Chevy Malibu Used Buying Guide
If you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient sedan, then a used Malibu might be the best car for you. It comes with good tech, a stylish look, and some great options. We’ll take a look at some of the generations and the changes in between to see which is the right one for you.
Key takeaways
- If you want a hybrid option, then you’ll need to look for a model between 2016 and 2019. Despite not lasting on the market for a long time, if you find one used, you’ll get great mileage.
- If you’re a parent with kids who are learning how to drive, you can make use of the Teen Driver feature.
- The ninth generation is longer and lighter, giving you more room and better fuel efficiency.
Ninth Generation (2016-2025)
Compared to the generation before, this one was 4 inches longer and is 300 pounds lighter. Despite the longer length, it is more fuel efficient. For the 2016 model, it was offered in 4 trims. The trims were the L, LS, LT, and Premier.
This year featured a new 1.5L turbocharged engine, while a 2.0L was offered as well. The 1.5L I4 was the more fuel-efficient engine of the two, having an EPA estimated 30 MPG combined. The 2.0L gets 26 MPG combined as tested by the EPA.
For the 2016 models, if you’re lucky, you may find one with wireless phone charging and 4G LTE in-vehicle connectivity. Other features you can find are 10 standard airbags, adaptive cruise control, and even an optional automatic parking assist.
If you have kids, then a016 is what you want. This was the first vehicle to introduce a teen driver feature. This allows you to view their statistics to make sure they’re being responsible.
If you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient model, then you’re in luck, as a hybrid was offered from 2016 to 2019. This came with a 1.8L I4 engine, producing 182 horsepower. If you're in a colder climate, the exhaust gas heat recovery system will come in handy. This helps the cabin warm up in the winter.
The hybrid models could go nearly 600 miles, getting an EPA estimated 46 MPG combined. Making it a great long-haul vehicle, and an even better city driver, giving soccer moms a versatile vehicle.
For the 2019 models, a new RS trim was added. This came with a sportier appearance, 18-inch wheels, and a dual exhaust. The touchscreen for the L, LS, RS, and LT became an 8-inch Chevy infotainment 3, while the Premier and Hybrid models had an HD version.
Over the next few years, Chevy started to cut back on trims, with the L being discontinued in 2022, and the Premier being replaced by 2LT in 2023. The 2.0L was also discontinued this year. In November of 2024, the Malibu ended production with no new generation in sight.
Eighth generation (2013-2015)
This model made its debut in 2012 as a 2013 model. Coming in LS, LT, 2LT, Eco, and LTZ trims. Most of these trims came with a large touch-screen display that had Chevy MyLink, allowing for USB connectivity, and had navigation capabilities.
This was the first non-hybrid GM vehicle to utilize an engine start/stop system on the 2.5L engine. Making its debut in 2014, this gave the vehicle 29 MPG combined as tested by the EPA.
Which year of the Chevy Malibu should I get?
We think that the ninth generation of this car is the best one to get, and being that it went on for nearly a decade, you’ll be able to find what you want pretty easily. If you want to see what we have in stock, come see us at Car2Sell here in East Windsor today!