2021 Chevy Malibu LT 0-60

2021 Chevy Malibu 0-60

This is the LT trim, equipped with a 1.5L Turbo 4 producing 160 hp & 184 ft-lbs coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it did alright. I don’t own a timer but it felt like a low 8-second run.

I personally found the CVT in this car to be pretty ho-hum in terms of refinement. It can be clunky driving around town at lower speeds and unusually noisy under hard acceleration, as can be heard at 0:06. If you’re steady cruising, or even in stop-start traffic, it’s not bad at all. I still thought it was more refined than the CVTs in new Nissans, but it’s nowhere near Honda’s level.

This is also a rental car with 30k miles, so it’s entirely possible the noise is unique to this particular Malibu, as a result of all the “spirited driving” it’s inevitably subjected to.

Regardless, it’s a CVT so it was never destined for greatness.

The LT is the second-highest of four trim level in the Malibu range, being above the L and the LS.

Starting at $26,670, the LT base price falls $6,700 short of the Malibu Premier’s $33,370. You’ll have to upgrade to the Premier if you want the 250-hp 2.0L turbo and 9-spd auto.

[scott]

If the CVT in my Honda squealed like that, it would be at the dealer the next day.