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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 22 / 32 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 342 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $22,498–$28,347 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.8/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.1/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,498–$28,347, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Malibu sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,498 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 19%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Malibu model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $26,200 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $28,682 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $27,798 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $26,915 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $26,031 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $25,148 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.1/10 | $24,265 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $23,381 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $22,498 | |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $21,615 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 14/06/2018 · 18V400000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not… |
|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 31/05/2018 · 18V358000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure… |
| Electronic stability control (esc) 05/05/2016 · 16V272000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured March 7, 2016, through March 12, 2016. The memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may fail and cause the loss of electronically… |
| Air bags / Side/window 26/10/2016 · 16V781000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured November 18, 2015, to June 7, 2016. The fabric of the side-impact air bag cushion may tear during deployment. |
| Electrical system / Ignition 05/07/2016 · 16V502000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore,… |
Showing 5 of 9 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.