Is the Chevy Malibu good for long distance driving?
The Chevrolet Malibu can be a solid choice for long-distance trips, offering comfortable seating, ample cabin space, and respectable highway efficiency—especially in newer used models. Keep in mind that Chevrolet ended Malibu production after the 2023 model year, so you’ll be shopping in the used market and should compare it against newer rivals.
How well the Malibu handles long-distance driving
Long highway stints demand a smooth ride, stable ergonomics, and consistent fuel economy. Here's how the Malibu stacks up for road trips.
Consider these core points when evaluating Malibu for road trips:
- Comfortable front seats and a roomy cabin suitable for hours on the road
- Decent trunk space and flexible interior layout for luggage and gear
- Stable highway demeanor and predictable steering at speed
- Competitive highway fuel economy for a midsize sedan
- Engine and transmission combinations that feel refined on long cruises (2.0L turbo models tend to offer stronger highway performance)
In practice, a Malibu equipped with a robust engine and well-tuned suspension tends to perform well on multi-hour drives, while base trims with a smaller engine may feel less eager when fully loaded or climbing grades.
Comfort, space, and ride quality
For long trips, interior comfort, noise levels, and cargo flexibility are critical. This section outlines what to expect.
Seat comfort and ergonomics
Seat support and adjustability matter for extended periods behind the wheel.
- Front seats are generally supportive with decent lumbar adjustment on most trims
- Adjustability helps drivers find a fatigue-free position for long drives
- Rear seating provides adequate legroom for adults in most configurations
Well-padded seats and proper positioning can reduce fatigue over many miles, especially on long highway stretches.
Cabin noise, climate, and tech usability
Quiet cabins and user-friendly tech contribute to a comfortable road-trip experience.
- Newer model years tend to be quieter at highway speeds than older ones
- Infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are common and easy to use
- HVAC performance generally keeps cabins comfortable on long drives
In sum, newer Malibu models tend to offer a quieter, more streamlined environment for extended trips, with tech that reduces driver distraction.
Fuel economy and highway performance
Fuel efficiency matters on long trips. The Malibu offers competitive highway mpg for a midsize sedan, with engine choice influencing power and efficiency.
- Highway mpg typically favorable for its class, varying by engine and year
- 2.0L turbo engines provide stronger passing power and confident highway merging
- 1.5L turbo engines prioritize fuel economy and can feel less vigorous with full loads
- Automatic transmissions in later years contribute to smooth, steady highway performance
When planning long trips, select a configuration that matches your typical load and terrain to balance power and efficiency.
Reliability, maintenance, and ownership costs
Ownership costs and reliability affect the long-distance practicality of any car. Here is what to know about the Malibu.
- Overall reliability is average for a midsize sedan and varies by model year
- Maintenance costs align with peers in the class; routine service like tires, brakes, and fluids is typical
- Parts and servicing are widely available, but availability can depend on your location since the model is no longer in production
- Check year-specific recall history and ensure open recalls have been addressed
For long road trips, a well-maintained Malibu with up-to-date recalls addressed can be dependable for many miles, but it’s wise to compare with newer or more refined rivals in the same price range.
Buying a Malibu today: new vs used
Chevrolet ended Malibu production after the 2023 model year. If you want a Malibu today, you’ll be shopping used. Consider these buying tips.
- Prefer late-model examples (2020–2023) with updated safety features and infotainment systems
- Review maintenance history, including tire and brake wear, and any major service events
- Check recall status and ensure all open recalls have been resolved
- Inspect for signs of wear, water intrusion, or prior flood exposure; verify title status
Because the Malibu is no longer sold new in the U.S., your best bets are careful shopping in the used market and comparing against current midsize sedan rivals.
Alternatives to consider for long-distance driving
If you want modern safety features, quieter cabins, and updated powertrains, several rivals may offer a similar or better long-distance proposition.
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia K5 (and its updated form)
- Nissan Altima
- Mazda6 (availability varies by year)
These substitutes generally provide current safety tech, refined ride quality, and newer infotainment features, which can enhance long-distance comfort and value compared with aging Malibu units.
Summary
The Chevy Malibu can be comfortable and economical for long-distance driving, especially in newer used iterations with refined engines and modern safety features. However, since production ended after 2023, you’ll be shopping in the used market and should compare it against newer rivals that offer the latest technology and ride refinement. If you value a proven, comfortable highway cruiser at a good price and find a well-maintained late-model Malibu, it can serve well for long trips; otherwise, consider contemporary midsize sedans for peak long-distance comfort and reliability.
What are the weaknesses of a Chevy Malibu?
Some Chevy Malibu models are known to have engine problems, like oil leaks, whistling, low idling, extreme vibration and even fires.
Are Chevy Malibus good for long distance driving?
Fuel Efficiency: How the Chevy Malibu Performs
The base engine typically provides around 29 MPG combined, while the turbocharged variant can deliver even better efficiency. As you can see, the Chevy Malibu stands out for its fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for daily commutes or long road trips.
Is the Chevy Malibu a reliable car?
The Chevy Malibu is generally considered a reliable midsize sedan with above-average reliability ratings from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. It can last between 150,000 and 250,000 miles with proper maintenance, though some specific model years have reported issues, particularly with the electronic power steering and transmission, so researching the specific year is recommended.
This video provides an in-depth review of the 2008-2012 Chevy Malibu, highlighting its reliability and common issues: 1mTopLineRacerYouTube · Jun 30, 2024
General reliability
- Positive ratings: The Malibu consistently receives positive ratings from sources like J.D. Power and RepairPal, often ranking highly in its segment.
- Expected lifespan: With regular maintenance, the Malibu can last between 150,000 and 250,000 miles, with many owners reporting longer lifespans.
Potential issues and things to consider
- Model year: Reliability can vary significantly between model years, so it's important to research specific years before buying.
- Electronic power steering: Some models, particularly older ones, have reported issues with the electronic power steering system, which can lead to hard steering.
- Transmission problems: Certain years have been linked to transmission issues, such as hard shifting, hesitation, and problems with the pressure control solenoid or shift cable.
- Infotainment system: Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system in more recent models.
- Consumer feedback: While official ratings are generally good, some consumer reviews indicate that the 2023 model's reliability was considered a weaker point compared to its styling and comfort, notes Edmunds.
How far can a Chevy Malibu go?
The Malibu has over a 500-mile driving range on a single full tank of gas.
