2021 Chevrolet Malibu Review: Performance, Features & Pricing

Finding the perfect sedan for your lifestyle can be tricky, especially considering the endless options from car manufacturers. Chevrolet has been a staple for the American market through various vehicle classes. The 2021 Chevy Malibu, in particular, offers a gentle, smooth ride with notable gas mileage and an incredible starting price point. If you’re unsure about this car, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about this mid-size sedan.

What’s New in the Chevrolet Malibu 2021?

Every year, car manufacturers release new versions of classic cars, and it’s no different with this year’s Malibu. Adding onto the range and wireless connectivity options via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Chevrolet has added the buckle-to-drive safety feature that demands you connect your seat belt before shifting into gear and driving off.

Engine & Transmission

Chevrolet decided to offer the 2021 Malibu in two engine options. Every trim except one features the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering a nifty 160 horsepower. With the Premier edition, you can enjoy the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a massive 250 horsepower. This engine naturally provides more muscle which makes acceleration relatively easy, especially on the freeway. Both engines sit alongside a nine-speed automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT), which guarantees smooth gear shifts.

Performance & Fuel Economy

Hopping into the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu ensures that you enjoy a cushioned ride with incredibly responsive handling. The steering is light and offers a degree of composed cornering. All trim levels come in front-wheel-drive, and the brakes also offer efficient stopping power.

Fuel economy is at the back of every car owner’s mind. We’re pleased to inform you that according to the EPA, the Chevy Malibu returns 29 mpg** in the city and 36 mpg** on the highway with the base engine. Taking it up a level will knock back the gas mileage but not considerably since you can expect 22 mpg** during city driving and 33 mpg** cruising the highway.

Spec & Features

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is 16.2 feet long, which is standard for vehicles in this class. It has a weight range between 3,126 to 3,223 pounds. There are plenty of bold embellishments on the exterior of this sedan that gives it an eye-catching appearance. Chrome door handles and a body-colored insert add a slight degree of sportiness. An interesting feature that should be useful to you is the memory system for the external rearview mirrors, which returns them to the position you initially set.

Chevrolet also added some head-turning colors this year: Cherry Red Tintcoat, Black Cherry Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic and Summit White.

Pricing

As always, Chevrolet cars are generally affordable. Considering the number of features the manufacturer crams into the vehicle, owners always receive excellent value for money. The entry-level trim is the lowest priced vehicle for this class which beats every competitor.

2021 Chevy Malibu Price Chart

Safety

In terms of safety rating, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the Malibu four out of five for its overall safety and a full house for its frontal crash test. Across all the trims, you can expect a rearview camera as standard, which is handy for backing out into traffic or out of a parking spot. Additional safety features include parallel and perpendicular park assist, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane change alert, pedestrian detector, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane-keep assist. Chevrolet has included the Teen Driver feature for parents sharing the vehicle with their children, allowing you to adjust specific settings when teens are behind the wheel.

Technology & Entertainment

With the development of automotive technology, more manufacturers are embracing them and including several in new vehicles. The company installed the Chevrolet 3 infotainment system, which lacks physical knobs but is relatively simple to use. The eight-inch touch screen is standard and arranges the menus neatly while responding quickly to input. Across the range, you can expect Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port for your music, a six-speaker stereo and smartphone integration. As you go up in the trims, you’ll discover wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, two additional USB ports, an eight-inch driver display and a whopping nine-speaker Bose stereo that is more than suitable for the car. Proximity keyless entry and push-button start are also standard, while you can add dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start and a dual-pane sunroof.

Interior Comfort & Cargo

On the inside, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu features plastic materials with some chunky pieces that suit the car’s appearance. The vehicle comfortably fits five people with ample head and leg-room in both rows of seats. Cloth upholstery is standard, while leather is available. You’ll be pleased to know that heated and ventilated front seats are available alongside a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats and power-adjustable front seats. At least you know it’s ready for the harshest winter. Cargo space is always a point to consider in a sedan, and the Malibu doesn’t disappoint with a 15.7-cubic-foot trunk. You can pack in a few suitcases and some groceries for a road trip, and if there are just two travelers, the rear seats can fold down to create more space.

Visit Classic Chevrolet of Texoma to Test Drive the Chevy Malibu

As much as we can tell you how great this car is, the best way to know this for sure is by hopping into one. Experience comfort and power in one sitting with the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, found at Classic Chevrolet of Texoma. Our team is ever-willing to assist you when you come through for a test drive.

Other Reviews

2021 Chevy Camaro | Pricing, Trims, & Specs

2021 Suburban Review: The Best Open Road Chevy SUV

Pricing Disclaimer:

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $955 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include a $395 charge for select premium colors. $395 charge only applies to 2021 models.

**EPA estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.