“Love the reputation and quality that Chevy presents in their vehicles. I love that I have a 4-cylinder turbo that pushes 250 horsepower and still gets about 33 mi to the gallon on the highway. And you can't beat the Bose sound system.”
2016 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is an all-new, ninth-generation model with a longer wheelbase, a lighter body, new turbocharged engines, and more modern technology. Chevrolet also sold the outgoing car for one final year under the Malibu Limited name.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
9th generation Malibu, first year. Chevrolet also sells the previous 8th-generation sedan as Malibu Limited for one final model year.
Chevrolet positions Malibu as a roomy midsize family sedan that blends bolder styling, good fuel economy, a quiet cabin, and easy-to-use technology. The redesigned 2016 car moves the Malibu closer to segment leaders by adding rear-seat space, lighter construction, and stronger infotainment, while the Hybrid gives shoppers a high-mileage option without moving into a smaller car. In short, Malibu is Chevrolet’s mainstream sedan for daily commuting, family use, and long highway drives.
The redesigned Malibu ranges from the straightforward L to the better-equipped LT and top Premier, while Malibu Limited carries on in LS, LT, and LTZ form. Premier stands out with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bose audio, ventilated front seats, and wireless charging. The new Hybrid pairs a 1.8-liter engine with a two-motor electric drive system and includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
New turbocharged four-cylinder engines arrive with the redesigned Malibu. A full Malibu Hybrid also joins the range with a 1.8-liter engine and Volt-related two-motor electric-drive hardware.
Styling
The ninth-generation Malibu receives a completely new body, while the previous-generation sedan remains on sale for 2016 as Malibu Limited.
Tech
The redesigned lineup adds a more modern touchscreen experience. Hybrid includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premier adds an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bose audio, and wireless charging. Navigation also changes from optional to standard on LT and LTZ.
Structural
The redesigned Malibu moves to a longer-wheelbase, lighter structure. Rear legroom reaches as much as 38.1 inches, up from 36.8 inches in the prior lineup.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Man Md / Automatic, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Man Md / Automatic, 6-Spd / Automatic, 8-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Man Md | Auto, 2-Motor Dr Unit | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 23–27 mpg | 22–27 mpg | 23 mpg | 47 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 33–37 mpg | 33–37 mpg | 33 mpg | 46 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 160–197 hp | 160–250 hp | 197 hp | 250 hp | |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184–191 lb-ft | 184–258 lb-ft | 191 lb-ft | 129 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.8 cu-ft | 15.8–16.3 cu-ft | 15.8–16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 11.6 cu-ft | 15.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 36.8–38.1 in | 36.8–38.1 in | 36.8 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Parental Control System | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu redesigned?
Yes. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu begins the ninth generation with a longer wheelbase, a lighter body, new turbocharged engines, updated technology, and a roomier rear seat.
What is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited?
The 2016 Malibu Limited is the previous-generation Malibu kept on sale for one final model year. It came in LS, LT, and LTZ trims alongside the fully redesigned Malibu.
Did Chevrolet add a Malibu Hybrid for 2016?
Yes. Chevrolet introduced the first full Malibu Hybrid for 2016, combining a 1.8-liter engine with a two-motor electric drive system related to the Volt’s technology.
What is the difference between the 2016 Malibu Premier and LTZ?
Premier is the top trim of the redesigned 2016 Malibu, while LTZ belongs to the older Malibu Limited. Premier has a 2.0-liter turbo engine, an 8-speed automatic, an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, Bose audio, ventilated front seats, and wireless charging; LTZ emphasizes leather, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and remote start.
How does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu compare with the 2015 model?
The redesigned 2016 Malibu is the major step forward, with a lighter and longer-wheelbase body, new turbo engines, newer touchscreen technology, more maximum rear legroom, and a full-hybrid model. Shoppers should note that the 2016 Malibu Limited is essentially the older-generation alternative rather than the redesigned car.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
4.2
2016 Chevrolet Malibu
(552 reviews)
“Great vehicle but 3rd breaklight causes leak inside of car with heavy rain. Truck and back seats may mildrew, so beaware. Check out videos on YouTube.”
“Chevrolet Malibu is a good and reliable car. The Chevrolet brand is well known and repairs are easy to make.”