2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Expect to be impressed 

The Chevrolet Malibu is a popular choice among shoppers, and its charms are many. The Malibu offers impressive safety, exceptional efficiency, and seamless connectivity; it's a thoughtfully engineered vehicle with virtually everything you could ever need from your vehicle, including a few key features you won't be able to live without. 

For 2017, the Chevrolet Malibu is even more attractive, with Premier models equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo engine benefitting from a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ are now available on LS and base LT audio systems and in all hybrid models. 

Performance

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is powered by a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine good for 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Its smart use of turbocharging, along with its light frame ensure strong performance and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg combined (27 city/3 highway).*

Also helping it achieve such fuel-sipping numbers is a stop-start system that automatically turns off the engine when the Malibu comes to a complete stop.

Drivers wanting a little more vigor from their Malibu should consider the available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It cranks out 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission.

In spite of its larger displacement, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes the most of its power while remaining incredibly efficient, and the new transmission is largely to thank for this. Fuel economy numbers are unavailable at this time, but Lynch Ford Chevrolet expects the 2017 version to earn a similar if not better rating than last year's 26 mpg combined (22 city/33 highway).*  

The final engine option for would-be Malibu owners is the Hybrid, which is powered by a gasoline-electric system derived from the Chevrolet Volt. Most of the time, the system sends power through an electric motor, which draws electricity from its battery pack and 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Total output is 182 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. 

As you would expect, the Malibu Hybrid is incredibly efficient. Again, 2017 EPA numbers are unavailable at this time, but we expect numbers similar to last year's 46 mpg combined (47 city/46 highway).* The Malibu Hybrid is an intelligent alternative to the standard Malibu and an easy choice for drivers that want to go farther while spending less on gas. 

Getting the most out of its resources is one of the many things the 2017 Malibu does well, regardless of the engine powering it. When climbing a hill or simply keeping up with traffic, the Malibu feels virtually effortless.

The Malibu is also a quiet car on the whole, and it feels substantially lighter on its feet. Along with its intelligent engines, these two factors directly contribute to the Malibu’s relaxing and confident road manners – two telltale signs of any sedan worth its weight.

Features

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in four main trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. The Malibu Hybrid is offered as its own standalone trim.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu starts at $21,680, and is proof positive that you don’t have to pay a lot to get a lot.**

Standard features on base L models include 16-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, OnStar® telematics, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system.

LS models add even more features, such as upgraded 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system—complete with a seven-inch touchscreen that includes Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ smartphone integration. Tech lovers will also approve of the LS’s 4G LTE connectivity with mobile WiFi, which helps you keep connected to the entertainment you love and the information you need.

The LT trim makes the Malibu even more impressive, thanks to 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, and ambient interior lighting.  It’s not all cosmetic though as the 1LT also boasts heated mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), rear climate vents, and satellite radio.

The Malibu Hybrid is similar to the LT, though it does come standard with dual-zone automatic climate control and an electronic parking brake.

The top-of-the-line Premier trim boasts 18-inch wheels, LED taillights, remote ignition, and a number of premium features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats, to name but just a few of its creature comforts.

Design

The 2017 Chevrolet Impala is a handsomely styled sedan, with plenty of visual stimuli to keep owners happy. It bears more than a passing resemblance to its big brother, the Chevrolet Impala, which suits us just fine.

There’s certainly a lot of drama to its design, with lines that flow along each side. Proportionally, the car's been stretched quite a bit, and the nose has dropped—though it's actually lost weight, all credited to more high-strength steel.

While the Malibu is priced for a more mainstream audience, that didn’t stop the designers at Chevrolet from adding a number of luxurious styling cues, such as LED taillights on Premier models, as well as available super-bright HID headlights.

Inside, the look is charming and elegant while also somewhat understated. Past Malibu models featured an upright, swoopy, two-tiered layout to the dash that was recently dropped in favor of a more conventional shape. Chevrolet has lowered the dash and pushed it forward slightly; corners have also been pushed outward.

Last year saw the Malibu drop the twin-binnacle, tiered look, striking out with a more conventional shape that's far more unified and appealing. We're happy to report that the new design returns for 2017. The center stack makes space for bigger MyLink infotainment screens. There’s a place for buttons in this interior—both a design and functionality decision that owners will appreciate.

Safety

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu doesn’t skimp on safety, providing a robust list of standard features that includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front knee airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags and side curtain airbags. Also standard is the OnStar® telematics system, which delivers automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance. A rearview camera is standard on LS trims and above.

Customers can also select from two advanced safety packages. The Driver Confidence package adds automatic high-beam headlight control, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and intervention, and a forward collision warning system with low-speed automatic braking. The Driver Confidence II package adds a self-parking system, an electronic parking brake, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded collision mitigation system with automatic emergency braking.

Verdict 

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu exudes confidence thanks to its dramatic exterior, smartly styled cabin and powerful yet efficient engine options. It’s a compelling choice for midsize sedan shoppers and one that warrants strong consideration.

For a more in-depth look at the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, contact us online or visit Lynch Ford Chevrolet at 410 Business 30 SW, Mt Vernon, IA 52314 for a test drive.

* EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Use for comparison purposes only.

** The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

Image Credit: Chevrolet