Hybrids are hot. In our best attempt at a Homer Simpson moment, we had to state the obvious. Like your favorite salsa, they now apparently come in levels of spice: Some of them are milder, some are hot. Chevrolet’s Malibu Hybrid fits into the former category – not as hot as a Toyota Prius, it’s still advertised to do the things that hybrids do, albeit on a rather, uh, mild level.
We like our salsa hot here at Leftlane, but we’re willing to give mild a shot. If the flavor is strong enough to overcome the lack of spice, it’ll get our recommendation. So when Chevrolet offered up a Malibu Hybrid, we couldn’t say no.
What is it?
A “mild-hybrid” stuffed into the packaging that makes up the new shape of the Chevrolet Malibu, it takes all that was good about the ‘bu, and then tries to improve on it with a dose of green (green chile?).
The Malibu doesn’t promise the phenomenal efficiency you’ll find in a Prius or even Ford’s new Fusion Hybrid, but Chevrolet hopes that buyers will be satisfied with its improved urban economy and greener footprint.
GM calls the Malibu Hybrid a “very limited availability” vehicle, which means that if you want one, you better go search for one. This seems like odd marketing to us.
What’s it up against?
Toyota’s Camry Hybrid and Ford’s Fusion Hybrid are the Malibu’s natural competitors despite their higher efficiency. Yet the Malibu Hybrid, which is rated at 26 mpg in city and 34 on the highway, also competes with its four-cylinder, six-speed automatic non-hybrid standard Malibu, which averages 22/33.
Any breakthroughs?
A 36-volt-powered electric motor system replaces the traditional alternator and is then capable of providing 110 lb-ft of instant-on torque for starts from a complete stop.
Power is supplied by nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries capable of sending and receiving over 10,000 watts of peak power. Stored in three cassettes of 12 volts each, they are stored in the front portion of the trunk and do not take as much space as the batteries found in the Lexus LS 600h, for example.
How does it look?
The body of the Chevrolet Malibu is a shape you’ll either like or dislike immediately. It had us at hello. Okay, not really, but we do like the shape. A stylized three-box design, it features much in the way of smoothed out shapes like sloping A and C pillars and contemporary front and rear fascias. A pair of confident looking headlights starts things off at the front along with the current “Face of the brand,” the split grille that is finding itself on all things Chevrolet. The Malibu Hybrid is set off by specific logos that are featured on the front quarter panels of the car.
Polished chrome and pewter five-spoke wheels give a jewel-like appearance to the gold mist-painted side view of the vehicle. A good-looking car overall, it has a look from the rear that is, to our eyes, as though its width is a touch narrow to the proportion of its length. Regardless, the 2008 Malibu was good looking enough to be selected as the North American Car of the Year.
And inside?
Chevrolet dug into the GM corporate parts bins to grab a steering wheel as well as a few other items. For better or worse, the Malibu shares its steering wheel with a wide range of GM products, including the Corvette. Maybe there’s some bragging rights there? Certainly not for the Corvette folks.
The interior, which is almost identical to the regular Malibu, has a binnacle over the gauges that features, from left, a tachometer with Auto-Stop indicator showing the gas engine has turned off, to a speedometer, then a fuel gauge and battery/electronics indicator that shows when fuel conservation is exceeding EPA estimates (an ECO light illuminates on the gauge). The front section of the interior is set into separate “pods” to give the driver and passenger their own personal space. Dividing the two is a large-ish center console that in addition to cupholders and cubbyholes leads up to a centerstack that houses the climate control and audio system. There is the nice addition of a dash top storage bin that is able to hold pens, sunglasses and other small items.
Outfitted like an entry-level vehicle, the Malibu Hybrid is not offered with an in-dash navigation system. Instead, it can supply directions via the OnStar turn by turn feature that is included with the “Directions and Connections” feature.
Cocoa and cashmere fabric seats set off the interior. We like the creative use of scalloping at the rear of the front seats for added legroom in the back. On the other hand we don’t like how there is an absence of hand grabs throughout the interior. There is just one trim level offered on the Malibu and GM positions the Hybrid slightly above the mid-level LT trim. The $3,050 premium gets you automatic climate control and alloy wheels in addition to the hybrid-electric powertrain.
But does it go?
The 2.4-liter Hybrid Ecotec VVT engine offers competent pull with its four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic hybrid transmission.
