As we approach the new model year, it's likely that the automotive industry will focus on subcompact and crossover SUVs. These classes are known for being ideal for both average and family-oriented consumers. However, we shouldn't overlook the quality and capability of four-door sedans, many of whose makes and models offer the same advantages as their SUV counterparts, and some even offer better fuel economy, lower insurance premiums, and more affordable upfront costs.
The 2024 Chevy Malibu is the grizzled veteran that's seen and done it all, and it remains determined to be the best. The Malibu made a name for itself during the golden age of muscle cars as the Chevelle SS, and it made a notable return a few years ago, demonstrating Chevy's willingness to adapt to the ever-changing world of consumer needs.
With the Impala no longer in production, the Malibu has the task of being the sole four-door sedan from the highly respected bowtie brand. Thus, the 2024 Chevy Malibu has some stiff competition across the industry, and to show how serious it is in its willingness to be the best, Chevy has underbid its biggest competitors and made it more affordable than ever. With a low starting MSRP of just over $26k, the Malibu costs considerably less than the Honda Accord, Kia K5, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.
With its sleek aerodynamic design and an attractive price tag, the 2024 Chevy Malibu is primed to have one of its best years yet. Come by McCluskey Chevrolet to get behind the wheel and under the hood of this versatile vehicle whose legendary lineage is still being written.
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What sort of powertrain has Chevy equipped the newest incarnation of the Malibu with? Well, if you're expecting the 454 big-block V8 that was associated with the glory days of the Chevelle SS, then your best bet is to head to the nearest car show or auto museum; don't let the rose-colored golden age distract you from the modern-day greatness that the 2024 Chevy Malibu has under its hood.
While it may not have the same performance capabilities as the contemporary Camaro or Corvette, the 2024 Malibu is designed for the average consumer who values cost-effectiveness and fuel economy. Chevy has equipped this model with a single powertrain, which actually makes it a more practical choice as spare parts are more easily available and production is streamlined. So, don't be distracted by the absence of the big-block engine and consider the advantages of the Malibu's powertrain for the 2024 model year.
The sole powertrain for the Malibu takes the form of a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that propels it forward at 160 hp and with 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT to help you handle the stop-and-go traffic patterns of city living, and your only powertrain configuration will be in front-wheel drive. This combination is geared towards the driver who has a keen eye for practicality and savings.
The Malibu is an excellent car known for its fuel economy, achieving what's estimated to be an impressive 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, with a combined average of 32 MPG. According to the EPA, one full tank can take you up to 474 miles, saving drivers $750 in fuel over five years.
While the Malibu might not fare well on the race track or break the sound barrier, it offers something that's far more useful for the average driver: sustainability. It has a track record for going much further for less and for being reliable so long as routine maintenance is performed at the recommended intervals. Drivers can rest easy knowing that yearly repairs will stay below $1,000 for the first nine years of ownership, and the chances of a major repair are less than 15% in that same period. These numbers make the Malibu a smart investment for any driver.
At first glance, it's easy to admire the sleek and stylish exterior design of the Chevy Malibu. This makes a lasting impression and appeals to our love of aesthetics and natural form, as Plato once suggested. The 2024 Malibu has bold linework and curves, and its finish has a magnetic finish that plays with light. Its wheels range from 16 to 19 inches, and all-season tires are included as standard. Chevy's attention to detail on the exterior continues inside the vehicle—which is a relief because that's where you'll spend most of your time.
The Malibu's interior is designed symmetrically and with visual appeal. Similar to many modern vehicles, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is set in the center of your dashboard and between two modular HVAC vents; this placement adds to the Malibu's symmetry. The overall perspective of the interior yields a comparison as much to a living room as a cockpit—spacious with ample room and generous creature comforts. Despite the generosity of space, everything remains within reach, making it user-friendly, which is a top priority for Chevy's fleet.
Aside from looking stylish, this infotainment interface is packed with tools that enhance the driving experience, such as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible smartphones; these allow you to take your favorite apps on the road. Upper trims have the added advantage of built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. With such a bounty of comfort, convenience, and add-ons, it's no wonder why the Malibu has remained one of the best sedans on the market.
One particularly cool new feature is Chevy's Teen Driver mode, which comes standard. This tool allows the vehicle owner to customize its drive settings to respond to an associated key fob, limiting some of the Malibu's features (like stereo volume and top speed) while automatically enabling others; this will encourage—if not ensure—better driving behaviors from those still learning. Your Malibu can then produce an after-drive report card so you and your child can together study their suggested areas of improvement.
Chances are, if you're looking at the 2024 Chevy Malibu as a viable next purchase, you're likely concerned with your and your family's safety. After all, this is the most critical aspect of a vehicle—not just looking out for ourselves but for the other drivers and pedestrians with whom we share the road. Chevy has an excellent track record of manufacturing vehicles that are safe and allow for peace of mind while traveling.
All trims of the Chevy Malibu come standard with an expansive suite of safety and driving assistance features known as Chevy Safety Assist. This includes Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam High Beam Assist, and an HD Rear Vision Camera.
One of the most crucial skills for a driver is their ability to react quickly to sudden changes in road conditions or the appearance of obstacles. Front Pedestrian Braking and Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking are great tools in this respect, perpetually scanning ahead for impediments and prompting your braking (or braking on your behalf) if it is deemed unavoidable. While these features do not replace responsible driving habits, they add an extra layer of protection to enhance reaction time.
The Following Distance Indicator keeps you aware of your proximity to the vehicle ahead of you, while Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning does the same for those vehicles at your sides; if you begin to stray out of your lane without triggering your directional, your Malibu will inform you and gently nudge you back to center. IntelliBeam High Beam Assist is particularly nifty in that it will automatically engage your high beams in the dark and then disengage them when oncoming traffic is detected.
For those who are looking to have additional safety features, Chevy offers what it calls the Driver Confidence & Cruise Package, which includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Parking Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control, which happens to be one of the most sought-after driver assistance features on the market. By adjusting your vehicle's speed in accordance with traffic patterns, your reaction time is enhanced and your vehicle will self-regulate its acceleration and braking, so you can go easy on the footwork.