10 Best 2016 Midsize Cars for Teenagers

4. 2016 Chevrolet Malibu LS

What’s New?

The all-modern Chevrolet Malibu is more improved than ever and comes with the innovative safety, technology, and performance in a variety of generously fitted models. While researching cars for teenagers, the Malibu is one of the best; it has everything they need. This brilliant, fresh 2016 Chevy Malibu is bigger, stronger, and lighter with enhanced fuel efficiency. One of the best midsize cars on the list, the Chevrolet Malibu is a great option for teenagers and adults alike.

Exterior Features

Lighter and longer than the vehicle it replaces, the 2016 Malibu boasts styling which Chevrolet says is influenced by the present Impala full-size sedan. The vehicle weight has been reduced by nearly 300 lbs., and the new Malibu has both a 3.6-inch wheelbase stretch and 2.3 inches of extra length. The cowl and hood are lower, and the roofline is sleeker for advanced aerodynamics. Active grille shutters are also standard for a few Malibu models.

Interior Features

Thanks to the stretched wheelbase of 2016 Malibu, Chevrolet can address a main complaint about the 2015 model; by adding 1.3 inches of extra rear-seat legroom. Front-seat occupants face the dual-cockpit dashboard design, and the manufacturer says that it’s done a great job of separating the climate system controls from the infotainment system controls. Highlights include a specified storage slot for smartphones and satin-chrome accent trim, and the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen is standard in many versions of the vehicle.

Technology

On top of safety technologies, the 2016 Malibu can be equipped with wireless phone charging, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, automatic park assist technology, front and rear park-assist sensors, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.  It has a fair amount of technology features that teens want like Bluetooth connectivity and the touch-screen interface. Other standard features include keyless entry and satellite radio.

Engine/ Fuel Efficiency

Across the range is the optional 2.0-liter turbo engine which provides a highly engaging driving experience. The modern Malibu puts up excellent economy numbers so far. Models with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine gain 27 MPG City, 37 MPG highway, and 31 MPG combined according to the EPA. On the other hand, those with the 2.0-liter turbo gets 22/33 MPG city/highway and 26 MPG combined. The forthcoming hybrid will get heady 47/46 MPG city/highway 46 MPG combined numbers, according to the EPA.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes ten airbags, and all but the base Malibu L gains a standard reversing camera. Options, based on the trim level, rear cross-traffic alert, include lane-change assist and blind-spot warning, forward collision warning with an automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning, and pedestrian alert with an automatic braking-safety systems.

Posted on May 18, 2023