One hundred sixty-four horses come to the starting gate, pulling 159 lb-ft of torque that puts it on the pavement with special low-rolling-resistance 17-inch tires from Firestone. The engine is able to achieve its higher mileage by use of various cutoffs including the ability to shut off the engine while the vehicle is stopped and the brakes are applied. The gas engine restarts immediately after the brake pedal has been released.
During hard acceleration, the electric motor/generator is used to enhance the power output from the gas engine. Conversely, fuel flow is shut off when the accelerator is released, placing the engine into a regenerative braking mode that helps to recharge the 36-volt battery system. The Malibu Hybrid’s powertrain is covered by GM’s five-year, 100,000 mile warranty, while specific hybrid parts including the battery and charging systems are covered for eight-years and 100,000 miles.
Driving the Malibu Hybrid is an experience that takes a few minutes to get used to. Not as agile as its gas-powered brother, it has a rather high tip-in rate that saw us applying extra push to the go pedal just to get the ‘bu underway. Steering was slightly numb and not as responsive as the gas version we drove at launch. This could probably be chalked up to the hydraulic power steering we had in the 3.6 internal combustion engine of the regular versus the electric power steering on the hybrid version. Suspension bits include a MacPherson strut setup in the front with L-shaped control arms, while the rear featured a multilink with twin-tube gas shocks and dual-rate coil springs. Normal maneuvers showed a pronounced tire squeal while hotfooting it through turns. We think the low resistance tires would account for that.
While we wait for the Chevrolet Volt to make it to market, we somehow can’t help but wonder why Chevrolet has chosen to make a hybrid, much less this hybrid. Don’t get us wrong. We really love the new Malibu in its traditional gas-engine guises. It is a car that is worthy of all the accolades that have been bestowed upon it. But within the Chevrolet lineup, there is another contender that one can live with, without compromise: The Chevrolet Malibu 2.4-liter Ecotec LT with six-speed transmission. It’s nearly as efficient as the Hybrid and it’s much more linear and natural to drive, even though it also features GM’s electronic power steering.
Why you would buy it:
You want a Bowtie in your drive and one with a Hybrid powertrain at that.
Why you wouldn’t:
You’re waiting on the new Prius or Fusion Hybrid, cars that will actually keep you away from pumps.
Leftlane’s bottom line
While we wait for the Chevrolet Volt to make it to market, we somehow can’t help but wonder why Chevrolet has chosen to make a hybrid, much less this hybrid. Don’t get us wrong. We really love the new Malibu. It is a car that is worthy of all the accolades that have been bestowed upon it. But within the Chevrolet lineup, there is another contender that one can live with, without compromise: The Chevrolet Malibu 2.4-liter Ecotec LT with six-speed transmission. This Malibu shows up with mileage ratings of 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, just slightly off the pace of the hybrid’s ratings.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid base price, $25,555. As tested, $26,425.
Power driver’s seat, $200; Destination, $670.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
02/06, 3:56 PM
posted by:
Struggle
Would this car likely be classified ‘Kinda Hybrid”?
I mean I understand Chevy wanting to compete, but don’t they simply fall short of other offerings, especially Ford’s Fusion?
02/06, 4:09 PM
posted by:
veeride
i must admit, its got a good loking front end, but the mildbryd technology is pretty basic, and whats the upcharge from a regular 4 cylinder ‘bu? if its a few thousand, thats alot of gas to make up?
02/06, 4:19 PM
posted by:
Borat
It does not muster “green” test based on fuel consumption and misses common sense test based on up scale Malibu with 6 speed slush box and 2.4L engine for about the same coin.
02/06, 4:23 PM
posted by:
sj79
this car has been shown to average 20-30mpg in the real world. You arent going to get than in the gas only version. In C&D’s test this car averaged 29.5mpg and the camry averaged 32mpg.
02/06, 5:09 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Elias, if you want very good hot salsa I strongly recommend Mrs. Renfro’s Habanero Salsa.
As for the Bu hybrid, I dont know if it sells, but if so I also dont know why. The numbers are barely better than the lower cost, far less complex alternative, so since only a few would actually select this I guess it’s good that this is only availble to the select few. For the rest of us it’s a joke.
02/06, 5:58 PM
posted by:
melias
mayer_ray,
Your Honor, thanks for the salsa tip.
As for the other, read LeftLane’s Bottom Line!
Once again, thanks for reading!
