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2020 Chevrolet Malibu Pros vs Cons

Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

Are You Considering a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu? Here Are Some Reasons For and Against

The Chevrolet Malibu is an economic mid-sized vehicle that will fit the needs of millions of drivers around the world. There aren't many changes in the 2020 model compared to prior models, but there are still a few reasons to be optimistic about the latest edition of the car; there is also a reason or two for a consumer to be less optimistic about the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Those in the market for a midsize car with excellent fuel economy may be pleased with the Malibu.

What's New for 2020?

There's not much to report as far as new renovations in the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Three paint colors offered in 2019 are no longer available: Pacific Blue, Sandy Ridge and Iridescent Pearl. The old are pushed out in favor of Stone Gray and Black Cherry Colors, making their debut in 2020. New wheels are offered in the Premier and RS trims.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu – The Pros

1. The Malibu is Affordable

Oh, yes, the word "affordable" gets potential car buyers giddy when reading about prospective vehicles. Some prices on automobiles aren't ideal for a consumer on a budget. Consumers will have a difficult time finding a 2020 midsize car model with a more affordable MSRP than the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The standard trim features an all-wheel-drive, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission.

2. The Malibu Will Ride Well

It may not be the Pacific Coast Highway outside of Malibu that one is cruising on, but the car will ride smoothly on the highways across the United States. The Malibu offers several different powertrains, all delivering a smooth drive on the roadways. Nobody likes a jerky ride. The good news for a driver is that they won't find that in a 2020 Malibu.

3. Excellent Fuel Economy Means More Cash to Use Elsewhere

There's nothing better for a busy driver to receive immense gas mileage from his or her vehicle. The standard engine may not be as powerful as some other vehicles found on the roads, but the Malibu makes up for it in fuel economy. The mpg found in the base engine is 29 in the city and 36 on the highway. These are attractive numbers for a car of this size. Malibu models with the turbocharged engine don't perform quite as well.

4. The Malibu is Dapper

One typically wouldn't want to drive a vehicle that isn't very aesthetically pleasing. Gawking eyes and unfavored gestures from fellow drivers can be avoided by driving the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. There is nothing ugly about the exterior design of the Chevy. The design is aesthetically pleasing--combine this realization with the other positive attributes of the car and one starts to realize why a Malibu is desirable.

5. Technology Options Are Abundant

The year is 2020 and several vehicle consumers want options when it comes to technology in the automobile. The infotainment system features many options that please passengers and drivers alike. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a mobile wifi hotspot are all offered in the new Malibu. The touchscreen is easy to operate, meaning music or navigation can be handled without much difficulty in the cabin.

6. Safety Matters

The Malibu ranks well when it comes to crash scores. It doesn't offer mind-blowing standard safety features; in fact, only a rearview camera is offered as a driver assistance feature in the standard trim. The list of optional upgrades is long, helping make the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu a safe midsize car.

7. Effortless Handling Calls Consumers to the Driver's Seat

A midsize vehicle shouldn't be hard to handle. Some are, and this can be quite frustrating for drivers. The 2020 Malibu has excellent handling. One can drive comfortably around tight turns and otherwise chancy conditions knowing the handling can be trusted. The enjoyment that comes from great handling and a smooth ride puts smiles on the faces of 2020 Chevrolet Malibu drivers.

8. A Secure Choice

The struggles that come from buying an automobile that strains a person's finances are multiplied when an investment turns into heaps of debt. The cost-efficient attributes of the new Malibu are one thing. Add the bit about the owner having security knowing the Chevrolet is going to perform is another reason to be excited. It's a secure choice for the consumer to make in the midsize car category. In other words, purchasing a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu isn't much of a gamble for the automobile consumer.

9. Spacious Interior Offered in the Malibu

Space in the cabin is nice, especially when one has an ample infotainment system fit for easy access. The front seats seem to be especially roomy, with enough space to build a fort or stretch out during a commute. The sedan fits five people. Also offered are plenty of connectors for car seats in the rear.

10. It's More Than Shabby

People drive automobiles for several reasons. All of these center around transporting people and goods. While most aren't going to buy a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu because of its hauling ability or cargo space, many are going to be interested in it because of the quality offered for a small price tag compared to most of its 2020 competitors.

The choice is acceptable given its chic design, smooth ride on the road and the gas mileage it offers. It's perfect for the crosstown commuter or person who needs a car that will offer reliability. One's investment can go far in a Chevrolet Malibu, and it's hard to argue against buying one. Like most things, there are some reasons the automakers at Chevrolet make consumers turn away from the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu as an option.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu – The Cons

1. A Person Won't Find Fancy in the Interior

Some 2020 models have a bold and innovated interior look to them. This is not the case with the Malibu. While the infotainment offered is supreme, the look inside the cabin needs some renovations. It simply looks old and outdated compared to the chic exterior design from this handsome devil. The inside simply doesn't offer the same excitement of the outside coating does.
The interior materials often feel cheap and distanced from luxury. Low-grade cloth and hard plastic cover too many surfaces in the 2020 Malibu. The steering wheel stalks and control knobs feel arbitrary and could use some updating.

2. Rear Visibility Could Cause Problems

The dimensions of the vehicle don't always offer a wide-space to see other drivers and items out the rear of the vehicle. Yes, the rearview camera comes standard but that isn't enough to make up for some of the poor visibility drivers can get while looking out the rear of the vehicle. Outward visibility is critical when operating an automobile. The latest Malibu falls a bit short in this category.

3. Lack of Safety Features That Come Standard

The base price of the 2020 Chevrolet is easy on the wallet compared to several of its competitors within the midsize car category. While affordability is a wonderful trait of the trim, several of the many driver-assist features come through upgrading the vehicle. The cheapest model deserves some more standard safety features, especially given that Chevrolet takes safety seriously when manufacturing vehicles.
That's not to mention Chevrolet not offering plenty of add-ons in terms of safety features. The Malibu features plenty of them if the driver is willing to pay. Blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning are two of the many options available to help keep the commuters safe during a drive.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu and the Accord from Honda are two common midsize vehicles on the market. The Accord stacks up pretty well against the Malibu. Plenty of safety features come standard in the Honda, as is the ample trunk space and the overall interior look that dazzles. The Accord received nearly flawless safety scores and is a bit superior to the Malibu.
When one compares a Ford Fusion to the Chevrolet Malibu, the gap in the competition closes. Both are similar in how they rank compared to other midsize cars. The Fusion and Malibu are both fine vehicles in a highly competitive category. The Fusion has more room in the rear compared to the Malibu, and the interior feels more polished and modern.
A touchscreen doesn't come standard in a Fusion, but one has the option to upgrade their model to be fitted with one. Much like other competitors, the Ford Fusion offers a wide range of safety standard features. These things lack in the Chevy. The engines are both similar and acceptable in the two models, while the Fusion has a slight edge when it comes to handling.

Conclusion

If consumers are truly honest with their needs in a vehicle, a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu can fit several of them. The Malibu isn't going to overly impress people with luxurious charm or engine performance that blow anyone out of the water, but does that mean it should receive a failing mark? No, considering the purchase price is more than reasonable and the fuel economy offered is beyond great; the Malibu offers plenty of worth.
It is an acceptable choice with plenty of modifications that make it nice for the cost-conscious driver who needs a car to drive throughout the town. Modern infotainment features are nice, and families in 2020 will find this car to be a nice option for them when searching. Some options offer better standard safety features and a nicer feel, but the Malibu is a fine automobile for its price tag. One knows what he or she is getting with the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Much the same as last year's model.

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