What are the differences between the Malibu and the Malibu XL?
3 Answers
The differences between the Malibu and the Malibu XL are as follows: 1. In terms of exterior styling, the Malibu and the Malibu XL have completely different appearances. The Malibu has a more mature and steady look, while the Malibu XL leans towards a younger and sportier design. 2. In terms of powertrain, the Malibu XL clearly has higher configurations. The Malibu XL offers two powertrain combinations: a 1.3T+CVT and a 2.0T+9AT. The Malibu (2018 model) only provides one powertrain combination: a 1.5T+6AT. 3. In terms of dimensions, the Malibu XL is larger than the Malibu. The Malibu XL has body dimensions of 4933mm*1854mm*1472mm with a wheelbase of 2829mm, while the Malibu has body dimensions of 4855mm*1854mm*1476mm with a wheelbase of 2730mm.
I've driven my friend's older model Malibu, which has a more traditional design with boxier body lines. The space is adequate but not particularly spacious, and the interior feels basic with a strong plastic vibe. After switching to the Malibu XL, my first impression was that it felt noticeably larger overall, especially with significantly more legroom in the back seats, and the trunk is quite spacious too. Its exterior is more streamlined and sporty, looking several years younger with smooth waistlines and sharper headlight designs that turn heads when driving around. As a daily commuter car, there's a big difference in size and visual style between the old and new models—the older one leans towards稳重实用 (steady and practical), while the new one is时尚大气 (stylish and imposing), which is a huge plus for someone like me who values外观 (appearance). However, I should remind everyone that parking the XL requires some adjustment to its larger size, especially in narrow alleys where it's easier to scrape or bump.
I pay attention to car performance. The old Malibu drives with decent engine response, but the noise is a bit loud, and the fuel consumption in the city can reach around 10L/100km. The acceleration is smooth but lacks excitement. After switching to the Malibu XL, I could feel the powertrain upgrade during the test drive—it starts faster, especially making overtaking on the highway much easier. The fuel consumption has noticeably dropped, now officially rated at around 8L/100km combined, with actual commuting around 9-10L/100km, saving a lot on fuel costs, which is really cost-effective. Additionally, the XL's suspension tuning has been improved, offering better cornering stability, unlike the occasional drift in the older model. These changes have significantly enhanced driving comfort, making it a major upgrade for someone like me who frequently takes long trips, while also reducing maintenance hassles.
