New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS Specs, Images, Review

New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS Specs, Images, Review   –  For those seeking a new Chevy sedan, the New 2026 Malibu RS is the best option because, well, it’s the only option. In a segment full of more impressive alternatives—namely the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata—the Malibu RS is our least favorite. It’s not that we don’t appreciate its comfy interior or pleasant driving character; it’s more that the ‘Bu isn’t as well-equipped as rivals and its cabin is undermined by lackluster materials.

Still, we think that, like us, most shoppers will find its exterior styling attractive, and the sedan’s standard turbo four-cylinder engine is potent enough to get from A to B without drawing attention to itself. What the New 2026 Chevy Malibu RS lacks in standard driver assists it makes up for with its roster of desirable infotainment features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, folks who want tech such as blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control can add them—they just cost extra.

New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS RS Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The inside of the Malibu RS is ergonomically pleasing and comfy despite not being the quietest or most opulent. Although the interior offers competitive passenger room and amenities, most other options offer superior outward sight. The wide cockpit of the Malibu RS is created by the symmetrical dashboard and the huge aperture beneath the center stack. Some passengers find the front seats’ back cushions to be overly tiny, despite the seats’ broad base and comforting side bolsters. Even though the rear seat is smaller than that of the Accord, it was still large enough for our larger frames. Despite not being the largest car in the class, the Malibu RS offers a large trunk with plenty of room for carry-on luggage. It also has lots of internal storage.

New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS RS Specs

Every Malibu RS from Chevy comes equipped with a touchscreen entertainment system that offers a plethora of useful features, such as mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Although the touchscreen interface is simple to use, the system is falling behind the competition and does not include a handy rotary control knob for secondary interface interaction.

Engine and Performance

In contrast to numerous other family sedans, the New 2026 Malibu RS is limited to a single engine option. Moreover, neither hybrid nor all-wheel drive are available. The Chevy’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 163 horsepower, which is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The variant we tested had a zero to sixty mph time of 7.8 seconds on average. In our acceleration testing, this combination is slower than comparable competitors, but it produced a smooth, level pull. With 290 horsepower and the ability to reach 60 mph in approximately 5 seconds, the Hyundai Sonata N Line and the Kia K5 GT are great options for families looking for a speed demon.  New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS Specs

New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS RS Fuel Economy

The Malibu RS’s single engine performs poorer than the comparable base powertrains in the Accord and the Toyota Camry in terms of EPA fuel-mileage estimates. 30 mpg is the combined fuel efficiency for the Chevy, which is 2 mpg less than the previous year. Despite this, the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine managed a decent 34 mpg at 75 mph on our highway fuel-economy test.  New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS Specs

New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS RS Safety Features

Although the Chevy sedan can be had with all the high-tech assists that help protect modern families, none of them are standard. For more information about the Malibu RS’s crash-test result. Key safety features include:

• Available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control.  New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS Specs

New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS RS Price and Release Date

Depending on the trim and options, the New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS can cost anywhere from $26,095 to $32,595 in pricing. Compared to the humble LS, the LT trim has more standard equipment, therefore we advise purchasing it. 17-inch wheel and remote engine start. Automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance are standard on all LT models; however, the $545 Driver Confidence option adds a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. We can suggest the Sport Edition or Midnight Edition, which come with black body trim and 19-inch wheels for a sportier appearance.  New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu RS Specs