Here's a look at the Malibu's hybrid-powered competition:
Nissan Altima Hybrid, 198 hp, $33,998
Saturn Aura Green Line, 164 hp, $27,575
Toyota Camry Hybrid, 189 hp, $30,660
Toyota Prius, 110 hp, $27,600

If you're more concerned with the environment than saving as much fuel as possible, you can also consider the new Subaru Legacy PZEV, which starts at $26,995. Ford will eventually offer a Fusion Hybrid, too.

Conclusion
The toughest rival to the Malibu Hybrid is actually the Malibu LS, which costs $4,000 less. The combined fuel economy rating of the Hybrid is 7.5 L/100 km, but 8.2 for the LS; that's not much of a difference, so basically, choosing the hybrid would be for the lower emissions rating rather than saving gas.

The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid starts out at $26,995.

But when you compare the numbers, its CO2 output is barely lower than in a 4-cylinder, 6-speed automatic Malibu LTZ which, by the way, is more fuel-efficient on the highway than the Hybrid (6.1 L/100 km vs. 6.2, respectively).

However, this Malibu shares the same virtues as the rest of the model range; it's a comfortable, quiet and good-looking sedan, and you'll probably see a lot of them on the roads in coming years. At best, you'll get compact-car fuel economy in a mid-size package, but you probably won't see Hollywood celebrities stepping out of a Malibu Hybrid anytime soon.


Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert