Used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu RS for sale 

The 2018 Chevy Malibu comes in 5 trims: L, LS, LT1, and Premiere that run on gas, and one hybrid. The L, LS, and LT1 rely on the smaller turbocharged 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine and the Premiere runs on a turbocharged 2 liter 4 cylinder engine. The trims differ in the technology used and the add-on packages that are available. The following table gives you an overview of all the trims and features offered with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. 

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The L trim is the most affordable, but it does not come much equipped and has limited access to add-ons. So if you can make peace with a slightly underpowered engine, the 1LT trim balances price and content well. Upgrading it with the Convenience and Technology package adds more comfort and safety techs while still providing a good mileage. Furthermore, if mileage is on top of your list and you could sacrifice a little boot space, the Hybrid trim is similarly equipped.

The L trim is the most affordable, but it does not come much equipped and has limited access to add-ons. So if you can make peace with a slightly underpowered engine, the 1LT trim balances price and content well. Upgrading it with the Convenience and Technology package adds more comfort and safety techs while still providing a good mileage. Furthermore, if mileage is on top of your list and you could sacrifice a little boot space, the Hybrid trim is similarly equipped.

The 2018 Chevy Malibu offers three engine options: two for their gas engines and one for their hybrid. The L, LS, and LT1 trims come standard with a 1.5 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Premier trim gets a 2 liter turbocharged 4 - cylinder engine which is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version of Malibu combines two electric motors and a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine that raises Malibu's city economy to 49 mpg. The base engine fitted in the 2018 model year Chevrolet Malibu makes 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.

This engine tends to make noise under acceleration and slacks while overtaking. The Malibu handles well for its class. The steering gives low, sticky feedback on the initial turn, but it has a consistent turning effort and instills confidence in even those you like to drive on the wilder side. The base six-speed automatic transmission feels lethargic at times and tends to downshift gracelessly. However, the Malibu surely feels like a fairly potent cruiser, with the engine delivering steady output on low gears at cruising speeds. All in all, the engine might not be as athletic as you'd like it to be but feels good enough for routine commutes. 

Compared to the base engines of other competitors, Malibu's base engine looks weaker than it really is. It does well for a normal drive, and only struggles when you want to make a speedy overtake or a quick merge. The Honda Accord's base I-4 engine does way better than the rest, with 192 hp of power and torque. The Malibu isn't the quickest off the bat, but it is decent enough for a normal drive.

If you plan to stay mostly on city roads and flatlands, the 1.5-liter engine will serve you well. The engine has enough power to keep you up and running with the traffic while still maintaining the economy. If you prefer a little more punch in your ride, there is always the option of going to the Premier trim with its 2-liter engine. It feels more responsive even on hilly roads.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Acceleration and Braking

The 2018 Chevrolet goes from 0 to 60 mph in a rather lethargic 8.5 seconds. Thanks to the underpowered engine and the clumsy gearbox, power delivery doesn't end up being the Malibu's forte. The Chevrolet Malibu crosses the quarter-mile mark in 16.0 seconds, clearly being disappointingly tardy at the drag strip. While going fast isn't in the Malibu's domain, slowing down safely sure is. The Malibu manages to slow down swiftly from 60 to 0 mph in an impressive 113 feet. 

Comparing the competition, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata clearly comes off as the quickest, with an impressive 0 to 60 time of 6.8 seconds. On the other end of the spectrum, the Ford Fusion stands unathletic with a launch time even slower than that of the Malibu. While the Malibu is the slowest hitting the quarter-mile, the Ford Fusion surprisingly ends up being the quickest. Additionally, the Hyundai Sonata displays excellent braking merit at par with the Malibu. The Accord and the Fusion take an extra few feet to reach a complete standstill from 60 mph. 

