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

Fleet Has a Talent Pipeline Problem. What Comes Next? | AF News Recap
Where will fleet’s next generation of leaders come from? This week, we’re looking at the industry’s talent pipeline, what certification can add to a fleet career, how to build an award-worthy track record, and the return of Automotive Fleet’s Personal Use Survey.
Read More →
Smith System Launches Driver Risk Management Program
Fleets have more driver data than ever, but identifying risky behavior doesn't necessarily correct it. Smith System's new Driver Risk Management program combines monitoring, training, and follow-up coaching to help fleets connect risk signals with driver intervention.
Read More →
Automotive Fleet Opens 2026 Personal Use Survey for Commercial Fleet Managers
Less than two weeks left! Commercial and corporate fleet managers are invited to share how their organizations handle company vehicle personal-use policies, charges, and driver eligibility.
Read More →
From AI Prompts to AI-Generated Safety Songs | AF News Recap
Can better prompts make AI more useful for fleet managers? This week, we’re breaking down smarter fleet analysis, an AI-assisted experiment that turned safety training into music, and what happened to fuel prices in August.
Read More →
How to Write Better AI Prompts for Fleet Analysis
Include these six elements in your fleet prompts to generate more relevant analysis and accurate answers.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Eric Kilgore
This edition of the Fleet Meets series features one of the industry's best leaders driving multi-market and national operations.
Read More →
Why Reactive Fleet Management Is Becoming Too Expensive to Sustain
Research highlights a growing need for proactive management strategies to address rising costs in fleet operations effectively.
Read More →
What Your Fleet KPIs Aren’t Telling You
Tracking fleet metrics is only useful when the data leads to better decisions. This guide helps fleet leaders assess cost, utilization, and downtime more accurately, identify performance gaps, and prioritize the actions that can improve operational results.
Read More →
Hidden in Plain Sight: Fleet Compliance Risks
Fleet compliance isn't just about having policies — it's about consistently enforcing them. This practical guide reveals six hidden compliance risks common in public sector and shared fleet operations and outlines proven strategies to improve visibility, accountability, and audit readiness
Read More →
Turning Fleet Payment Data into Executive Insights
Does data alone drive results in operations?
Read More →