Is the Malibu Front-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive?

[Frieda]

The Malibu is front-wheel drive. All models of the 18th generation Malibu adopt a front-engine, front-wheel-drive design. Advantages of Rear-Wheel Drive: First, under normal road conditions, rear-wheel-drive vehicles have an inherent advantage during acceleration. Since the engine is located at the front, the vehicle's center of gravity naturally shifts backward during launch, significantly increasing the traction of the rear wheels, which serve as the driving wheels. A well-balanced weight distribution further enhances acceleration and ride comfort. Characteristics of Front-Wheel Drive: Lower manufacturing cost is a primary consideration for automakers during design and production. Compared to rear-wheel drive, front-wheel-drive designs are less expensive both in terms of design and assembly. Front-wheel-drive vehicles do not require a rear driveshaft or rear differential, and their transmission systems differ from rear-wheel-drive setups, featuring fewer and more centralized components. This facilitates easier arrangement of other systems, such as braking, fuel lines, and exhaust systems, in the lower part of the vehicle.

[Fonseca]

I've been driving a Malibu for three years, and this car has a standard front-wheel-drive layout. The push-back feeling from the front wheels during acceleration is very stable, especially when turning on rainy days—the front-wheel grip is more reliable than that of rear-wheel-drive cars. As a mid-sized family sedan, the front-wheel-drive structure keeps the middle hump on the rear floor very low, making it much more comfortable for the middle passenger when the car is fully loaded with five people. Most of GM's B-segment cars, like the Regal, use the same front-wheel-drive platform. Front-wheel-drive cars have higher transmission efficiency, and the actual fuel consumption is about 1.5 liters lower than my old rear-wheel-drive Mondeo. Maintenance costs are also much cheaper, especially when replacing the drive shaft. However, in snowy conditions, it's still safer to switch to winter tires.

[DeKhloe]

When discussing the Malibu in car clubs, we often talk about its drivetrain configuration. This car adopts the classic design of a transverse engine paired with front-wheel drive, where power is directly transmitted from the transmission to the two front wheels, eliminating the need for a driveshaft running under the car. This layout optimizes interior space, and I've personally tested that the trunk can fit three 28-inch suitcases. Compared to rear-wheel-drive cars, the Malibu has a smaller turning radius, making it particularly agile for U-turns on narrow city streets. Although the front-wheel-drive structure reduces the handling limits, it's actually more user-friendly for daily commuting. Remember to regularly check the wear on the front tires, as the drive wheels typically wear out faster than the rear ones.

[VonSpencer]

As an auto mechanic, I've lifted many Malibu chassis. The most straightforward way to identify drivetrain configuration is by observing the undercarriage structure: front axles have half-shafts connected to the hubs, while the rear axle only has suspension components - this is the hallmark of FWD. The engine bay layout in FWD vehicles is more compact, making spark plug replacement slightly troublesome as it requires removing the intake manifold, but transmission repairs are significantly simpler than in RWD cars. The Malibu's drive wheel bearings and brake pads require more frequent replacement - I recommend inspections every 30,000 km. The FWD design enables lighter drivetrain weight, delivering about 10% better fuel efficiency than RWD vehicles with equivalent displacement, though you may notice slight torque steer during hard acceleration.