1 + 2024 Chevrolet Malibu: A Competent Contender, But Facing Tough Competition

The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu soldiers on in the mid-size sedan segment, a segment increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers. While it might not be the flashiest option on the road, the Malibu offers a compelling package for those seeking a practical, dependable, and affordable family car. Let's delve into what the 2024 Malibu offers and see if it stacks up against the competition.

Stylish Design, Aging Platform

The 2024 Malibu carries over the same exterior design introduced in 2016. It's not a bad-looking car by any means, with a clean and modern aesthetic. The signature Chevrolet grille and bold lines give it a sense of presence. However, compared to some newer rivals with more sculpted designs and eye-catching features, the Malibu can feel a bit dated.

Inside, the cabin prioritizes functionality over extravagance. The materials used are decent, but not particularly luxurious. The layout is straightforward and easy to navigate, with buttons and knobs readily accessible. Higher trim levels offer heated seats and a sunroof, adding a touch of comfort. While some competitors boast more upscale interiors with premium materials and advanced technology integration, the Malibu focuses on practicality and user-friendliness.

Spacious Interior, Middling Cargo Space

The 2024 Malibu offers a comfortable and spacious interior for both front and rear passengers. Adults will find ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, making long journeys comfortable. The rear seats offer decent legroom as well, but they might feel a bit cramped for three adults on longer trips. When compared to some rivals that prioritize rear passenger comfort, the Malibu falls a bit short.

The trunk space in the Malibu is decent but not class-leading, offering 15.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is sufficient for everyday errands and groceries, but folding down the rear seats opens up more space for bulkier items. If cargo space is a major priority, some competitors in the segment offer significantly more trunk space.

Standard Engine, No Thrills

The 2024 Malibu offers a single powertrain option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. While it delivers adequate power for everyday driving, some might find it lacking in excitement, especially when compared to turbocharged options offered by some rivals. Merging onto highways or overtaking slower vehicles might require some planning.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the only transmission option. While CVTs are known for smooth gear changes and improved fuel economy, they can sometimes lead to a somewhat sluggish feel during acceleration. The Malibu prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright performance, achieving an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Tech Features: A Mixed Bag

The 2024 Malibu comes equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system itself is user-friendly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration. However, the graphics feel dated compared to some competitors offering larger touchscreens and more advanced infotainment features. Higher trim levels offer features like navigation and a Bose sound system, but they come at an extra cost.

On the safety front, the 2024 Malibu comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. This is a positive step towards offering essential safety features for all drivers.

Trims and Pricing

The 2024 Malibu comes in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. Here's a quick breakdown of the starting MSRP for each trim:

• LS: $26,495

• LT: $28,395

• RS: $30,195

• Premier: $32,895

The Verdict: A Value-Conscious Option, But Not Without Flaws

The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is a competent and dependable mid-size sedan. It offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior (for the most part), decent fuel economy, and a good value proposition with its starting price tag. However, it faces stiff competition in a segment increasingly dominated by feature-rich and stylish SUVs. Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Affordable starting price

• Spacious interior for front passengers

• Standard driver-assistance features

• Decent fuel economy

• User-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration

Cons:

• Aging platform with a dated interior design

• Single powertrain option might feel underpowered for some

• Cargo space is just average for the segment