The 2018 Chevy Malibu has been the people's choice in car rental offices for anyone looking to go for a comfortable and economical ride for a long time. This is because the Malibu has one of the best mileage numbers in the market. The Chevrolet Malibu returns 27 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Upgrading to the 2-liter engine comprises these numbers and brings them down to 22/32 in the city/highway. This clearly shows the Malibu's merit in terms of being extremely economical and efficient from a gas mileage standpoint. 

The Malibu offers excellent fuel economy with respect to the competition,, which has been clearly communicated in the table above. The Accord's i-VTEC engine provides better numbers than Malibu, but the latter holds a strong second place among competitors. The Hyundai Sonata has the biggest fuel tank of 18.5 gallons followed by the Ford Fusion’s 16.5-gallon tank and then the Malibu’s 15.8 gallons one and at last the Accord with its fuel tank of 14.8 gallons.

The Malibu may be one of the last sedans to still use hard plastic for the top of their dashboard. But, the armrests, leg rest, and the center instrument panel are covered with high-quality padding. The 2018 Chevy Malibu is one of the few midsize sedans that can accommodate 3 adults in the back comfortably, even 6 footers face no issues. The roofline is slanting, though, which means headroom may be an issue. The front seats are firm and supportive. They are evenly cushioned to provide comfort even for longer rides. The ample adjustment options can cater to any body size. 

The overall ambiance of the cabin feels classy yet modern. The top-end trim comes with generous use of leather, which makes the interior feel very upscale. Build quality feels alright, as there are places where Chevrolet could certainly have done better. We must mention that the Malibu's cabin ergonomics feel good, with simplified buttons and switches to make daily driving easy. There's a good amount of practicality too, with plenty of storage cubbies to help you stow daily objects away conveniently. The Malibu comes with a compelling hybrid gauge cluster, which features all the essential driving data in a crisp, organized fashion.  

The Chevrolet Malibu comes with a cargo capacity of 15.8 cubic feet, while the competition offers marginally higher numbers. The Ford Fusion offers 16 cubic feet, while the Hyundai Sonata has 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space. The Honda Accord has the most cargo area of 16.7 cu-ft. But the fact that the Malibu offers the best second-row space justifies this marginal difference. The Hyundai Sonata offers the most front row headroom and legroom. The Sonata also comes with the most rear headroom, while the Honda Accord offers the greatest rear legroom. The 2018 Ford Fusion doesn't fare too well in this aspect. 

Infotainment features in the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2018 Chevy Malibu's infotainment system is one of the easiest and most connective systems in the market. Even if you don't use modern connectivity apps like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Chevy's MyLink infotainment system is sure to impress you. It combines large knobs and buttons with an easy-to-understand interface to make connectivity easy and fast. The screen size is 7 inches, which can be upgraded to 8 inches. For those who still trust wires, there can be up to four USB ports and an auxiliary jack.

The Infotainment is also offered with a SiriusXM Satellite Radio, which adds diversity to your daily music experience. Speaking of music, the 2018 model year Malibu is offered with a compelling 8-speaker Bose sound system with the Premier trim, while also supporting smartphone integration with the 8-inch screen. Bluetooth Audio Streaming is standard, and features such as 4G LTE and WiFi hotspot are available on fancier trims. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu include:

• A six-speaker audio system
• A 7- or 8-inch touchscreen
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth, a USB port
• Rearview camera
• An optional 360-degree surround-view camera
• upgraded Chevy MyLink infotainment interface

The 2018 Chevy Malibu has a larger wheelbase than its predecessors, giving it a larger and stronger profile. The Malibu’s new look lies somewhere between the larger Impala and the smaller Cruze. The front and rear doors are adorned with elegant coves which give Malibu a powerful look. The low and wide stance might give the Malibu the air of a sporty sedan, but we urge you not to be misled. 

Nearly everybody panel in the new Malibu features some sort of contour or character line to add to its masculinity. One eyesore is the boastful ‘MALIBU’ written on the front doors. With a look this distinct, did it really need that constant reminder? To give the vehicle a more aerodynamic look, the nose of the Malibu starts off low with a twin grille under narrow headlamps. There is an option of having LED running lamps at the bottom of the grille. This low-nose design looks droopy to some but impressive to others. The roofline slants back to the rear, which has a pert tail and swept back window. If you squint enough, it almost gives an Audi A7 look.

