March 22--Want Prius economy in a non-Prius package?
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid is back after a six-year hiatus and straining for the top of the most fuel-efficient hybrid list.
Chevy announced today the Malibu midsize sedan hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined, which tops model year 2016 midsize hybrids.
The compact Toyota Prius is the hybrid benchmark, and the Eco model goes long with 56 mpg.
The longer and leaner 2016 Malibu is one size up and much roomier, while being delivered in a more mainstream redesign that has earned high praise, including as a finalist in the 2016 North American Car of the Year (the 2016 Honda Civic won, and for good reason).
It's pretty impressive for a model that despite a 51-year history has spent the past decade emerging from the exiled land of fleet sales.
The hybrid has far better fuel economy than the short-lived 2010 Malibu hybrid, which averaged only 29 mpg combined.
The 2016 Malibu Hybrid uses a direct injection 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a two-motor drive unit based off the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. Electric power fuels the Malibu up to 53 mph, which is on the higher end for hybrids.
It also raises the profile over the competition in the contracting midsize segment.
The Honda Accord Hybrid is technically more efficient at 50 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 47 mpg combined, but it has been notoriously hard to get as Honda switches production from Ohio to Japan, reports John Voelker of Green Car Reports.
The 2017 Accord Hybrid is expected to go on sale in all 50 states this summer, and it likely will hit the magic 50 mpg mark. Until then, here are the rankings of 2016 midsize sedan hybrids.
1. 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid LT: 47 mpg city, 46 highway, 46 combined.
2. 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: 42 mpg city, 48 highway, 44 combined.
3. 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 44 mpg city, 41 highway, 42 combined.
4. 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SE: 40 mpg city, 44 highway, 42 combined.
5. 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE: 43 mpg city, 39 highway, 41 combined.
The Malibu hybrid starts in LT trim at $28,645, including destination. The gas-only LT starts at $25,895, including destination.
rduffer@tribpub.com
