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 continuously variable transmission to the front wheels. The optional drivetrain for the Malibu is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making a healthy 250 horsepower. It is connected to a 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 2021 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 five trim levels: L, LS, LT, RS 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, Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 system with Apple CarPlay and 8-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 and express up/down control for the driver's window.
The RS trim, meanwhile, adds a dash of sportiness to the Malibu with 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust, a rear spoiler, a black grille, and black emblems. Inside, the RS features black cloth seats, and a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel.
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 taillights, 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 8-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 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.
