2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid to start at $28,645; 47 mpg combined
11 December 2015
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT (earlier post) will be available this spring with a starting price of $28,645. With an all-new, hybrid powertrain that uses a slightly modified drive unit and electric motors used in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, the Malibu Hybrid offers a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 47 mpg combined (4.9, 5.2 and 5.0 l/100 km, respectively)—leading figures in the mid-size car segment. Official EPA estimates are pending.
The Malibu Hybrid powertrain uses a new Ecotec 122 hp, 129 lb-ft (175 N·m) 1.8L hybrid-optimized naturally-aspirated direct-injected engine mated with a two-motor electric drive unit and a 1.5 kWh Li-ion battery. Motor B (motoring) delivers 76 kW; Motor A (generating) delivers 55 kW. System horespower is 182 hp @ 5000 rpm; system torque is 277 lb-ft (376 N·m) @ 4750 rpm.
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The Malibu leverages knowledge and technology directly from the second-generation Chevrolet Volt. By leveraging technology, we are broadening our level of expertise and lessons learned to bring consumers a world-class hybrid.
—Steve Majoros, marketing director of Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers
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| Top: Malibu Hybrid drive unit. Bottom: Malibu Hybrid battery pack. Click to enlarge. |
The Malibu Hybrid model includes standard Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch screen, available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rear vision camera. CarPlay and Android Auto are products of Apple and Google and their terms, data plan rates and privacy statements apply and require a compatible smartphone.
Other standard equipment on the Malibu Hybrid includes 10 airbags, cruise control and push-button start with passive entry.
The 2016 Malibu Hybrid offers several new-to-Malibu safety technologies including Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Front Automatic Braking. Teen Driver, available on all Malibu models, helps support safe driving habits by muting the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their seat belts. It is also the first in-vehicle system in the industry that lets parents view information on how their teenagers drove the vehicle, which can be a teaching tool to reinforce safe driving habits.
The 2016 Malibu is built at the GM Fairfax Assembly facility, in Kansas City, Kan. from globally sourced parts.
Two questions:
1. Why doesn't the Volt, a smaller car get similar fuel economy in gas mode?
2. Why doesn't GM offer the Malibu with the Volt drivetrain? The larger size of the Malibu is much more appealing for those who often need to use the rear seats.
Posted by: Dave R | 11 December 2015 at 07:06 AM
This is better than our Camry HEVs. Toyota will have to move with equivalent HEVs?
Posted by: HarveyD | 11 December 2015 at 08:04 AM
DaveR,
Malibu Hybrid and Volt are optimized differently, for different driving needs. Simple as that . Volt goes 53 miles all-electric before using any gas. 42 miles combined mpg on gas.
If you need more room, don't have a plug at home, do LOTS more highway driving get a Malibu Hybrid. Otherwise, a Volt maybe for you. YMMV.
Posted by: Chops | 11 December 2015 at 09:47 AM
Why doesn't Chevy offer a Malibu with Volt drivetrain (much bigger battery for all-electric driving)?
Good question ! I don't have a good answer. They should. They should also offer a CUV-based Volt. It's the OBVIOUS next step. It is a mystery why they haven't. It's the hot sales area and others are clearly catching up with GM's technology lead while they dither.
Posted by: Chops | 11 December 2015 at 09:59 AM
Help me out here. Isnt converting the energy to electric then using the electric a loosing proposition?
Take motor output place some into batteries use the rest to make the car go. Then at special times release the energy you burned gas and stored in the batteries.
How is this efficient?
Posted by: D | 11 December 2015 at 11:05 AM
"If you need more room, don't have a plug at home, do LOTS more highway driving get a Malibu Hybrid. Otherwise, a Volt maybe for you. YMMV."
But I need more room, have a plug at home and don't often drive more than 50 miles round trip away from home, but when I do, I often drive a LOT farther, so getting better efficiency when the engine is running is important.
Posted by: Dave R | 11 December 2015 at 11:14 AM
I am another potential buyer who would like a voltec/plugin Malibu, would *love* a voltec/plugin CUV. Has GM not done this because it doesn't pencil out? Are they losing money on the Volt (expensive power train) and just don't want to lose even more money on a potentially more popular model?
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 11 December 2015 at 12:19 PM
@Dave R: 1. Why doesn't the Volt, a smaller car get similar fuel economy in gas mode?
Interesting question. Wild guess: the Volt drive train does more frequent mechanical-electrical-mechanical conversions getting power to the wheels in comparison with the Malibu hybrid. (I'd love to know the real answer.)
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 11 December 2015 at 12:33 PM
Why the 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid Gets Better MPG Than The 2016 Chevy Volt
http://www.hybridcars.com/why-the-2016-chevy-malibu-hybrid-gets-better-mpg-than-the-2016-chevy-volt/
Posted by: SJC | 11 December 2015 at 06:03 PM
It’s interesting to see you guys all asking very basic questions about this car. I’m going to do the same thing- but I err waaaaaay towards the range extended concept- why not go halfway towards the VW X1 car? Why not a drastically smaller engine, save weight, moderately larger battery? When you go in that direction, you can get drastically increased mileage. BMW i3, for example. What amazes me is no one will select anything but a boring inline 4 for propulsion. What about a tiny wankel running natural gas? This clean fuel and its low cost can offset the weak points of the wankel, and you can’t beat its size and simplicity. It seems like every single hybrid gets the conservative marketing treatment. I think only BMW and VW are headed in the right direction here.
Posted by: The Lurking Jerk | 11 December 2015 at 09:22 PM