Among the competition, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu stands as the lightest vehicle. The Malibu also measures the longest, while the Hyundai Sonata boasts the greatest width. The Sonata also stands the tallest, while the Honda Accord offers more ground clearance than the Sonata. The Ford Fusion comes with the longest wheelbase. 

Among the features that decorate 2018 Chevy Malibu’s exterior, the ones that stand out include:

• Aerodynamic sculpting
• Available LED daytime running lamps
• Optional dual exhaust outlets
• Available LED taillamps
• Optional steering wheel-mounted controls

The new Chevrolet Malibu gets the best ratings possible ratings from the IIHS and a 5 out of 5 stars in almost all tests conducted by the NHTSA. The Malibu, however, doesn't score a perfect one in the rollover test, though, so if you're going to crash, try to keep its right-side-up! The 2018 Chevy Malibu has many safety features, but most require at least the 1LT trim or higher. 

The safety features include a Rearview Camera, A 360-degree Camera System, Teen Driver, Forward Collision Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, Low-speed Front Automatic Braking, Automatic High Beams, Front And Rear Parking Sensors, Blind-spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Following Distance Indicator, And Rear Cross-traffic Alert. Available safety Features in Chevy Malibu. The key safety features offered with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu can be enlisted as follows:

• Brake Assist
• Traction ControlFront Head Air Bag
• 4-Wheel ABS
• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Electronic Stability Control
• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks

Honda Accord vs Chevrolet Malibu

These two cars may lie in the same class, but in no way are they a close competition. The Honda Accord has established itself as a leader in the midsize sedan segment, all thanks to its premium look, luxurious interiors, excellent fuel economy, and plethora of driver safety features. The only thing better about the Malibu is its low cost. But with what Accord has to offer, its price still seems like a better bargain. So if you're looking for an affordable sedan that doesn't try to do much else, then you may go for Malibu. But if you are looking for a true sedan experience that is cheaper in the long run, Accord is a clear choice.

Ford Fusion vs Chevrolet Malibu

Choosing between the Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion comes down to what you look for in a car. If you want a car with a sporty performance, Ford Fusion has more to offer than Malibu. Fusion's sport trim comes with a V6 engine that brings forth 325 ponies. That is something Malibu can't compete with. On the other hand, if you consider yourself a calm driver who doesn't look for quick turns and swift acceleration, stick with Malibu as its fuel economy and comfortable ride will keep you content with your choice.

Hyundai Sonata vs Chevrolet Malibu

It’s a close call between the Malibu and the Honda Sonata. Both are similarly priced with the Sonata being slightly more expensive. But does the Sonata offer enough to justify the increased price? It doesn’t. Sonata does have a slightly better gearbox and a bit more cargo capacity than the Malibu, but the Malibu with its lower price tag still has more interior space especially in the second row. So the Malibu is the obvious choice here. 

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a great midsize sedan that is packed with every advantage it can take to compete with the leaders of its class. An impactful exterior with a masculine yet sleek character, a spacious and comfortable cabin, including the back seat, and an easy and simple infotainment system. All this while still going easy on your wallet. Chevy does have its flaws, though. The base engine feels underpowered compared to engines of other competitors, and although the base model is a bargain for this class, it lacks basic features like the MyLink infotainment system and access to optional upgrades. 

For the best experience, it is wise to upgrade to a higher trim such as LS or LT1. Malibu does well to display luxury by its sculpted body and looks but lacks an engine that can match it in terms of swiftness and power. If you prefer to have a bit more power, you cannot go wrong with the Honda Accord. For those who prefer the sportier car, the Ford Fusion tops the charts for fun sedans to drive. The Malibu is an economic everyday sedan, but before settling, it is a good idea to look around to find the sedan that best suits your requirement.