2019 Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is expected to remain one of Chevy's best-selling vehicles. It definitely among today's most rewarding midsize sedans. While your family will appreciate the Malibu's ample interior space and smooth ride, you will enjoy its predictable handling and good gas mileage. A stronger turbocharged engine makes the range-topping Malibu Premier especially entertaining to drive.

With the competition in the midsize sedan segment being so tough, Chevy decided to give the Malibu a mild makeover for 2019. Its new front and rear styling will appeal to a lot of people. Meanwhile, a new continuous variable transmission seeks to improve fuel economy. You can also take advantage of the sedan's latest Infotainment 3 system.

You now have a total of five Malibu trims to choose from: L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier. Let's see what separates these trims.

 

Compare the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu L vs LS Trims. What is the difference?

If you're on a limited budget, the base Malibu L deserves a thought. Like so many other entry-level models, it sacrifices some style. A basic set of steel wheels make the Malibu L look a bit plain compared to the upper trims.

Motivating the Malibu L is a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Chevy rates it to produce 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. To improve fuel efficiency, Chevy has replaces last year's six-speed automatic transmission with a new CVT. All versions of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu feature front-wheel drive.

There are some convenient features inside the base L trim. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes it easier for you to obtain a relaxed driving position. Some of the standard in-vehicle technology includes an OnStar communications system, an 8.0-inch touch screen, and keyless ignition. While no advanced driving aids are found on the base Malibu L, you will benefit from a new HD backup camera. Remote engine start and a power-adjustable driver's seat are optional.

Because the Malibu LS is not much more expensive than the base Malibu L, it's probably the better buy. While a set of 16-inch alloy wheels give the sedan a bit more style, a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot gives you all-day access to the internet. Designed to give parents more control, Chevy's Teen Driver technology makes the Malibu LS even more attractive.

Compare the 2019 Malibu LS vs RS Trims. What is the difference?

The Malibu RS has an especially sporty look. It comes outfitted with dual exhaust outlets and a slick set of 18-inch black chrome wheels. Unfortunately, no performance upgrades are found on the Malibu RS.

Chevy also gave the Malibu RS with a few interior upgrades. Unlike the lower LS trim, it comes standard with a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob give you more reason to like the Malibu RS.

Compare the Malibu RS vs LT Trims. What is the difference?

Although the Malibu LT doesn't look as sporty as the Malibu RS, it does benefit from LED running lights and taillights. Meanwhile, heated mirrors help you to quickly remove frost of cold days. A smaller set of 17-inch wheels also come equipped on the Malibu LT.

Don't expect the Malibu LT to feel noticeably more luxurious than the Malibu RS. Nevertheless, comfort is enhanced by heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Your passengers sitting in the back will appreciate the rear-seat air vents. Satellite radio is another one of the Malibu LT's standard features. A Leather package is optional.

The biggest advantage of getting the Malibu LT is the availability of advanced safety technologies. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors are found in the Driver Confidence package. Stepping up to the Driver Confidence II package equips the Malibu LT with forward collision alert and lane-keep assist.

Compare the Malibu LT vs Premier Trims. What is the difference?

If you want the cream of the crop, look no further than the Malibu Premier. This is by far the most luxurious trim in the lineup. It's the only Malibu model that comes equipped with the larger 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A nine-speed automatic transmission also helps liven up the sedan's performance.

Like the sporty RS trim, the Premium trim comes standard with dual exhaust outlets. However, a different set of 18-inch alloy wheels come equipped on the Malibu Premier. You can also upgrade the Malibu Premier with 19-inch wheels.

Upon stepping inside the top-of-the-line Premier trim, you'll experience a stronger sense of luxury. Not only will you enjoy ventilated front seats, but your rear passengers can enjoy heated seat cushions. There's also more technology inside the Malibu Premier. A Bose premium sound system adds more entertainment. Some of the other upgrades include wireless phone charging, navigation, and an HD touch-screen display. Chevy offers a power dual-pane sunroof as an option.

While Chevy's available driver-assist safety technologies don't come standard on the Malibu Premier, they are available as options. Aside from the previously mentioned Driver Confidence and Driver Confidence II packages, you can also get the Premier trim with a Driver Confidence III package. It provides adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and active parking assist.  

Final Thoughts

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has a good selection of trims to choose from. Even the budget-minded Malibu L deserves a test drive. Although the Malibu L's wheels look less appealing, you'll be rewarded with a good number of interior features. GM's OnStar communications system and Chevy's new touch-screen infotainment system are the biggest highlights.

By spending a little more than $1,000 extra, you can get the better equipped Malibu LS. The Wi-Fi spot alone is well worth it. If you have a young driver at home, you will certainly be thankful for the Teen Driver system.

Young buyers who are looking for a cool ride will like the Malibu RS. Although the Malibu RS does not deliver the performance of a true sports sedan, it definitely looks the part. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob make the interior feel just a bit more upscale.

If you don't mind going without the RS trim's sporty touches, you'll find the Malibu LT to be a good option. Rear-seat air vents, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control help create a more comfy ride. Most importantly, Chevy offers advanced safety technologies like blind-spot detection and lane-keep assist on the Malibu LT.

There's a noticeable price difference between the Malibu LT and the range-topping Malibu Premier. Nevertheless, this is hands-down the most exciting Malibu trim. Its stronger turbocharged engine is bound to make you crack a smile. You can also take advantage of the Malibu Premier's additional creature comforts, which include ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Remember, no other trim in the lineup can be equipped with automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Key Features

Chevy's previous MyLink infotainment system is now a thing of the past. The all-new Infotainment 3 system is a big-time upgrade. After you get the hang of using the new interface, it'll be very easy to operate. Large virtual buttons and a responsive touch screen enable you to quickly select apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on every new Malibu. A higher resolution display screen comes in the luxurious Malibu Premier.

Most Malibu buyers will be getting the base 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Although this engine isn't noted for its strong performance, you will enjoy good gas mileage. The new continuous variable transmission has increased the Malibu's fuel economy to 29 mpg in town and 36 mpg on the freeway. Unfortunately, you can only get the larger 2.0-liter engine on the Premier model. This engine gives the sedan a big increase in power. While the Malibu Premier's 26-mpg fuel economy rating isn't bad, you will need to use premium unleaded gas.

When checking out the new 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, you will have access to some helpful safety features. By compiling a detailed report of their teenager's driving habits, Chevy's Teen Driver system enables parents to experience less anxiety. This valuable feature comes standard on most Malibu trims. Although advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking are only offered on the Premier trim, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist are available on the LT model. These technologies work remarkably well in real-world driving situations.

Fortunately, Chevy doesn't force you to pay extra for its award-winning Onstar communications system. By simply pressing a red button, the system can link you to an emergency respondent. However, OnStar isn't just for emergencies. It also provides turn-by-turn driving directions and allows you to make hands-free calls while on the go. Vehicle diagnostic reports are available as well through OnStar.

Aside from the base LS model, every Malibu trim provides a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot. From business people to kids, this is a cool feature that everyone can benefit from. Multiple devices can access the hot spot at once, which is good news for the families who spend a lot of time riding together.