Mark
02/06, 5:58 PM
posted by:
A4
i never thought someone could waste 2 paragraphs comparing batteries to salsa.
02/06, 6:01 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
its a complete joke for this POS to be called a hybrid!!!!!!!!!!!
02/06, 7:06 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
I would rather have the Fusion hybrid. 40-41 mpg is unbeatable.
02/06, 7:23 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
So pretty much this is the same thing that they’ve been talking about in Europe for the past year, stop-start technology. This really isn’t a hybrid. For the price and features, it’s not that bad. It’ll take you a couple years to recoup the $3k over regular. Far longer than the $6k over regular of the Fusion hybrid. Although, with rebates and all the costs aren’t too much of a difference. I like the looks of the Bu’ better. Fusions just too busy.
02/06, 7:51 PM
posted by:
DrFill
There are only two hybrids in this class, made by Ford and ‘Yota
DrFill
02/06, 8:11 PM
posted by:
Gundy
I just read in Automobile magazine that the new Fusion has gotten as much as 57 mpg, in ideal conditions.. Sure, that won’t happen too often, but 40-45 was the norm for regular driving, not driving it like it was anything different than a regular car. That’s hard to beat. The Malibu is a great-looking car, but that mpg rating has got to get up there in the 40’s to be a serious contender. Watch Ford sell every Fusion hybrid they can make, and then some. Chevy could easily do the same if it worked on their hybrid system a bit.
02/06, 8:13 PM
posted by:
Gundy
Sorry, I meant, 50 mpg for the Fusion hybrid..
02/06, 9:08 PM
posted by:
miket
Fill- Don’t forget the Nissan Altima hybrid…
02/06, 10:13 PM
posted by:
qpt_dude
Does anyone else notice that NMOFGM doesn’t comment when LLN says something good about GM?
Shares a steering with a Corvette, hahaha
02/07, 4:30 AM
posted by:
sequoiatrader
The term “Mild Hybrid” is total BS. I first heard this term at the LA Auto Show when I was talking to a Saturn rep. She was telling me all about the Aura Hybrid. When she got to the price point at first I was shocked at what seemed to be a very low price. After she explained the technology, I felt like GM was just selling snake oil.
GM has never really gotten into the hybrid arena. Their Tahoe Hybrid commercials are laughable. Why on earth would anyone believe that a full sized SUV is the natural place to place a hybrid powertrain. The whole point to a hybrid is ultra high fuel economy. I think if someone buys a full sized SUV they are prepared for low fuel economy. Does anyone remember the Hybrid Silverado. Further, I can’t stand the ridiculous “HYBRID” badging that GM places all over their offerings. You want to bump the economy on full sized SUV’s? Highly efficient diesel engines are the answer.
Then they have the Volt. OK, so it goes a long way on a little gas. With a price tag over $40K? How much gas can be saved? Car for the masses make much more sense. Fusion, Camry, Escape, Highlander, Accord and Altima in hybrid versions make some sense. I know I may offend some people here, but I don’t care for the Prius. OK, it was groundbreaking and offers superior fuel economy. If I were to drive a Prius I would save money on gas. My question is this, who will save my dignity after people see me driving that door stop on wheels? Speaking of the Prius, shouldn’t Toyota be suing Honda for copyright infringement over the the new Insight?
02/07, 5:48 PM
posted by:
Jax
The car is a weak hybrid, but after discounts and the federal tax credit for hybrids, you will break even and then come out ahead pretty fast if you do mostly city driving.
02/07, 10:49 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
Good looking car, needs a LS1
02/08, 10:47 AM
posted by:
iluvamcars
As hybrids go, this is weak tea. It has great exterior styling but GM sent out another duck. The engine just isn’t that fuel efficient compared to the Fusion and Altima, etc.
AMERICAN, NOTHING ELSE
02/08, 11:32 AM
posted by:
VictorRaikkonen
‘Great exterior styling’… sorry no. The front end looks ok, but the rear is something that only a blind person could love. I mean it really looks like refried crap.
02/08, 12:00 PM
posted by:
Jax
It isn’t as fuel efficient as the Fusion, Altima and Camry Hybrids, but there was a comparison test against the Camry Hybrid that showed, that because of the lower price plus the fact that you can still get the Federal tax credit in the Malibu and not the Camry, most would never save enough extra gas in the Camry Hybrid to come out ahead of the Malibu Hybrid.
