2016 Chevrolet Malibu: A Game-Changer in the Midsize Sedan Segment

The midsize sedan market has long been dominated by stalwarts like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu arrived with a mission to disrupt the status quo. With its complete redesign, Chevrolet addressed previous shortcomings while introducing innovative features that make it a compelling choice for families and commuters alike.

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Exterior Design: Sophisticated and Contemporary

Chevrolet's designers took a bold step away from the previous generation's controversial styling. The 2016 Malibu presents:

• Smooth, aerodynamic profile with 0.29 coefficient of drag
• 1.8-inch longer wheelbase (111.4 inches total)
• 300-pound weight reduction from previous model
• LED signature lighting on higher trims

The result is a sedan that looks more expensive than its price tag suggests, with design cues borrowed from the larger Impala but scaled perfectly for the midsize segment.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Powertrain Options

The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivers surprisingly responsive acceleration around town, though highway passing requires planning. The available 2.0-liter turbo transforms the Malibu into a genuinely quick sedan, with 0-60 mph times competitive with sportier alternatives.

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Ride and Handling

Chevrolet tuned the Malibu's chassis for a perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness:

• Precise electric power steering with 2.6 turns lock-to-lock
• Multi-link rear suspension for improved ride quality
• Available Continuous Damping Control on Premier tri
• Brake-based torque vectoring for enhanced cornering

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Interior: Space and Comfort Redefined

The 2016 redesign brought significant interior improvements:

Cabin Materials and Features

While base models feature acceptable plastics, the Premier trim elevates the experience with:

• Perforated leather seating surfaces
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Ambient LED lighting

Technology and Infotainment

The Malibu debuted Chevrolet's most advanced tech suite to date:

MyLink System Features

• Standard 7-inch or available 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
• Wireless phone charging (Premier trim)

Notably, the system's intuitive layout and physical climate controls represent a welcome departure from overly complex interfaces in some competitors.

Safety Innovations

The 2016 Malibu introduced several segment-first safety technologies:

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Safety Feature	Availability
Teen Driver System	Standard on all trims
Front Pedestrian Braking	Available on LT and Premier
Lane Keep Assist	Available on LT and Premier
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available on Premier

Fuel Efficiency: Class-Leading Numbers

The Malibu Hybrid deserves special mention, delivering Prius-level efficiency without sacrificing sedan practicality.

How It Compares to Rivals

When stacked against segment leaders, the Malibu holds its own:

Model	Base Price	Horsepower	MPG (city/hwy)	Rear Legroom
2016 Chevrolet Malibu	$22,500	160-250	27-48/37-45	38.1"
2016 Honda Accord	$23,625	185-278	27-50/36-47	38.5"
2016 Toyota Camry	$23,795	178-268	25-43/35-39	38.9"

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Value Proposition and Final Verdict

Starting at $22,500 (including destination), the Malibu undercuts key rivals while offering:

• More standard tech features than base Accord or Camry
• Available premium options typically found in luxury cars
• Best-in-class hybrid efficiency
• Innovative safety systems like Teen Driver

While the Honda Accord might still edge it out in driving dynamics and the Toyota Camry in reliability reputation, the 2016 Malibu represents Chevrolet's most compelling midsize sedan in decades. For shoppers prioritizing style, technology, and value, it deserves serious consideration.