Related: GM Revives Malibu Hybrid for 2016
2016 Malibu Update Includes 47 MPG Hybrid
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu received a facelift from the previous model year to offer improved fuel efficiency on a lighter and longer frame. A new hybrid model is expected to offer a combined 47 mpg.

Photo courtesy of General Motors.

Photo courtesy of General Motors.
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu received a facelift from the previous model year to offer improved fuel efficiency on a lighter and longer frame. A new hybrid model is expected to offer a combined 47 mpg, GM announced at the New York International Auto Show.
The mid-size sedan sheds 300 pounds from its predecessor, and will also offer an expanded range of safety features.
While the gasoline model has been a steady fleet favorite, the hybrid powertrain may draw new interest with an estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined. The powertrain is based on the 2016 Volt.
Both Malibu models are powered by a new direct-injected 1.8L 4-cylinder Ecotec engine. The Malibu Hybrid adds to a two-motor drive unit that's been slightly modified from the 2016 Volt drive unit. The hybrid model should produce 182 hp.
An 80-cell, 1.5 kilowatt-per-hour lithium-ion battery pack powers to the electric side of the hybrid system. The Malibu Hybrid can reach up to 55 miles per hour on electricity alone. The gasoline-powered engine kicks in at higher speeds and higher loads.
The next-gen Malibu offers an extended wheelbase that's four inches longer than the previous model. The exterior of the car is 2.3 inches longer in overall length to provide a sleeker shape. The styling was based off the 2014 Impala, with a dual-port grille, according to General Motors.
Other features for the vehicle include available segment-exclusive OnStar 4G LTE in-vehicle connectivity as well as available phone charging, 10 standard air bags with additional safety features available like Forward Collision Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Parking Assist.
The next-gen Malibu comes in four different trim levels: L, LS, LT and Premier trims. The 2016 Malibu will show up in dealerships during the fourth quarter of this year.
Commercial fleets added 7,381 Malibu cars in 2013, while government fleets added 831 units.
More Operations

Turning Fleet Payment Data into Executive Insights
Does data alone drive results in operations?
Read More →
Automotive Fleet Opens 2026 Personal Use Survey for Commercial Fleet Managers
Commercial and corporate fleet managers are invited to share how their organizations handle company vehicle personal-use policies, charges, and driver eligibility.
Read More →
Top 50 Executive Fleets
It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!
Read More →
Gary Van Orden Retires After Nearly Four Decades in Commercial Fleet
From answering customer calls at Ford Motor Company to leading fleet sales across multiple OEMs and a fleet management company, Gary Van Orden's career reflects nearly four decades of leadership in commercial fleet.
Read More →
How Stellantis Plans to Get Ahead of Fleet Downtime
Vehicle acquisition may grab the headlines, but fleet uptime increasingly determines operating success. Darren Bradshaw of Mopar North America gives the details.
Read More →
Hyundai Releases 2027 Commercial Program Incentives
The 2027 Model Year "Fleet Street Incentives" are available to commercial and government fleets.
Read More →
It's All Downhill from Here! Fleet Industry Raises $22,000 for Skilled Trades Scholarships
Work Truck’s Lauren Fletcher and Automotive Fleet’s Chris Brown turned a friendly racing rivalry into $22,000 for automotive technology and skilled trades scholarships.
Read More →The Top 300 Commercial Fleets
The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List
Read More →
Your Local Dealer Knows More Than You Think
Your local dealer can provide an information advantage that extends well beyond courtesy deliveries.
Read More →
