New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Images, Specs, Interior
New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Images, Specs, Interior – As the Chevrolet Malibu takes its final bow, we look back at the mid-size family sedan’s 60-year history with fondness. The Malibu—named for the seaside town that pairs well with a Beach Boys album—had a good run. In its final year, the New 2026 Malibu retains its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission as the sole powertrain offering. It’s not quick by any measure, but the sedan offers steady and even acceleration once up to speed.
Next to competitors like the Toyota Camry, which comes standard with a zippy hybrid powertrain and is available with front- or all-wheel drive, the Malibu lags. The Malibu’s rivals like the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Sonata put a little more salt in the wound by way of vastly superior standard features, leaving the Chevy to feel a little under-geared. All in all, the Malibu may not leapfrog to the top of the segment list, but this four-door isn’t a total dog, either. Comfortable seats and considerate ergonomics are its key attributes, complementing a handsome exterior. Throw in an aggressive price, and for some, that may be enough. New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Images
Table of Contents
New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
The interior of the Malibu is ergonomically pleasing and pleasant 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 spacious cockpit of the Malibu is created by the symmetrical dashboard and the big 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. Though it doesn’t lead the class, the Malibu offers a large trunk with lots of carry-on luggage and plenty of inside storage.
New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Specs
A touchscreen entertainment system with numerous helpful features including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is standard on every Chevy Malibu. The touchscreen interface is easy to use, however the system lacks extra physical controllers and is lagging behind its competition.
Engine and Performance
Unlike many other family sedans, the Malibu is only available with a single powertrain: a dutiful 160-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a CVT. The Malibu won’t be confused for a luxury car, but its ride comfort and quality are above average for this segment. We were impressed by the responsive chassis of all the Malibu models we drove: balanced damping was neither soft nor stiff, and the Malibu could even pass as sporty.
New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
The Malibu’s single engine underperforms the Accord and Toyota Camry’s comparable base powertrains in terms of EPA fuel-mileage estimates. A combined estimated 30 mpg is achieved by the Chevy. Despite this, the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produced a decent 34 mpg on our highway fuel-economy test at 75 mph. New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Images
New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Features
Although the Chevy sedan is available with all the high-tech assists that help protect modern families, many are optional. 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 Images
New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Price and Release Date
Depending on the trim and extras, the New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu might cost anywhere from $26,995 to $32,695. Since the LT trim comes with more standard features than the LS, we advise purchasing it. 17-inch wheels and remote engine start. Lane-keeping assistance and automated emergency braking are standard on every LT. Although they are noticeably absent, a blind-spot monitor and a rear cross-traffic alert system are available for an additional $250. New 2026 Chevrolet Malibu Images