Chevrolet refreshed the Malibu in 2019 with a new exterior. The midsize car scores well in reliability, but lacks some safety and technology features. The hybrid powertrain is a great choice for excellent fuel economy.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu: Quick Overview
- The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is average for reliability, and you’ll pay between $17,172 to $27,069 on the used market, depending on the trim. The Hybrid trim will give you the best fuel economy.
- Three different engine options are available, the 1.5L being used on most models and the 2.0L is the most powerful. There are issues with the fuel sensor.
- The hybrid version of the 2019 Malibu gets great fuel economy and is near the top of its class, but the engine is underpowered. The larger 2.0L engine provides good power, but still not as fast as some of the competition.
- 13 exterior colors are available on the 2019 Malibu. NHTSA gave it a four-star safety rating.
- The Chevrolet Malibu is a budget-friendly midsize sedan. It doesn’t all the latest technology found in the competition, but is much easier on the wallet.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu a Good Used Car?
Owners report that the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a good midsize sedan. The hybrid model excels in fuel economy. The 2019 has updated exterior styling with a larger front grille and new headlights. On the inside, you will find new technology with a larger touchscreen and added luxury on the higher trim options. The Malibu is worth looking at if you want a highly rated midsize American sedan.
How Much is a Used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
When the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu was first released, it had a starting price around $22,000. That price increased to just over $31,000 when fully loaded. In 2021, a used 2019 Malibu ranges from $17,172 to $27,069, depending on mileage, condition, options, and trim.
What Problems Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Have?
The most commonly reported problem with the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is an issue with the fuel gauge. Owners report that the fuel gauge may not read properly, and it can cause the check engine light to turn on. A loose fuel vapor line is usually the cause. When the line comes loose, it will interfere with the fuel level sensor. If the vapor line is fine, then the sensor likely has a fault and will need to be replaced.
Some owners have report they have had parasitic electrical draw. A bad electrical component usually causes this, leaving the battery dead. If you notice that your battery is dying fast, you should have your car inspected and make sure there are no major electrical issues.
What are the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Models?
There were six different trim options available for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The L, LS, RS, and LT all come with the 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine and a CVT. When you step up from the L to the LS trim, you will get 16-inch wheels, Bluetooth audio, and an upgraded rearview mirror. The RS trim features black badging, a blacked-out front grille, 18-inch aluminum wheels, an integrated spoiler, and dual exhausts. Moving up from the RS trim is the LT, which comes with 17-inch wheels, a remote starter system, eight-way adjustable seats, and dual-zone climate control.
The Premier trim includes a 2.0L turbocharged engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It has 18-inch wheels as well, and an upgraded infotainment system. You will also find heated and cooled seats in this trim to give you extra luxury.
The final trim choice is the Hybrid. It comes standard with a 1.8L hybrid electric engine, a new instrument cluster, and an upgraded eight-inch driver information center. It is also the most fuel-efficient option for the 2019 Malibu.
How Long Will the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Last?
A 2019 Chevrolet Malibu should last 150,000 to 200,000 miles with routine maintenance. When you average 15,000 miles per year, this comes out to 10 to 13 years. The hybrid version of the Malibu may have a shorter lifespan since it has a more complex drivetrain with more to go wrong.
What Technology Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Have?
In 2019, Chevrolet refreshed the Malibu with all the latest technology. It comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen with the latest MyLink infotainment system, keyless start, and a standard six-speaker stereo system. Alos included is a 360-degree camera, Bluetooth, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, USB port, and even an LTE hotspot. You can also upgrade to the eight-inch touchscreen, which has a more modern and luxurious look and comes standard in the Premier and Hybrid models.
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Have Good Gas Mileage?
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu does well in fuel economy, especially the hybrid model. The base model with the 1.5L four-cylinder engine gets 29 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 36 on the highway, and has a combined rating of 32. The upgraded 2.0L found in the Premier trim gets 22 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway, and has a combined rating of 26. The final 1.8L hybrid engine gets an impressive 49 mpg in the city, 43 on the highway, and that gives it a combined rating of 46.
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Have Good Performance?
Overall, the base 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is not a sporty car. It has problems getting up to speed on the highway, but it will not be a fun vehicle to take to the track. The base 1.5L engine will get you from 0 to 60 miles in 8.3 seconds. If you want a more sporty Malibu, step up to the Premier. It has the 2.0L engine and will take you from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. Still not incredibly fast, but it is better than some of the competition. In the end, the Malibu is a daily driver and not a sports car.
What Engine Options Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Have?
The Malibu came with three different engine options in 2019. The base engine is the turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder, producing 160 horsepower. The upgraded turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder comes in the Premier. It produces 250 horsepower, making it the most powerful Malibu. The final engine option is the 1.8L hybrid four-cylinder, which offers 122 horsepower, making it the least powerful but most efficient choice.
What Colors Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Come in?
How Safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
The NHTSA gives the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu an overall four-star crash test rating. It achieved a perfect five-star rating for the overall front crash test. This number dropped to a four-star rating for side-impact and rollover. The rear seat side-impact ratings were the lowest, getting only three stars. The 2019 Malibu also has optional forward collision warning and lane departure warning but is missing some of the other latest safety technology. This results in the vehicle getting a lower than average overall safety rating.
How Big is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan and is comparable in size to most of the other vehicles in its class, at 194 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 57 inches tall. It has 15.8 cubic feet of trunk room, which is average in its class. This is enough room to fit groceries, luggage, or golf clubs with ease.
How Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu Compare to Other Vehicles?
Although the Chevy Malibu was refreshed for the 2019 model year, it still lacks in some areas. The Malibu is in the very competitive midsize sedan market, and it just is not as good as some of the competition. Vehicles like the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy offer much better safety ratings and technology. Cars like the Honda Accord and Mazda6 are more fun and engaging to drive than the Malibu.
Where the 2019 Malibu does well is the hybrid model, getting better fuel economy than most of the competition, losing out only to the Camry Hybrid. The Malibu also wins in terms of value. It is more affordable than the competition.
Final Verdict on the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a good choice equipped with the hybrid powertrain if you want good fuel economy on a budget. The Malibu is just not as well equipped as its competition. It’s a good vehicle, but Chevrolet is more focused on SUVs and trucks. The Malibu isn’t as competitive as it needs to be to excel in its class.
Photos: Chevrolet