NOTE: Pricing based on data collected August 2009. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
* Aluminum wheels are included in the cost of hybridization.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Chevrolet introduced the Malibu Hybrid in model year 2008. The midsize car seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg. The Chevy Malibu Hybrid achieves only marginal emissions improvements, and its underpowered electric motor does not allow for significant power assist or full electric operation. Indeed, even though General Motors (GM, Chevrolet’s parent company) calls this vehicle a hybrid, it is in reality a conventional vehicle with a hybrid label—something we call a “hollow hybrid”. The Malibu Hybrid’s emissions reductions are primarily derived from its idle-off operation. It cannot run on the electric motor only (a feature that makes a vehicle a “full” hybrid).
Environmental Score
With a paltry 14 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Malibu, the Malibu Hybrid’s Environmental Score rates among the lowest of all current models with a hybrid label. Chevy isn’t sacrificing fuel economy improvements for acceleration boost in this hybrid (like “muscle hybrids” do); it is simply not giving the hybrid enough electric power to get the fuel economy improvement expected of a true hybrid system. GM has announced that it will be revising its “mild hybrid” system for the Malibu Hybrid in 2011 using a 120-volt lithium-ion battery, which is about four times more powerful and 40 percent lighter than the nickel-metal hydride battery in the original Malibu hybrid. The smog-forming emissions performance of the Malibu is also among the worst for any vehicle on our Hybrid Scorecard, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 6. These two factors combined put the Malibu Hybrid nearly at the bottom of the hybrids with an Environmental Score of 3.5.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Chevrolet is charging $3,050 for the hollow hybrid system in the Malibu Hybrid. With such a small improvement in global warming emissions, this puts the Malibu Hybrid nearly at the bottom of the “Medium” range for Hybrid Value.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
One bright spot is that Chevy offers the Malibu Hybrid with standard features similar to the conventional base Malibu, and only adds on $900 worth of extra or upgraded features—upgraded performance tires, floor mats, and body-colored outside mirrors—earning the Malibu Hybrid a commendable Forced Features rating of “$.” This is a marked contrast from GM’s full hybrid SUVs, which have better environmental performance but an extremely high amount of forced features. By using full hybrid technology to improve fuel economy, and keeping the forced features to a minimum, GM would provide consumers with great true hybrid choices.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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