You’ll find the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu in an assortment of unique trims, from the basic L, with steel wheels and cloth seats, up to the Premier, a luxuriously-equipped model with the most safety tech. For the best fuel economy, consider the 46-combined mpg of the Hybrid.
Key Points
- The five trim levels for the 2016 Chevy Malibu include the L, LS, LT, Premier, and Hybrid. Kelley Blue Book fair purchase pricing ranges from about $15,600 in an L to $21,200 in a Premier (as of January 2022).
- Expect the basics in the L, like keyless entry and a small LCD monitor, but for most, the LS is worth an extra $1,200 for things like alloy wheels, floor mats, splash guards, and several other add-ons.
- The 1LT trim opens up a ton of packages, with there being about a $1,700 spread from a base 1LT to one that’s optioned out. The 2LT costs around $300 more and adds alloy wheels and stainless steel dual-exhaust tips.
- Check out the 2016 Malibu Hybrid trim for an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined. The Hybrid has similar available add-ons as the 1LT, but costs roughly $1,500 less when fully equipped, making it a great value among the lineup.
2016 Malibu L Trim is Basic but Still Provides a Turbocharged Engine and a Six-speed Automatic
This basic L trim in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is for the no-frills shopper, sporting features like cloth front bucket seats and steel wheels with covers. Also part of this trim is keyless entry for all four doors and an LCD monitor for the first row. Kelley Blue Book fair purchase pricing starts at around $15,600 as of January 2022 and factored with roughly 73,000 miles.
Under the hood is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with start/stop technology making 163 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired to it is a six-speed automatic transmission (no manual is offered) that’s capable of 30 mpg combined.
2016 Malibu LS Trim Offers Aluminum Wheels, more Modern Tech Like Apple CarPlay and a Rear-vision Camera
The LS includes everything from the L trim but takes it up a few notches with multiple packages, larger wheels, and the same impressive fuel economy. Wheels are upgraded to 16-inch aluminum, and both front seats are six-way manually adjustable. As for electronics enhancements, enjoy a rear vision camera, a larger seven-inch screen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Bluetooth capability. The LS sports the same powertrain setup as the L and runs about $16,800 per KBB.
2016 Malibu 1LT Adds Many Safety Features with Same Engine Options and Multiple Add-on Packages
On top of the LS, the Malibu 1LT also showcases LED daytime running lights, heated outside mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a few other extras. The Malibu 1LT trim is unique in that it offers more optional add-ons than any other model, like the Convenience and Technology Package, for an eight-inch screen extra USB ports, and more.
Add safety with the Driver Confidence Package, with tech like low-speed automatic braking, side blind-spot alert with lane-change assist, or rear cross-traffic alert.
Other add-on bundles include the Driver Confidence Package II for advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control or the Leather Package for heated leather upholstery and a nine-speaker Bose system. Finally, the Sun and Wheels Package adds a sunroof and 18-inch aluminum alloys.
The LT is also available with the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, packing a potent 250 horsepower. Built with standard equipment, a 2016 Malibu LT should cost around $17,600. Opt for all the extras and end up closer to $19,300.
2016 Malibu 2LT Sports New Standard Engine with more Horsepower, Rear Parking Assist, Stainless-steel Dual-exhaust Tips
This trim includes all the available packages from the 1LT trim and offers a few additional features. The radio receives an upgrade with SiriusXM, the mirrors are heated, and parking assist is included. The biggest change for the 2LT trim is the 2.0L is now standard and is paired to a new eight-speed transmission. Further enhancing the look are dual stainless-steel exhaust tips and unique 18-inch wheels. Pricewise, at just $300, the 2LT is definitely worth the cost.
2016 Malibu Premier Trim Carries the Most Advanced Safety and Convenience Tech, and the Highest Price
At the top of the trims, the Premier offers the full gambit of options. Wheel size increases to 19-inch aluminum, automatic climate control is added, and a navigation system is now standard.
Outside, enjoy chrome door handles with body-colored inserts, LED taillamps, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, a standard eight-inch touchscreen with Chevy MyLink, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, perforated leather seats, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel.
In addition to all the packages mentioned in this article, premier trim owners have the option to add the driver convenience package II, with full-range adaptive cruise control, front automatic braking, semi-automatic parking assist, and an electronic parking brake. A maxed-out Premier has a January 2022 KBB fair purchase price of about $21,200.
2016 Malibu Hybrid Trim Delivers an Impressive Average Fuel Economy of 46 mpg, as well as a Full Hybrid Mode when Under 55 mph
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid comes in a single base trim but is closest to the 1LT gas version. The packages offered are the same as well, so shoppers will likely find little differences between the two.
The hybrid does have a different 1.8L four-cylinder gas engine that works in unison with a two-motor drive unit for the battery and an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for the gas engine. The battery is a 1.5 kWh 80-cell configuration that makes the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid capable of full hybrid mode up to 55 mph for the first time.
This powertrain also affords the Hybrid a combined 46 miles per gallon, which is a steal considering it has a KBB fair purchase price of just $17,800 when equipped with all the add-ons.
Bang for Your Buck, the 2016 Malibu Hybrid is the Winner, but the Premier Comes Pretty Close
The Hybrid is the best buy for shoppers that want exceptional gas mileage, and when you compare it to the 1LT after adding all the add-on packages, it costs around $1,500 less. Between the LS and the L, go for the LS, unless basic necessities like floor mats don’t matter to you. The 1LT is not a bad buy, just remember how many extras it’s available with so you get what you want. For $300, the 2LT is a given if you have the option.
As for the Premier, at $21,200, it’s a good way to get everything as standard, especially if you’re interested in having the most advanced safety features.
Photos: Chevrolet
