The new look works well on the Malibu, a sedan that already had curves and lines in all the right places. Up front, its grille stretches extra wide with chrome lines that run into its squinting headlights. Large side windows and a sloping roofline give the sedan a hatchback look, one that’s reinforced by its tapered tail. The Malibu doesn’t score points for its interior, though. It’s fine—little more, little less. The highlight is its standard 8.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but the tech story doesn’t end there. High-spec Malibus are rolling mobile wi-fi hotspots with numerous USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, parent company GM’s OnStar concierge and safety telematics, and digital instrument clusters. Underhood, the Malibu comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbo-4 rated at 163 horsepower that pairs to a new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The transmission works well with the turbo engine and features simulated “gears” to eliminate the rubber band feel of older CVTs. A 2.0-liter turbo-4 is optional, and with 250 hp it endows the sedan with excellent acceleration. The larger turbo-4 pairs exclusively to a 9-speed automatic. The Malibu Hybrid uses a non-turbo 1.8-liter inline-4 paired to a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor to sip fuel at a rate of just 46 mpg combined, according to the EPA. The Malibu Hybrid’s powertrain makes a respectable 182 horsepower. All Malibus ride and handle well, with quick, accurate steering and a ride tuned for comfort rather than sportiness. This year’s new RS trim level looks the part with its 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, but it doesn’t bring any suspension tweaks to the party. Where the Malibu lets us down is in its weak active safety gear availability, even if its crash-test scores have been good. Rivals such as the Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, and Honda Accord come standard with automatic emergency braking. On the Malibu, that tech we consider essential for mid-size sedan buyers is a costly option available only on certain trim levels.
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