2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Road Test Ratings

The Malibu Hybrid is just as nice a car as a regular Malibu. You don't give up much here except the ability to buy LT2 and LTZ-level trim and options. You've got to keep the A/C in the "Hybrid A/C" mode to reap most of the benefits, though. If you do, the EPA rating of 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway applies -- 4 mpg each better than the LT1. That works out to a savings of less than $200 in fuel per year, but the hybrid costs almost $3,000 more.

Steering and handling are secure and confidence-inspiring. The hybrid powertrain isn't particularly exciting, and it never runs in electric-only mode in a noticeable way, but it is good for 4 mpg over a standard LT1 Malibu with a four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic. You have to make sure you keep the A/C in "Hybrid" mode so the stop-start feature and the corresponding fuel savings it generates will be active.

The Malibu Hybrid is a comfortable and pleasant car. Up front, interior room and the driving position are well-suited to adults up to 6-foot-2 inches tall. Anyone taller should try one on for size to make sure. But the same can't be said for the backseat, which lacks shoulder and headroom due to the sleek rear styling of the body.

The overall layout of the Malibu's interior is commendable, though the styling also has a slightly negative impact on outward visibility. The controls inside are quite logical and well executed, though some details could be improved, such as the size of the gauges and certain audio controls. The hybrid battery pack resides in the trunk here, and it does cut down on available space somewhat. But the deficit isn't that severe and the pass-through feature is still present.

The Malibu Hybrid is every bit as attractive as the regular Malibu, inside and out. In order to keep the hybrid's price attainable, high level trim and options are not available. This makes the Malibu Hybrid essentially similar to the LT1 Malibu, which also has cloth seats, a four-speed transmission and other equipment similarities. The biggest difference is that the hybrid comes with standard automatic climate control.