The new Chevrolet Malibu is one of the most talked-about sedans when it comes to affordability. Over the years, the brand has rolled out some of the best cars in every segment, giving it an edge over its competitors. While it can be difficult to strike a perfect balance between comfort and performance, this mid-size sedan might have all the features to do so. So, here is everything you need to know about the car:

What’s under the hood?
Like most mid-size sedans, the new Chevrolet Malibu comes with several trims—Malibu LS, Malibu RS, Malibu LT, and Malibu Premier. All the cars pack a 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine—except the 2.0L option, limited to the Premier trim, which has a galloping 250 horsepower displacing 260 lb-ft of torque.

All the configurations offer front-wheel drive through CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) and do not offer a manual transmission. The automatic transmission makes it easy to drive through busy streets. The sedan clocks smoothly from 0 to 60mph in a little over 7.5 seconds, which is standard when compared with its competitors. Malibu trims with a 1.5L engine have an average performance of 29MPG (miles per gallon) in the city and 36MPG on the highway. However, when it comes to real-world MPG and fuel economy in terms of EPA, Chevrolet Malibu offers an underwhelming fuel economy of 22MPG in cities and 33MPG on highways.

It is important to note here that these fuel economies are tested under controlled conditions by seasoned drivers. One might get different readings based on their driving habits.

Safety features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the new Chevrolet Malibu a good safety rating as it comes with all the high-tech assistive systems to protect its passengers as well as other vehicles and pedestrians. Some of its safety features include pedestrian detection with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-assist keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

Interior and entertainment
The new Chevrolet Malibu may have a sleek design, but it is equal parts comfortable and ergonomic when it comes to interiors. One of the best features of Malibu’s interiors is the great outward visibility. Add to it a symmetrical dashboard with ample opening and you have a spacious cockpit despite the car being a peppy sedan. While the front seats have supportive side bolsters and a wide base, the back cushions may be narrow for hefty passengers. Further, the backseat offers comparatively lesser legroom but can easily accommodate adult frames. One of the other reasons for preferring this sedan is its spacious trunk and carry-on capacity. The heated front seats and power-adjustable driver seats make the driving experience more comfortable. So, while the new Chevrolet Malibu might not be the prettiest on the block, it does not disappoint when it comes to interiors.

In terms of infotainment and connectivity, the new Chevrolet Malibu comes with a best-in-class touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What sets the sedan apart is its mobile Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity feature. However, the infotainment system comes with a secondary convenient rotary control knob to interact with the interface, which is also provided by competitors.

Warranty
While one may glance study every specification and safety feature of their favorite sedan, the car might not make it to their list without a great warranty and maintenance coverage. The makers of the Chevrolet Malibu have ensured a competitive powertrain warranty. Chevrolet offers a limited warranty on 36,000 miles or three years, whichever is sooner, a powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles or five years, and complimentary maintenance for the first visit.

Considering all these specifications, experts suggest choosing the LT trim of the new Chevrolet Malibu, as it comes with all the standard features like additional LED taillights, 17-inch wheels, and an acoustic-laminate windshield.