Even against the 4 cylinder Malibu, after the tax credit, the purchase cost of the Malibu Hybrid isn’t much higher, so even a few extra MPG would pay off the little extra cost in short time.
The more you drive in stop and go city traffic, the faster you will benefit from the hybrid because the real word gas mileage difference between hybrid and regular Malibu gets bigger the more time you spend in city traffic.
This Hybrid isn’t worth much more money than the regular Malibu, but then it doesn’t really cost much more after the tax credit, so it works out.
02/08, 12:00 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
@ qpt_dude I have noticed that!
02/08, 7:03 PM
posted by:
Get Real
I agree with Victor, the design team from the front end was fired before they got to the rear.
The rear is pure engineering degree, an art or design student could do better..
02/09, 8:18 AM
posted by:
sj79
this car is a hybrid. People think the term only applies to vehicles with 40mpg or better but that’s not the case. Any vehicle that uses a combination of gas and electric power is a hybrid, period. Without the hybrid powertrain this vehicle would get 22/30 as opposed to 26/34 so it is indeed a hybrid. There is a battery in the trunk. This is more than stop-start technology.
sequoiatrader,
everything you said makes no sense. Why would hybrids only be limited to small cars? People still need SUVs and pickups so it makes sense to offer hybrid versions. If you hate any hybrids that dont get 40-50mpg I guess you dont like any of Lexus’ hybrids or the upcoming models from MB and BMW.
02/09, 9:03 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
The Malibu has a lot more going for it than fuel economy. It is the only one built to last hundreds of thousands of miles without any problems, it has a high quality interior and spectacular build quality and people would much rather drive a GM vehicle than anything else. None of these which can be found in a Toyota or Ford hybrid which won’t make it 50 thousand miles before major, major problems and have interiors that wouldn’t make a 1982 X-car proud. Americans don’t want the embarrassment of driving a jap piece of sh1t and they don’t want to be another Ford owner sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
The Malibu is still the best choice in hybrids. An American Revolution
02/09, 9:43 AM
posted by:
ricky_b
GM doesn’t have as much long term reliability history as the rest of the industry. Furthermore, a lot of their technology is borrowed from Toyota. (Do your homework, Oily)
02/09, 10:59 AM
posted by:
oldraven
What technology on the Malibu Hybrid is borrowed from Toyota?
02/09, 11:02 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
There is absolutely no Toyota technology in GM hybrids. Toyota hybrids are the most unreliable, inferior pieces of sh1t on the market. Read the endless problems with Prius, Camry and other Toyota hybrid models, it will sicken you. They are NOT built to last and they are NOT quality vehicles. They are just your average, cheap piece of sh1t Toyota that costs too much to buy, too much to maintain and too much to dump before the warranty runs out.
GM hybrids are leaders in quality and dependibility. Only a fool would argue that fact.
Do your homework idiot.
02/09, 1:04 PM
posted by:
Frank
Only a fool would argue and you met that criteria Oily. Your comment is stupid. Ford is way ahead of GM in terms of a hybrid. GM has a measly one hybrid. Ford has two. Where do you come off spewing your **** about hybrids when you are dumbfounded in regards to Hybrids. GM FANBOY, the blind leading the blind. Toyota hybrids systems tops GM but not Fords. You are really dumb. The Fusion is far sexier than the crap GM calls a Malibu. Show me a Malibu that can get more than 41 mpg’s on the highway.
02/09, 1:59 PM
posted by:
iluvamcars
The Malibu is a very nice car and GM offers many hybrids. The SUV’s, Trucks, Malibu, Vue, Aura, etc.
02/09, 3:09 PM
posted by:
Frank
You call GMC Yukon a Hybrid with only 2-3 mpgs gains. I call that a fluke. How about you try a really SUV Hybrid like the Ford Escape, enough said.
Iluvamcars – Does any of GM’s Hybrid top the Fusion Hybrid in MPG’s.
02/09, 3:18 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
GM hybrids are leaders in quality and dependibility. Ford is better at mileage but sorely lacks in the quality and reliability dept. Toyota just plain sucks at all of the above
buy American. Buy GM. it is your patriotic duty
02/09, 4:23 PM
posted by:
Frank
I did. I buy FORDS only.
02/09, 10:15 PM
posted by:
Get Real
A Geo Metro got crazy high gas mileage.