The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu marked a significant turning point for Chevrolet, offering a completely redesigned midsize sedan that focused on style, efficiency, advanced technology, and safety. As a cornerstone in Chevrolet’s lineup, the Malibu has long been a popular choice for families and commuters, but the 2016 model raised the bar by addressing past shortcomings and establishing itself as a serious contender in the competitive midsize sedan market.
With a sleek design, efficient powertrain options, and advanced safety features, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu became a standout choice for those seeking a well-rounded, dependable, and stylish midsize sedan. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every facet of the 2016 Malibu, from its exterior and interior design to its performance, technology, and long-term impact.
A Sleek and Modern Exterior Design
One of the most striking aspects of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is its bold and contemporary design. Chevrolet completely overhauled the Malibu’s exterior, giving it a sleek and aerodynamic look that appealed to a wide range of buyers.
Aerodynamic Efficiency Meets Style
The Malibu’s exterior design prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality. With a low, wide stance and smooth, flowing lines, the 2016 model not only looks sophisticated but also benefits from improved aerodynamics.
- Front Fascia: The front end features a prominent dual-port grille flanked by sleek headlights. The available LED daytime running lights add a touch of modernity and improve visibility.
- Sculpted Bodylines: The Malibu’s side profile showcases dynamic character lines that give the car a sense of motion even when it’s stationary. The slightly sloping roofline adds a sporty, coupe-like appearance.
- Rear Design: At the rear, the Malibu features stylish taillights and a clean, understated design that ties together the car’s modern aesthetic.
Dimensions and Wheel Options
The 2016 Malibu is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, providing more interior space and enhancing its road presence. The sedan is available with a variety of wheel options, ranging from 16-inch steel wheels on the base trims to 19-inch aluminum wheels on higher trims, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle’s look.
Color Palette
Chevrolet offered the 2016 Malibu in a range of eye-catching colors, including:
- Mosaic Black Metallic
- Summit White
- Blue Velvet Metallic
- Cajun Red Tintcoat
- Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
This diverse color palette allowed buyers to personalize their Malibu to suit their tastes.
A Spacious and Comfortable Interior
Inside, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu delivers a blend of modern design, high-quality materials, and thoughtful features. Chevrolet focused on creating a comfortable and practical cabin that caters to both drivers and passengers.
Cabin Design and Layout
The Malibu’s interior is designed with a clean and user-friendly layout. Soft-touch materials and metallic accents give the cabin an upscale feel, while the intuitive placement of controls ensures convenience.
- Dashboard: The dashboard features a streamlined design with an integrated touchscreen and easy-to-read gauges. Higher trims add leather-wrapped accents and stitched detailing for a more premium look.
- Seating: The Malibu seats five passengers comfortably. The front seats are supportive and adjustable, with available heating and ventilation. The rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom, making long trips more enjoyable for passengers.
Cargo Space and Storage
The Malibu offers 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space, which is competitive for the midsize sedan segment. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide additional flexibility, allowing drivers to transport larger items when needed. Storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a spacious center console and door pockets, make it easy to organize personal items.
Powertrain Options and Performance
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu offers a range of powertrain options designed to meet the needs of diverse drivers, from fuel-conscious commuters to those seeking a more spirited driving experience.
Base Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-Four
The standard engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine is tuned for efficiency and delivers smooth, responsive acceleration.
- Fuel Economy: The 1.5L engine achieves an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, making it an excellent choice for fuel-conscious buyers.
Upgraded Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-Four
For drivers seeking more power, the Malibu offers an available 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing quicker shifts and improved performance.
- Fuel Economy: The 2.0L engine maintains respectable efficiency, with EPA estimates of 22 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.
Hybrid Option: 1.8L Hybrid Powertrain
The 2016 Malibu Hybrid features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 182 horsepower. This hybrid powertrain delivers a seamless driving experience and outstanding fuel economy.
- Fuel Economy: The Malibu Hybrid achieves an impressive EPA-estimated 47 MPG in the city and 46 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most efficient midsize sedans available.
Advanced Technology and Infotainment
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is packed with technology features that enhance convenience, connectivity, and entertainment. Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation is evident in the Malibu’s range of tech options.
Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System
At the heart of the Malibu’s technology suite is the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, which features a responsive touchscreen interface and intuitive controls.
- Screen Options: The system is available with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level.
- Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones and access apps, music, and navigation.
- Navigation System: Higher trims offer an integrated navigation system with real-time traffic updates and easy-to-use controls.
Connectivity Features
The Malibu offers a range of connectivity features that cater to modern drivers:
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot: Available on higher trims, this feature allows passengers to connect multiple devices to the internet.
- Bluetooth: Standard Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming.
- USB Ports: Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin make it easy to charge devices on the go.
Additional Features
- Wireless Charging: Available on higher trims, the wireless charging pad eliminates the need for cords.
- Premium Audio System: A Bose premium audio system is available, delivering crystal-clear sound quality for music enthusiasts.
Comprehensive Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for Chevrolet, and the 2016 Malibu comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents.
Standard Safety Features
- 10 Airbags: The Malibu is equipped with front, side, curtain, and knee airbags for comprehensive protection.
- Rearview Camera: A standard rearview camera makes parking and reversing safer and easier.
- StabiliTrak: This electronic stability control system helps maintain control during sudden maneuvers.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The 2016 Malibu offers an array of driver assistance features, many of which are available on higher trims:
- Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of potential front-end collisions.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Can apply the brakes automatically to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision.
- Lane Keep Assist: Provides gentle steering inputs to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching traffic when reversing out of parking spaces.
Crash-Test Ratings
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu earned top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2016 Malibu is available in multiple trims, each offering a unique set of features to cater to different preferences and budgets.
| L Trim | LS Trim | LT Trim | Premier Trim | Hybrid Trim |
| Starting Price: ~$21,625 | Starting Price: ~$23,120 | Starting Price: ~$25,020 | Starting Price: ~$31,795 | Starting Price: ~$27,875 |
|
Key Features:
|
Key Features:
|
Key Features:
|
Key Features:
|
Key Features:
|
The 2016 Malibu in a Competitive Market
The midsize sedan market is fiercely competitive, with rivals such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion vying for attention. However, the 2016 Malibu stands out with its combination of style, efficiency, and technology.
Advantages Over Competitors
- Fuel Efficiency: The Malibu Hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy.
- Interior Space: The Malibu provides more rear legroom than many competitors, enhancing passenger comfort.
- Technology: Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot give the Malibu a tech edge.
A Redesigned Success
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With its sleek design, efficient powertrains, advanced technology, and top-notch safety features, the Malibu redefined what a midsize sedan could offer.
Whether you’re a commuter looking for a reliable daily driver, a family in need of a spacious and safe vehicle, or a tech-savvy driver seeking the latest features, the 2016 Malibu delivers on all fronts. It’s a car that combines practicality with style, making it a standout choice in a competitive segment.
For buyers who want a vehicle that ticks all the boxes, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan worth considering. With its balance of efficiency, comfort, and modernity, it continues to impress years after its debut.
Shop at Kunes CDJR of Sycamore
Kunes CDJR of Sycamore is your trusted destination for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, proudly serving drivers from Rockford, Chicago, and Cortland, IL. Conveniently located in Sycamore, the dealership offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, expert automotive services, and a customer-first approach. Whether you’re looking for a rugged Jeep, a powerful Ram truck, a sleek Chrysler, or a performance-driven Dodge, Kunes CDJR of Sycamore is your go-to dealership for all things automotive.
