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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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
3.8 out of 5
11 customer reviews5 Stars | 5 |
---|---|
4 Stars | 3 |
3 Stars | 0 |
2 Stars | 2 |
1 Star | 1 |
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 MalibuThe 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
The Chevrolet Malibu received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Chevrolet Malibu as 12 out of 30 among Midsize Car
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has received an average 3.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu: