What transmission does the Malibu XL use?
3 Answers
The Malibu XL is equipped with two types of transmissions: one is a CVT transmission, and the other is a 9-speed automatic transmission. These transmissions are paired with two different engines: a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Below are the relevant details: 1. The 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 165 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. This engine reaches its maximum power output at 5,600 rpm and delivers peak torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. It features direct fuel injection technology and an aluminum cylinder head and block. This engine is paired with a CVT transmission. 2. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generates 241 horsepower and 350 Nm of maximum torque. It achieves its maximum power output at 5,000 rpm and delivers peak torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. This engine is equipped with variable cylinder technology and also uses an aluminum cylinder head and block. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
I've always been a tech enthusiast and quite knowledgeable about transmissions. The mainstream transmission used in the Malibu XL is the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), especially common in the 1.5T turbocharged version. This transmission works on the principle of two pairs of cone pulleys and a steel belt, dynamically adjusting the gear ratio without fixed gear positions. The advantage is super-smooth acceleration with no jerky shifts, particularly noticeable fuel efficiency in traffic jams, making urban commuting exceptionally comfortable. However, it has its drawbacks, such as less direct power response, louder engine noise when accelerating, and less sporty feel compared to a manual-automatic transmission. Chevrolet chose this configuration to emphasize economy and comfort, using a system developed by GM that also includes a simulated manual mode. It's recommended to regularly check the fluid and perform software updates to avoid early wear issues. Overall, it's well-suited for daily family use with no major flaws, but if you're after driving excitement, you might want to try the higher-spec automatic transmission version.
I've been driving for over a decade and always feel the transmission is the soul of a car. I drive a Malibu XL 1.5T equipped with a CVT continuously variable transmission. It's really worry-free to drive, with super smooth shifting in city traffic jams and almost no sense of impact. It's also quite fuel-efficient – filling up a tank can easily get me over 500 kilometers. The downside is that when overtaking on highways, the acceleration isn't that fast, feeling a bit lacking in power. If I frequently drove on mountain roads, I'd feel it responds a bit slow. Transmission maintenance is simple – the manual says oil change is only needed at 100,000 kilometers, but I get it checked every 50,000. Overall, Chevrolet designed this setup for ordinary people's daily use, and it's flawless. If you're buying a used car, I recommend checking the transmission's historical fault records.
