Detailed Review of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu | One MAJOR Change!
In this detailed review, we'll delve into the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, exploring its features, performance, design, and notable changes for the model year. We're here to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what this American sedan has to offer.
Introduction
Welcome to another car review! I'm your host, and today we're taking a close look at the brand new 2023 Chevy Malibu. Our review is brought to you by Apple Chevrolet in York, PA. If you're curious about their inventory, check out the link in the description below. This car has been known for its appealing design, and for the 2023 model year, there's one significant change that we'll be discussing in this video.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Starting with the basics, the 2023 Malibu is available in several trim levels: LS, RS, LT, and 2LT. The LS starts at $26,095, the RS at $27,995, the LT at $29,195, and the 2LT at $32,595. Regardless of the trim, there's a major change under the hood, which we'll dive into shortly.
Major Change: Engine Transition
The standout change for 2023 is the transition in the powertrain. The previous two-liter turbocharged engine has been replaced across all trim levels with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This shift impacts the performance figures, with the new engine producing 160 horsepower at 5,700 RPM and 184 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 RPM. The power is directed to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 0-60 mph acceleration time is around 7.8 seconds, and the fuel economy stands at 29 MPG city and 36 MPG highway.
Acceleration and Handling
With the new engine, let's test the acceleration. Putting the pedal to the metal, we managed a decent start, although there was a bit of wheel slip. It's clear that merging onto the highway won't be an issue, given the power delivery. Braking is solid, with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes providing stopping power. The stopping distance from 60 to 0 mph is about 127 feet, and the braking feel is firm and confident.
Suspension, Ride Quality, and Steering
The Malibu features a McPherson strut front suspension and a four-link rear suspension, which provide a balanced ride. Ride quality is acceptable, though you'll feel some road imperfections. Steering feels spot-on, neither too heavy nor too light, striking a good balance for a sedan of this class. The visibility is typical for a sedan, offering good sightlines and aided by the standard rearview camera.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Moving to the interior, the Malibu offers cloth seating for LS, RS, and LT trims, while the 2LT gets leather seating. The seats are manually adjustable in the LS and RS, while the 2LT enjoys power-adjustable seats with lumbar support. The interior quality is commendable, with thoughtful design elements, especially the gloss gray finish surrounding the center console. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth and audio streaming. An exciting feature is the standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a noteworthy addition at this price point.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the Malibu shines. Automatic emergency braking, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning are standard across all trims. There's an available Driver Confidence package for added safety, incorporating rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and side blind zone alert.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu retains its handsome design and now comes with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine across all trims. This change has impacted the performance figures, making it a bit less spirited but still competent for daily driving needs. The interior offers comfort and a user-friendly infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While there are some areas for improvement, such as the availability of LED headlights as standard and a digital gauge cluster, the Malibu maintains its position as a solid midsize sedan option with desirable safety features and a well-balanced ride. If you're looking for a reliable, stylish sedan with a new powertrain option, the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is certainly worth considering.
