View Photos of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
Behind a facelift and a new RS badge hides GM's new continuously variable automatic transmission—and it works surprisingly well.
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu receives a mild facelift and a new RS trim level, but the real news is the addition of a continuously variable automatic transmission on certain models. Read the full story here.
The updated Malibu is the first retail application of General Motors's new CVT transmission, which pairs only with the Malibu's entry-level 160-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four.
At the test track, the Malibu RS accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is 0.4 second quicker than the previous Malibu 1.5T fitted with a conventional six-speed automatic.
Up-level Malibus continue to employ a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The 2019 Malibu 1.5T's EPA city and combined fuel-economy estimates both improve by 2 mpg to 29 and 32 mpg, while its highway rating remains 36 mpg.
Our 2019 Malibu RS test car averaged 25 mpg with us and returned 34 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test loop.
Pricing for the 2019 Malibu starts at $22,965 and the new RS trim level starts at $25,095.
The Malibu's RS trim level is only for show, adding 18-inch wheels, dark chrome trim, and black Chevy bow ties; there are no mechanical upgrades over other Malibu models.
Our RS test car circled the 300-foot skidpad with a decent 0.88-g of lateral grip and stopped from 70 mph in 167 feet.
Unlike the more expensive and powerful Honda Accord Sport, the 2019 Malibu RS does not offer a manual-transmission option.
The Malibu's CVT, known internally as VT40, is GM's first since 2005.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
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