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Used 2019 Chevy Malibu Sedan Trims Comparison

Trim level differences

For 2019, the Malibu has five trim levels. The base L trim is sparsely equipped, so unless you're looking for the least expensive sedan possible, it's better to step up to the LS or the LT. Both add a considerable amount of content. Although, like the L, they rely on a smaller, slightly underpowered engine. The RS trim slots between the LS and the LT and adds unique appearance accents for a sportier look. The Premier trim comes almost fully loaded and adds a more powerful motor. The Malibu is also available in Hybrid trim with similar features to the LT.

The L, LS, RS, and LT are all powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (160 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque) mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The base L trim comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (160 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque), a CVT automatic, 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, a backup camera, air conditioning, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Infotainment has been upgraded for 2019 to include an 8-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get OnStar and a six-speaker audio system.

The minor price jump to the LS trim adds some extra equipment and more available optional features. The LS includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Chevy's Teen Driver system, a compass and exterior temperature display, and sun visors with vanity mirrors. You also get a 4G LTE connection with Wi-Fi and laminated side windows to reduce noise.

The sport-look RS trim offers dual exhaust tips, black 18-inch alloy wheels, a spoiler, blacked-out exterior trim pieces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar.

For both the LS and RS trim levels, several options can be added. These include a remote starter and a seat-belt assurance system that only allows the vehicle to shift out of Park when the driver's seat belt is buckled. The eight-way power-adjustable seat is available as an option on the LS as well.

Upgrading to the LT trim gets you all of the LS features, as well as 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights and taillamps, remote start, heated mirrors, seatback map pockets, illuminated vanity mirrors, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, rear-seat air vents, rear-seat reading lamps, and satellite radio.

The Malibu Hybrid uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 182 hp and a noteworthy 277 lb-ft of torque. It's similar to the Hybrid LT, but with a few changes: It uses an electronic parking brake and has heated seats, plus LED taillamps are optional rather than standard. Also, the infotainment system has unique information displays, the trip computer is replaced with an 8-inch color display, and the spare tire is replaced with a tire repair and inflation kit.

The Hybrid's Convenience and Technology package adds back the remote starter, heated front seats and LED taillamps.

Several packages are available for both the LT and Hybrid: A Leather package is available, which includes leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Driver Confidence package adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. The Driver Confidence II package includes automatic high beams, lane keeping assist and forward collision alert.

Finally, the Premier trim offers all of the LT's features, as well as everything that's available in the Convenience and Technology package and the Leather package. The engine is upgraded to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque) and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Also included are 18-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, driver-seat memory settings, navigation, a nine-speaker Bose stereo system, interior ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad, a 120-volt power outlet for the rear seat, heated outboard rear seats, and unique exterior styling cues.

The Premier can be upgraded with the Driver Confidence package, Driver Confidence package II and the Confidence III package, which includes an electronic parking brake, adaptive cruise control, active parking assist, and an automatic forward collision avoidance system. The Premier Sun and Wheel package adds a dual-pane power sunroof, 19-inch wheels and upgraded floor mats. The sunroof is also available as a stand-alone option for the LT, Hybrid and Premier.

Which Malibu trim does Edmunds recommend?

