With the continued rise in popularity that the crossover and compact SUV is currently experiencing, the options for effective and practical four-door sedans across the marketplace are more and more limited by each passing year. This is certainly a matter of concern for the consumer who places practicality above all other items when purchasing a vehicle. Sedans tend to get better gas mileage, are cheaper to insure, and tend to be more affordable. However, there are still options available, most notably the 2024 Chevy Malibu. It began its existence several decades ago as both a vehicle for the average commuter and those who craved high performance. The Malibu was resurrected a few years ago and is the ideal choice for the practical driver. Today, we examine the practical nature of one of the few four-door sedans left in the marketplace.
Practical Pricing
Many consumers have an immediate concern when it comes to how much they spend on the up-front cost of a new vehicle. While there are, undoubtedly, a significant amount of expenses that come with owning any car, the starting MSRP is always of primary concern, so that is where we will begin our examination. The 2024 Chevy Malibu starts at $26,195. And, much to our delight, we were impressed with Chevy’s dedication to making its sedan available for a much lower price than some of its fiercest competitors. The Malibu can be had for considerably less than the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Honda Accord. The industry is well-known for its competition, and Chevy proves its willingness to offer a superior product at a much lower cost.
Performance for the People
Like so many other manufacturers within the industry, Chevy has taken to streamlining the production of certain vehicles in its fleet, and the Malibu is no exception. Chevy has equipped the Malibu with a sole powertrain that takes the form of a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine. This propels the Malibu forward with the benefit of 160 horsepower. The Malibu, which is exclusively an FWD vehicle, pairs its engine with a CVT, making it more than ideal for handling the rigors of city driving, especially with its stop-and-go traffic patterns that produce a fair amount of idling. This powertrain is more than adequate at getting you to and from your various destinations, as well as saving a few extra bucks at the pump. The Malibu possesses a city driving MPG of 29, a number that inflates 36 during its highway travels for a combined average total of 32.
Comforts for the Average Consumer
No matter what type of driver you might be, there is no denying that the majority of the time you spend with your vehicle is behind the wheel. And while you might be in the headspace of looking for a car that reliably gets you from point A to point B, that does not mean that your method of transportation should be stripped down and Spartan. The interior of the Malibu is more than enough to provide you with all of the comfort and amenities that are necessary for any trip. The design is formulated toward practicality, as the infotainment screen, steering column, and gear shifter are all placed in close proximity to one another. Upper trims further emphasize refinement and sophistication in the form of heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and wireless charging for mobile devices.
Software and Technology
With the infotainment center having close proximity to the steering column, it might be a curiosity of some as to what the center provides access to. Spanning eight inches in length and placed in between two HVAC vents in the dashboard, the user-friendly interface provides access to both Apple and Android streaming services. It has wi-fi hotspot capability to ensure that you stay connected if you travel away from civilization. Upper trims have the advantage of navigational assistance. As with many other Chevy vehicles, you will have access to Sirius XM and a six-speaker stereo system that will allow you to enjoy the sounds of music and not the engine.
Safety and Driving Assistance Features
There is no denying that a vehicle that has an emphasis on practicality should also provide plenty of safety. Not just for the driver but the passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicle owners with whom we share the road. Not long ago, an article from Chevy recently shed light on a very pressing matter that you might be concerned with. According to the report that Chevy published on their website in 2016, “more parents with teens worry about their child driving (55 percent) more than any other area of parental stress, including drugs and alcohol (52 percent), sexual activity (49 percent) and academic performance (53 percent).” These concerns are certainly well-founded, with more teenagers getting their learner permits and licenses each year. And the Chevy Malibu, like the other vehicles that are manufactured under the GM brand, comes standard with the Teen Driver program. This feature allows parents to have some oversight regarding the responsible habits that their teenagers are employing behind the wheel. Parents have the option of limiting the stereo volume and can report on the distance traveled and the top speed that was reached, and can also prohibit certain safety features from being disabled when the vehicle is in use. Teenagers can be impulsive, and this feature can allow you to have control over their behavior when they are behind the wheel.
Aside from the Teen Driver program coming standard, every 2024 Chevy Malibu comes with a comprehensive suite of features known as Safety Assist. These include items such as following distance indication, forward collision alert, lane keeping and departure assistance, automated high beams, automated emergency braking, and front pedestrian braking. Other standard features include a ten-airbag system, rear parking assistance, and a rear-view camera. While none of these items are meant to replace the highly effective habits of an experienced driver, they provide additional oversight and assistance for you whenever you are behind the wheel. If you are looking to maximize your safety assurance when you’re behind the wheel, some available features and packages can be equipped on the Malibu at the time of purchase. Lane changing alert, side blind-zone alert, and rear-cross traffic alert are all available. The 2LT trim can be outfitted with what is known as the Driver Confidence & Cruise Package. This includes automated parking assistance, enhanced emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, all of which can be very beneficial for any driver.
A Final Word on the Perfection of Practicality
After being in business for well over a century, Chevy has proved time and time again that they are capable of providing affordable and practical transportation to the masses. And while the days of the Malibu SS have now been relegated to nostalgia, the vehicle remains the perfect choice for the practical driver who needs a solid foundation to establish transportation. The fact that the Malibu is selling for much less than the competition and providing a variety of standard features to benefit all drivers during their travels is further proof that Chevy is the brand that more Americans trust to take care of their best interests.
