It is the end of the line, almost — and of something else, too.
The 2023 Chevy Malibu is almost the last car Chevy still sells — not counting the Camaro and Corvette, which are high-performance coupes. The Malibu is the last sedan Chevy still sells, at any rate — and Chevy once sold more sedans than GM sells vehicles today.
In their place, crossovers and SUVs — which everyone else is selling, too. It makes you wonder whether it make more sense for Chevy to sell more of what everyone else isn't anymore, in order to sell more vehicles again.
What It Is
The Malibu is the last midsize family sedan made by Chevrolet. It competes with import-brand family sedans such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.
It's an older design than its rivals — and (for what is probably its last year in production) comes with just one engine, irrespective of trim — with no option to buy a more powerful engine.
Prices start at $24,400 for the 1LS trim; there are also RS ($25,400) and 1LT trims ($27,800) trims, topping out at $31,200 for the 2LT trim.
Every trim comes standard with the same 1.5-liter engine, paired up with a continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
What's New
The previously available Prestige trim has been dropped, along with the previously available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that came with it.
What's Good
Costs a few thousand less to start than the Camry and Accord.
Has several inches more backseat legroom than the Sonata.
More conservative styling than its primary rivals.
What's Not So Good
Underpowered standard — and only available — engine.
Rivals' much stronger standard engines get better gas mileage.
Eight-year-old design that's probably the last of the line.
Under The Hood
Every Malibu trim comes standard with the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Though it has the now-usual turbo to make up for its lack of size, the 1.5-liter engine only manages 160 horsepower and a paltry 184 foot-pounds of torque (at a comparatively high 2,500 RPM).
Equipped with its take-it-or-leave-it 1.5-liter engine and standard CVT, the Malibu carries an EPA rating of 29 city, 36 highway. This is great mileage, historically, for a midsize family car. But the Camry gets even better mileage at 28 city, 39 highway.
So does the Accord, which rates 30 city, 38 highway. Ditto the other major player in the segment, Hyundai's Sonata, which rates 28 city, 38 highway and also comes standard with a much larger, much stronger 2.5-liter engine that offers 191 horsepower.
On The Road
The Malibu is not especially exciting, but it is something more important in a family car. It is unfussy, comfortable and easy to live with.
Specifically, the "driver assistance technology" it doesn't come standard with, unless you want it. If you prefer a car that doesn't try to correct your driving, you will like driving this car.
It would be a better car if it still offered a V6 engine, as it once did. Or even the previously available 2.0-liter turbocharged four it offered last year. The 1.5-liter engine is adequate but on the edge of it, especially when trying to match the speed of traffic you just pulled out in front of.
At The Curb
The Malibu is a slightly larger (longer) car than its rivals at 194.2 inches bumper to bumper versus 192.1 inches for the Accord, 192.1 inches for the Camry and 192.9 inches for the Sonata.
It's also a more proportionate car than at least one of its rivals — the Sonata — in terms of its allocation of front- and rear-seat legroom. It has 41.8 inches of legroom up front and 38.1 inches in back. The Sonata touts a class-best 46.1 inches of legroom up front — comparable to the legroom you'd find in full-size luxury cars — but in back, just 34.8 inches, which is about what's available in most compact-size cars.
Only the Accord has more legroom in back (40.4 inches). It also has the largest trunk (16.7 cubic feet). But the Malibu's is almost the same size (15.7 cubic feet) and its back seats are amply roomy for a family.
The base LS trim is probably the best choice for a family car, too. Air conditioning, cruise control, a six-speaker stereo and in-car Wi-Fi hot spot are all standard for just over $24,000 on the sticker.
Of course, more in the way of amenities can be bought, including automatic climate control AC, larger (17- and 19-inch) wheels (16-inch wheels are standard) and a dual-pane sunroof. All of these are nice upgrades but not necessary ones.
The Rest
The 2LT trim that replaces the previous Premier trim includes most of the nonmechanical upgrades that came with that package last year, including standard 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a dual-pane sunroof, heated steering wheel and leather seats.
But not all of them. Notably, the rear seat heaters.
The Bottom Line
It's a shame to see it go, but there's still time to get one before they're all gone.
Small is beautiful, especially when it's also practical — and easy on gas.
Eric's latest book, "Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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