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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $25,885–$31,274 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu SL is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, 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 6.7/10 — 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 $25,885–$31,274, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Malibu SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.4/10 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 SL 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 SL 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 $25,885 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 6%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Malibu SL 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 | $34,060 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $33,038 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $32,016 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $30,994 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $29,972 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $28,951 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $27,929 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $26,907 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $25,885 | |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $24,863 | Read review → |
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
