The 2021 Chevy Malibu: An in-Depth Look

Today, you’ve got SUVs, pickup trucks, performance cars, and even electric vehicles waiting for you on the lot of your local Kentucky Chevy dealer. Where does this leave the sedan, a popular and classic vehicle style that millions of people drive daily? For manufacturers such as Chevy, there’s still plenty of room for sedans in the market, and this has especially been the case with the release of the midsize 2021 Malibu. Here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick, you’ll find models such as the Malibu along with other new Chevy vehicles that you can rely on for years to come.

There are five trims for the 2021 Malibu, starting with the L at just $22,140. The base trim offers plenty of features for its low price tag and represents incredible value. Upgrading to the LS trim adds a few more features on top of the standard set, making for an even safer and more comfortable drive. Teen Driver is one of these features, meaning those who have a teenager in their household should strongly consider any model above the base trim. The RS and LT are the next two trim levels, with the LT adding additional upgrades such as LED lighting and heated seats to provide a more premium feel at an affordable price.

The RS trim is a sporty take on the Malibu, adding large 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust outlets, a rear wing spoiler, and special blacked-out badging. Additionally, the RS gives the driver a power-adjustable seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel for improving comfort on the road. The Premier is named as such because it’s a premier experience in many ways. This is the only trim that comes standard with a more powerful engine, substantially larger 19-inch wheels, perforated leather seating, and a host of interior enhancements.

Vast Range of Performance

Both of the two engines that are offered with the 2021 Malibu are turbocharged, providing an excellent blend of power and efficiency across the lineup. With two engines to choose from, you can have a Malibu that functions as an efficient commuter or opt for a remarkably powerful car that will increase your driving enjoyment. But whichever option you choose, you will be getting a reliable and modern engine that you can depend on for years to come.

The first four trim levels of the 2021 Malibu come with a turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder that produces 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired to this engine is a continuously variable automatic transmission that provides optimized gear ratios for enhanced efficiency. When compared with the competition, this turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine provides an excellent all-around experience, complemented by incredible fuel efficiency. The EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 29 MPG city and 36 MPG highway, resulting in low gas bills while driving a comfortable midsize sedan.

There’s a large step up in performance should you opt for the highest-end trim, the Premier. As we’ve mentioned, this trim comes standard with a more powerful engine – a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder that comes paired with a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission for an improved driving feel. With 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, this turbocharged engine holds 56% more horsepower and 41% greater torque than the engine that comes with the first four trim levels. This will certainly give you an extra performance kick, and its EPA-estimated ratings of 22 MPG city and 33 MPG highway are still fantastic, albeit a bit lower than the base engine.

Keeping Up Relevancy

As befits a midsize sedan, the Malibu provides plenty of interior space for a comfortable ride. If the 2021 Malibu is the newest vehicle that you’ve owned in a while, you’ll certainly notice the difference that its tech and convenience features have brought to the table. We’re highly impressed with all of the tech-centric features that come with every Malibu, even the base L trim. Depending on the trim level that you purchase, your Malibu can include an additional set of features, all of which are very relevant and easy to learn.

Let’s start with what you’ll receive if you purchase the base model Malibu. First, you’ll receive an infotainment center with a standard 8-inch touchscreen for easy access to all of the vehicle’s features. Such a large standard screen is a step up over many competitors, and the interface is extremely intuitive. Some of the features that you’d expect are also here, with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto all coming standard. Even better, the Malibu comes with the wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android, so you don’t even need to plug in your smartphone to access your favorite media and apps through the infotainment screen.

The simplest word to describe the standard feature set on the 2021 Malibu is “astonishing.” Various trims such as the LS, and especially the Premier, will include even more features to further both the value and relevancy of the 2021 Malibu in the long term. The LS adds a standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to the infotainment center, providing reliable internet connectivity wherever you are without eating into your data plan. Although mostly a quality-of-life improvement, a hotspot can be very important when a cellular connection can’t be reached.

With a name like Premier, this trim lives up to its expectations and then some. Our favorite features from this trim include the wireless charging pad for your smartphone. With this addition, not only can you connect your smartphone to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto without a wire, but you can simultaneously charge your device with no cable required whatsoever. Premier also integrates a far richer audio experience thanks to the inclusion of a nine-speaker set up as part of a high-quality audio system from Bose. While aptly named, Premier isn’t going to be the trim that everyone purchases, but rest assured, each model has its strengths.

The Starting Point

There aren’t a whole lot of sedans left in Chevy dealer showrooms, but there’s a reason why the Malibu has stuck around. Chevy drivers who want a reliable and comfortable sedan with features that you’d find in more expensive automobiles but at a lower price should consider the Malibu. After almost 60 years on the market, the 2021 Malibu shares very little resemblance with the original 1964 model. Chevy has always taken care to keep its models fresh with numerous improvements over time, and the 2021 Malibu doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

While more and more drivers are turning to large SUVs, there will always be drivers who prefer to get behind the wheel of a nimble and efficient sedan instead. With the 2021 Malibu, you are getting a vehicle that will save you money at the pump, provide you with plenty of modern features, and be a joy to drive. The midsize sedan has been a staple of American automotive culture for decades, and over that long stretch of time, the Chevy Malibu has remained one of the best options around. We’re proud to continue to be a part of the Malibu legacy by offering the 2021 Malibu here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick.

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