Ratings, Reviews, Pictures, Features | J.D. Power

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan - Overview

$21,995–$29,700 MSRP

$21,225–$28,066 Invoice

21/30 MPG City/Hwy

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Power Circle Ratings

Predicted Reliability 3.5

Ratings data for all body styles and trim levels within a particular model family are aggregated when calculating the model's overall Power Circle Rating.

Overview

What's New for 2013:

  • Malibu is redesigned for 2013
  • Three new powertrains; no V-6 option
  • Available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment technology
  • New safety features

Exterior Features
Shorter and wider than the model it replaces, the new Malibu is designed for aerodynamics and better fuel economy. Active grille shutters on the Malibu Eco further reduce aerodynamic drag, improve fuel economy, and reduce wind noise, Chevy says. Aluminum wheels are standard on all trim levels, ranging in size from 16 inches to 19 inches.

Interior Features
Chevrolet says the all-new Malibu offers more interior room than the previous model, especially in terms of shoulder and hip room. The new Malibu's trunk can hold 14.3 cubic feet of cargo. A hidden storage compartment resides behind the radio's articulating screen.

Optional Features
Chevrolet MyLink features Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming and allows for hands-free use of selected smartphone applications while driving, including Pandora Internet radio. A high-resolution, color radio touch screen is available, along with navigation, leather, Pioneer premium audio system, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

Under the Hood
The 2013 Malibu LS, LT and LTZ trims are equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, direct-injected 4-cylinder engine making 197 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 191 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. A 6-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the front wheels.

A turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is available as an option. It is preliminarily rated to deliver 259 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter peaking between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm. Chevy says the new 2013 Malibu Turbo will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

The 2013 Malibu Eco is equipped with a mild hybrid, rather than a full hybrid, powertrain. Employing eAssist technology, a small electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack is paired with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine to develop a combined 182 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,900 rpm. A 6-speed automatic transmission drives the Malibu Eco's front wheels.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco are 25/37/29 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Safety
The new 2013 Chevy Malibu is equipped with 8 air bags, traction and stability control, and 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist, brake fade assist, cornering brake control, and drag torque control, which prevents the driven wheels from locking on slippery surfaces under the influence of engine braking. OnStar telematics is standard, and includes Automatic Crash Notification service. Options include a lane-departure warning system, forward-collision warning system, and a rear vision camera system.

Available Trims for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan

  Transmission MSRP Engine City/Hwy MPG
1LS 6 speed automatic $21,995 197-hp / 2.5L 4-cyl 22/34
1LT 6 speed automatic $23,185 197-hp / 2.5L 4-cyl 22/34
2LT 6 speed automatic $24,890 197-hp / 2.5L 4-cyl 22/34
Eco 6 speed automatic $24,985 182-hp / 2.4L 4-cyl 25/37
Eco Premium Audio 6 speed automatic $26,595 182-hp / 2.4L 4-cyl 25/37
3LT 6 speed automatic $26,600 259-hp / 2.0L 4-cyl 21/30
1LZ 6 speed automatic $27,365 197-hp / 2.5L 4-cyl 22/34
2LZ 6 speed automatic $29,700 259-hp / 2.0L 4-cyl 21/30

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