel

Tilt steering wheel

Trip computer

Wireless Charging For Devices

Front Bucket Seats

Front Passenger 6-Way Manual Seat Adjuster

Power Driver Lumbar Control Seat Adjuster

Split folding rear seat

Front Center Armrest w/Storage

Passenger door bin

17" Aluminum Wheels

18" Aluminum Wheels

Alloy wheels

Variably intermittent wipers

Engine, 1.5L turbo DOHC 4-cylinder DI with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) (160 hp [119.3 kW] @ 5700 rpm, 184 lb-ft torque [248.4 N-m] @ 2500-3000 rpm)

Transmission, 6-speed automatic

Engine control, stop-start system

Axle, 3.23 final drive ratio

Front wheel drive

Suspension, front MacPherson strut

Suspension, rear 4-link, independent

Brakes, 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc

Brake rotors, Duralife

Brake lining, high-performance, noise and dust performance

Brake, parking, manual

Fueling system, capless

Tool kit, road emergency

Wheels, 17" (43.2 cm) aluminum

Tires, P225/55R17 all-season, blackwall

Wheel, spare, 16" (40.6 cm) steel

Tire, compact spare, T125/80R16

Headlamp control, automatic on and off

Headlamps, halogen

Glass, acoustic, laminated, windshield and front side windows

Mirrors, outside heated power-adjustable, body-color, manual-folding with integrated turn signal indicators

Audio system, Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7" diagonal color touch-screen, AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and digital clock, includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones; featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability for compatible phone

SiriusXM Satellite Radio is standard on nearly all 2017 GM models. Enjoy a 3-month All Access trial subscription with over 150 channels including commercial-free music, plus sports, news and entertainment. Plus listening on the app and online is included, so you'll hear the best SiriusXM has to offer, anywhere life takes you. Welcome to the world of SiriusXM. (IMPORTANT: The SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial package is not provided on vehicles that are ordered for Fleet Daily Rental ("FDR") use. If you decide to continue service after your trial, the subscription plan you choose will automatically renew thereafter and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. To cancel you must call us at 1-866-635-2349. See our Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. All fees and programming subject to change.)

Audio system feature, 6-speaker system

OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot connects to the Internet at 4G LTE speeds; includes OnStar Data Trial for 3 months or 3GB (whichever comes first) (Visit www.onstar.com for coverage map, details and system limitations. Services vary by model. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Not all vehicles may transmit all crash data. Available Wi-Fi requires compatible mobile device, active OnStar service and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T.)

Antenna, body-color

Seats, front bucket

Seat adjuster, 8-way power driver

Seat adjuster, front passenger 6-way manual

Seat adjuster, power driver lumbar control

Seat, rear 60/40 split-folding

Armrest, rear center with cupholders

Map pockets, driver and front passenger seatbacks

Floor mats, carpeted front

Floor mats, carpeted rear

Steering wheel, 3-spoke

Steering column, tilt and telescopic

Steering wheel controls, mounted controls for audio, phone and cruise

Warning indicator, front passenger safety belt

Driver Information Center, monochromatic display

Theft-deterrent system, content theft alarm

Remote panic alarm

Door locks, power programmable

Window, power with driver Express-Up/Down

Windows, power with Express-Down on all

Passive Entry System includes Remote Keyless Entry, extended range

Keyless start

Cruise control, electronic with set and resume speed

Compass display

Temperature display, outside

Air conditioning, single-zone manual

Vent, rear console

Air filter, cabin

Defogger, rear-window, electric

Power outlet, auxiliary, 12-volt

Mirror, inside rearview manual day/night

Visors, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, covered

Assist handle, front passenger

Lighting, interior overhead courtesy lamp, dual reading lamps and illuminated trunk area

Lighting, interior, ambient instrument panel light pipe, front doors pad and map pocket light pipe, and door handle release on all doors

Lighting, interior, rear reading lamps, switchable

StabiliTrak, stability control system with brake assist includes Traction Control

Hill Start Assist

Daytime Running Lamps, LED

Air bags, 10 total, frontal and knee for driver and front passenger, side-impact seat-mounted and roof rail for front and rear outboard seating positions includes Passenger Sensing System (Always use safety belts and child restraints. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate child restraint. See the Owner's Manual for more information.)

OnStar Basic Plan for 5 years includes limited vehicle mobile app features, Monthly Diagnostics Report and Dealer Maintenance Notification (Basic Plan available for 5 years from the date of vehicle delivery and is transferable. Does not include Emergency, Security or Navigation services.)

OnStar Guidance Plan for 3 months, including Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Roadside Assistance, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Advanced Diagnostics and more (trial excludes Hands-Free Calling) for 6 months, including Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Roadside Assistance, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Advanced Diagnostics and more (trial excludes Hands-Free Calling) (Visit www.onstar.com for coverage map, details and system limitations. Services vary by model. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Not all vehicles may transmit all crash data.)

Rear Vision Camera

Rear Seat Reminder

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren), for child safety seats

Door locks, rear child security

Trunk latch, safety, manual release

Teen Driver

Tire Pressure Monitor System