What are the differences between the Malibu XL and the Malibu
2 Answers
The main differences between the Malibu XL and the Malibu are as follows: 1. Powertrain: The Malibu offers one powertrain option, equipped with a 1.5T engine that delivers a maximum power of 125kW and a maximum torque of 250Nm. The Malibu XL offers two powertrain options, equipped with 1.3T and 2.0T engines respectively. The 1.3T engine delivers a maximum power of 121kW and a maximum torque of 240Nm, while the 2.0T engine delivers a maximum power of 177kW and a maximum torque of 350Nm. 2. Transmission: The Malibu XL's 1.3T model is paired with a CVT continuously variable transmission, while the 2.0T model is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Malibu is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 3. Different body dimensions: The Malibu has body dimensions of 4855*1845*1476mm with a wheelbase of 2737mm, while the Malibu XL has body dimensions of 4933*1845*1476mm with a wheelbase of 2829mm. The Malibu XL has larger body dimensions and offers better interior space performance.
I drove the previous-generation Malibu for several years before switching to the Malibu XL last year, and the differences are quite noticeable. The eighth-gen Malibu felt solid and substantial overall, like wearing a suit, though the rear seats were relatively cramped. The ninth-gen Malibu XL is noticeably elongated and lowered, giving it a sportier look, with almost an extra fist's width of legroom in the back. In terms of power, the old 1.6T had decent acceleration but high fuel consumption, while the XL's 1.5T averages just 7L/100km in city driving, which is very economical. The biggest interior upgrade is the dashboard—the old model had a heavy plastic feel, while the XL features soft-touch materials and a floating touchscreen that elevates the premium feel. On the road, the XL feels lighter and more agile in corners, and its noise insulation is two levels better than the old model. The main configuration differences lie in active safety features—for example, my XL comes with blind-spot monitoring, which the old model lacked.
