| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu Hybrid |
| Style | 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A) |
| Base MSRP | $25,555 |
| Options on test vehicle | California Emissions, Body-Color Body-Side Moldings, Power Tilt-Sliding Sunroof, Six-Way Power Driver Seat Adjuster |
| As-tested MSRP | $27,375 |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Inline-4 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2,384cc (145 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Double overhead camshaft |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 10.4 |
| Redline (rpm) | 6,700 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 164 @ 6,400 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 159 @ 5,000 |
| Transmission type | 4-speed automatic |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I=2.95; II=1.62; III=1.00; IV=0.68; R=2.14; Final Drive=3.05 |
| Suspension, front | MacPherson strut |
| Suspension, rear | Multilink |
| Steering type | Electric speed-proportional power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 16.4:1 |
| Tire brand | Firestone |
| Tire model | FR710 |
| Tire type | All-season |
| Tire size, front | P215/55R17 |
| Tire size, rear | P215/55R17 |
| Wheel size | 17-by-7 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Alloy |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | Disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 6.3 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 10.1 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 14.5 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 17.3 @ 82.4 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 9.8 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 33 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 134 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 61.4 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.76 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 42.9 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 74.9 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 64.0 |
| Acceleration comments | Sah-low! I was a bit surprised to experience actual gearchanges, which is different from other hybrid vehicles. A slight delay from a stop if engine is not running. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Pedal has no feedback to speak of, but system seems to be adequate for fade and power. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Zero steering info or feel. Easily approached limit with moderate understeer. With VDC on, it nearly matches VDC off with very little intervention. Slalom: More trustworthy than I ever expected, with good transitional behavior and ample grip -- feels like all the weight is carried low in the car. Will eventually oversteer with VDC off, but not with it on. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 71 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 2 mph W |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 26 city/34 highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 23 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 16 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | N/A |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 3,553 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 60/40 |
| Length (in.) | 191.8 |
| Width (in.) | 70.3 |
| Height (in.) | 57.1 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 112.3 |
| Track, front (in.) | 59.6 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 60.0 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 40.4 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.2 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 37.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 39.4 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.2 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 55.9 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 53.9 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 15.1 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 6 years/100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Tire-pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | 5 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | 5 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | 4 stars |
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