Chevrolet gave the Malibu a light refresh this year. The Chevy Malibu gets a new grille that’s wider than last year, along with revamped taillamps. When you visit the Chevrolet dealer in Glenwood, you may notice there’s a new RS trim level, which is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This marks the first time a retail Malibu comes with a CVT. The upper Premier trim gets standard heated outboard seats in the rear, and the infotainment system now has an 8-inch touchscreen.

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has garnered excellent reviews, with the experts at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com writing: “Chevrolet designers have done a good of making the Malibu as attractive inside as it is out. Indeed, the 2019 Malibu has a handsome interior, and we like the infotainment system's mix of big icons and physical knobs and buttons. It's a functional and aesthetically pleasing design, among the most attractive in the midsize-sedan class. ... What’s more, the Malibu’s front seats are comfortable, able to accommodate people of any body size.”

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu seats five passengers. Buyers can choose between five trim levels, listed as L, LS, RS, LT and Premier. There’s also a Malibu Hybrid, which we’re not covering in this review. All models other than the Premier employ a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, teamed to a CVT. The Premier trim is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that produces 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, connected to a nine-speed automatic.

The Malibu with the 1.5-liter four-cylinder block gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg highway.* With the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger, the Malibu checks in with 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Standard features on the L trim include cruise control, air conditioning, a rear-vision camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an 8-inch infotainment display and OnStar. The Premier comes with a high-definition rear-vision camera.

Optional tech features include forward-collision alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. A Wi-Fi hotspot keeps passengers connected, and the navigation setup will route drivers to their destination. Automatic Parking Assist makes parking the Malibu easy. Other available features for the Premier trim include leather seats and automatic climate control.

* All vehicle mileage based on 2019 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.