We think the LT with the Driver Confidence package covers the bases for a modern midsize sedan. And it gets you some valuable basic active safety features, although you'll have to add the Driver Confidence II package to get forward collision mitigation features. However, we don't love the driving experience of the 1.5-liter engine and actually prefer the Hybrid. The Hybrid is basically equipped the same as the LT. And for a small premium, you get a vehicle that's more fuel-efficient and a little nicer to drive.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Hampton, VA
Vehicle
Malibu L
Malibu LS
Malibu LS Fleet
Malibu RS
Malibu LT
Malibu Hybrid
Malibu Premier
Vehicle
L
1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT
See all Malibu L for sale
LS
1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT
See all Malibu LS for sale
LS Fleet
1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT
See all Malibu LS Fleet for sale
1 for sale near you
RS
1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT
See all Malibu RS for sale
Hybrid
1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid DD
See all Malibu Hybrid for sale
Premier
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A
See all Malibu Premier for sale
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Bluetooth
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Navigation
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Satellite radio
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
optional
Parking assistance
Not Available
Not Available
optional
Not Available
optional
optional
optional
Upholstery
premium cloth
premium cloth
premium cloth
premium cloth
premium cloth
premium cloth
leather
Heated seats
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
standard
optional
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
standard
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
optional
optional
optional
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Country of final assembly
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
Drivetrain
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
Engine power
160 hp @ 5,700 rpm
160 hp @ 5,700 rpm
160 hp @ 5,700 rpm
160 hp @ 5,700 rpm
160 hp @ 5,700 rpm
182 hp
250 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Engine torque
184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
375 lb-ft
260 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Engine displacement
1.5 l
1.5 l
1.5 l
1.5 l
1.5 l
1.8 l
2.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
Transmission
continuously variable-speed automatic
continuously variable-speed automatic
continuously variable-speed automatic
continuously variable-speed automatic
continuously variable-speed automatic
1-speed direct drive
9-speed shiftable automatic
Tire size
205/65R16
205/65R16
205/65R16
245/45R18
225/55R17
225/55R17
245/45R18
Wheel size
16 X 7.5-in
16 X 7.5-in
16 X 7.5-in
18 X 8.0-in
17 X 8.0-in
17 X 8.0-in
18 X 8.0-in
Wheel type
steel wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
chrome alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
29 / 36 / 32 MPG
29 / 36 / 32 MPG
29 / 36 / 32 MPG
29 / 36 / 32 MPG
29 / 36 / 32 MPG
49 / 43 / 46 MPG
22 / 32 / 26 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
15.8 gal.
15.8 gal.
15.8 gal.
15.8 gal.
15.8 gal.
13.0 gal.
15.8 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
458 / 569 miles
458 / 569 miles
458 / 569 miles
458 / 569 miles
458 / 569 miles
637 / 559 miles
348 / 506 miles
Fuel Type
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
premium unleaded (recommended)
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
37.0 ft.
37.0 ft.
37.0 ft.
37.0 ft.
37.0 ft.
37.0 ft.
37.0 ft.
Curb weight
3,126 lb.
3,135 lb.
3,135 lb.
3,135 lb.
3,159 lb.
3,366 lb.
3,223 lb.
Ground Clearance
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
73.0 in.
73.0 in.
73.0 in.
73.0 in.
73.0 in.
73.0 in.
73.0 in.
Height
57.9 in.
57.9 in.
57.9 in.
57.9 in.
57.9 in.
57.9 in.
57.9 in.
Length
194.2 in.
194.2 in.
194.2 in.
194.2 in.
194.2 in.
194.2 in.
194.2 in.
Wheelbase
111.4 in.
111.4 in.
111.4 in.
111.4 in.
111.4 in.
111.4 in.
111.4 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
15.8 cu. ft.
15.8 cu. ft.
15.8 cu. ft.
15.8 cu. ft.
15.8 cu. ft.
13.0 cu. ft.
15.8 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
Front Head Room
39.1 in.
39.1 in.
39.1 in.
39.1 in.
39.1 in.
39.1 in.
39.1 in.
Front Leg Room
41.5 in.
41.5 in.
41.5 in.
41.5 in.
41.5 in.
41.5 in.
41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room
58.5 in.
58.5 in.
58.5 in.
58.5 in.
58.5 in.
58.5 in.
58.5 in.
Rear Head Room
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
57.1 in.
57.1 in.
57.1 in.
57.1 in.
57.1 in.
57.1 in.
57.1 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Average Cost Per Mile
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Depreciation
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Financing
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Taxes & Fees
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Insurance
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Maintenance
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Repairs
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
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Not Available
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Section Title

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Interior
Jet Black, premium cloth
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray, premium cloth
Jet Black, premium cloth
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray, premium cloth
Jet Black, premium cloth
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray, premium cloth
Jet Black, premium cloth
Jet Black, premium cloth
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray, premium cloth
Jet Black, leather
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray, leather
Dark Atmosphere/Light Wheat, leather
Jet Black, premium cloth
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray, premium cloth
Jet Black, leather
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray, leather
Dark Atmosphere/Light Wheat, leather
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray, leather
Jet Black, leather
Dark Atmosphere/Light Wheat, leather
Exterior
Summit White
Silver Ice Metallic
Summit White
Silver Ice Metallic
Mosaic Black Metallic
Shadow Gray Metallic
Pacific Blue Metallic
Summit White
Silver Ice Metallic
Mosaic Black Metallic
Shadow Gray Metallic
Pacific Blue Metallic
Summit White
Silver Ice Metallic
Mosaic Black Metallic
Cajun Red Tintcoat
Shadow Gray Metallic
Pacific Blue Metallic
Sandy Ridge Metallic
Summit White
Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
Silver Ice Metallic
Mosaic Black Metallic
Cajun Red Tintcoat
Shadow Gray Metallic
Northsky Blue Metallic
Pacific Blue Metallic
Sandy Ridge Metallic
Summit White
Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
Silver Ice Metallic
Mosaic Black Metallic
Cajun Red Tintcoat
Shadow Gray Metallic
Northsky Blue Metallic
Pacific Blue Metallic
Sandy Ridge Metallic
Summit White
Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
Silver Ice Metallic
Mosaic Black Metallic
Cajun Red Tintcoat
Shadow Gray Metallic
Northsky Blue Metallic
Pacific Blue Metallic