Pros: Ample power from turbocharged 4-cylinder powertrain; impressively quiet cabin; nice ride and handling balance
Cons: Subpar rear-seat space; uninspiring handling; some dashboard-layout issues
CG Says: The Chevrolet Malibu was redesigned for 2013 and sees a significant freshening for 2014. Updated exterior styling, revised engines, suspension updates, new safety features, and improved rear-seat room are all part of the revamp. Also, the mild-hybrid “eAssist” engine is being phased out. Malibu is dynamically as good as or better than most competitors, and it ranks at or near the top of the class for ride quality, refinement, quietness, and interior design. The main weak spot is rear legroom–despite Chevrolet’s efforts to improve it for 2014. Malibus with the smooth 2.5-liter engine deliver decent performance; the very refined turbo adds substantial muscle but doesn’t feel significantly sportier overall. This car is a solid effort, but it faces a class full of strong competitors. The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu deserves a serious look, but be sure to check out the other midsize sedans too.
