New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Review, MPG, Pictures

New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Review, MPG, Pictures   – In terms of style, the Malibu stays away from being too bold. The twin-grille front looks better in reality than in pictures, and the sleek rear end has Y-shaped taillights. My tester had the option of a $995 “Midnight Edition” package with blacked-out wheels, grille, and emblems, but I would forego it since I think a little chrome improves the car’s appearance.

Not surprisingly, given that this version has been in use since 2016, with just a slight update last year, the cabin design likewise plays it safe, with a sleek and uncomplicated layout that does the task at hand but appears outdated.  New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Review

New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The Malibu is simplicity on a stick – always a bonus in my books. All models come with an eight-inch touchscreen that has a hard-touch Home button to get to the main menu, and large, simple icons to tap for what you want.

I would have preferred a dial for the fan speed rather than two toggles, but the climate control system is equally easy to use, and is dual-zone and automatic on the LT and Premier. Three-stage heated seats are also included, and they’re activated by a hard button. The control buttons on the steering wheel are behind a rubber overlay, and while you have to press a bit harder – and they add to the dated appearance – they’re easier to keep clean than conventional buttons.

New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Specs

Despite being a fleet warrior, the base LS of the Malibu is reasonably equipped with features like air conditioning, tire pressure monitoring, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, after the trial period ends, you will need to pay a subscription to continue using it. At my LT level, additional standard features included LED running lights and taillights, heated mirrors, a power driver’s seat, remote start, heated seats, and satellite radio.

Move up to the Premier and it tops out with all the safety assist items that were optional on my car, plus LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming mirrors, a 120-volt outlet, heated steering wheel, sunroof, premium stereo, navigation, and leather-clad heated and ventilated seats.

Engine and Performance

All but the Premier use a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine, making 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, that’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Put your foot into it, and the smaller engine is peppy enough off the line, and it settles into a fairly smooth cruising mode. It doesn’t sound powerful, however, because the CVT has an annoying drone that sounds like everything’s working too hard to make something happen.  New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Review

New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Fuel Economy

I got 8.0 L/100 km over my week with it, which I thought was more than reasonable for a car of its size. Mind you, automakers have been doing very well with vehicles in this segment overall, and while the Malibu is among the fuel-sippiest of its competitors for that 7.5 L/100 km combined, most are close to or below 8.0 L/100 km as well.  New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Review

New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Safety Features

The Malibu receives an overall crashworthiness rating of four stars out of five.But if you want higher-tech safety assist features, they’re only available as options on the LT, or included with the Premier trim level. My tester was equipped with lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, emergency front braking with pedestrian detection, rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert.

But it was part of a $4,500 LT Plus Package that also included leather seats, auto-dimming mirrors, and a power sunroof; but not adaptive cruise control, which is unique to the Premier trim.  New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Review

New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Price and Release Date

8.2 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 L/100 km on the highway, and 7.5 L/100 km while driving in combination are the official figures for the 1.5L Malibu. During my week with it, I got 8.0 L/100 km, which I felt was more than acceptable for a car of its size.

The Malibu is among the fuel-sippiest of its rivals with a combined fuel economy of 7.5 L/100 km, but the most are either around or below 8.0 L/100 km. Keep in mind that manufacturers have been doing quite well with vehicles in this market overall.  New 2026 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Review