What brand of tires does the Malibu use?
4 Answers
The Malibu uses Goodyear tires. Taking the 2018 Malibu as an example, it is a mid-size car with body dimensions of 4855mm in length, 1854mm in width, and 1476mm in height, a wheelbase of 2737mm, and a curb weight of 1520kg. The 2018 Malibu features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, with a front-wheel-drive layout. It is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 170PS, a maximum torque of 250Nm, and a maximum power of 125kW, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
My Malibu XL came with Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 tires, size 225/55 R17, and after 30,000 kilometers, the grip performance remains very stable. Actually, Chevrolet often mixes tire brands according to trim levels—for example, the base model might come with Maxxis, while higher trims get Bridgestone Turanza. If you're replacing tires, besides the original matched brands, you could also consider Michelin Primacy 4 for quietness, or Hankook Ventus for better cost performance. The key is to consider your driving habits—if you frequently drive on highways, opt for tires with strong wet performance; for city commuting, prioritize durability and comfort.
Last time I accompanied my friend to the auto repair shop to change tires, his 2018 Malibu was equipped with Bridgestone Ecopia EP300, size 215/60 R16. The mechanic mentioned that this model is compatible with over a dozen tire brands, which is typical for GM vehicles. Popular choices include Goodyear Assurance and Dunlop LM705. He recommended prioritizing tires with H/V speed ratings (210km/h and above), as American cars have strong power output and require higher-performance tires for highway driving.
The original tires for the Malibu are indeed not fixed. For example, my neighbor's top-end 2.0T model came with Continental MC5 tires. When replacing tires yourself, it's recommended to focus on the tire parameters, with mainstream sizes ranging from 215/60R16 to 245/45R18. Japanese tires like Yokohama BluEarth G98 are affordable and wear-resistant, while Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 offers good noise reduction but softer grip. For sportier handling, it's worth spending more on Pirelli Cinturato P7 for better stability. In rainy southern regions, it's best to choose tires with a wet traction rating of A.