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2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Chevrolet Malibu highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Upscale interior
  • Comfortable ride and quiet cabin
  • Impressive fuel economy
  • Strong turbocharged engine

Cons

  • Less rear legroom than competitors
  • Transmission makes some Eco models feel sluggish

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 30 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

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Small changes add up for 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Demand for midsize family sedans may have waned, but buyers remain spoiled for choice. Among nearly a dozen solid picks, the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu offers a refined interior, huge trunk, and choice of fuel-efficient or performance-oriented engines.

Chevy redesigned the Malibu in 2013 with upgrades to better compete with emergent rivals like the Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Passat. Updates for 2014 were mild, but included slightly more rear seat legroom, a retuned suspension for better ride and handling, more cabin storage, and a snazzier, chrome-trimmed front end.

Over the course of 2014 the Malibu Eco model also phased out its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing it with the 2.5-liter found in other Malibu trims, and improved for 2014 with higher fuel economy. This mid-year change means it’s worth checking any Eco model to confirm which engine is under the hood. The turbo engine also continued from 2013, now with more low-range power. These changes didn’t vault the Malibu to the top of the class, but it remained a smart American-made midsize sedan with solid credentials.

All Chevrolet Malibu years

New for 2014

  • Malibu trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.

Explore Chevrolet Malibu details

ECO 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.4L

Horsepower

182

Torque (ft-lbs)

171

Engine type

Hybrid

Fuel capacity

15.8

Wheelbase

107.8"

Overall length

191.5"

Width

73"

Height

57.6"

Leg room

F 42.1"/R 36.8"

Head room

F 39"/R 37.5"

Front tires

P225/55R17

Rear tires

P225/55R17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

5 reasons to buy the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

What We Like

Driving: The 2014 Malibu simplified its engine lineup. With a new start-stop system and improved fuel economy, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder became the standard choice, rated at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined.

It was backed by an optional 2.0-liter turbo with additional low-end power (295 pound-feet of torque). The extra power helps the turbo-four feel more like the V6 offered in earlier Malibu versions, and at an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined, it’s even reasonably fuel-efficient.

Interior: Inside, the 2014 Malibu’s upscale design is highlighted with quality materials and controls, and ample sound insulation for a quieter and more serene ride. There’s a confident feeling of weight and mass often absent in the Malibu’s competitors, which doesn’t reduce fuel economy in any significant way. For 2014, thinner front seat backs add 1.25 inches of knee room, and a larger center console accommodates two mobile phones.

Storage: By phasing out the Eco model’s 2.4-liter engine, the Malibu also discontinues the trunk-mounted battery pack required for the accompanying mild hybrid system. That means all 2014 Malibu models get a vast trunk offering 16.3 cubic feet, bested only by the Hyundai Sonata (16.4 cu ft). This kind of trunk space is more typical of full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon or Chrysler 300.

What Needs Improvement

2.4-Liter Eco Engine and Transmission: The six-speed transmission joined to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder Eco model engine is busy and unrefined, programmed to reach its top cruising gear quickly and save fuel. It’s similarly reluctant to downshift to a lower gear, delaying much of the engine’s power when you need a quick surge in passing power, for example. This engine and transmission were phased out during the 2014 model year, but they’re still out there. We recommend avoiding it.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is a car that customers like for its style and roominess. It is also good on gas mileage. Based on customer reviews, the Chevy Malibu has the features of a luxury car at an affordable price tag. They love how well it drives with just enough pick up to be fun but not too much as to make you feel uncomfortable when driving around town.
4
1
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Excellent

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Malibu an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet Malibu 13th out of 30 among Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Malibu

2014 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ

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