The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu marks a significant model year in its generation, offering a blend of style, efficiency, and importantly, safety. For prospective buyers and safety-conscious individuals, understanding the safety performance of a vehicle is paramount. This article provides a detailed analysis of the 2019 Malibu’s safety ratings, based on evaluations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), offering an in-depth look at its crashworthiness and safety features.
The Chevrolet Malibu 2019, part of the redesigned models from 2016 onwards, has undergone rigorous testing by the IIHS. These tests are crucial for evaluating how well a vehicle protects its occupants in various crash scenarios. Let’s delve into the specifics of these ratings to understand the safety profile of the Malibu 2019.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation of the Malibu 2019
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, specifically the driver-side corner, impacts an object. This is a challenging test that assesses the vehicle’s structural integrity and the effectiveness of its safety systems in a severe frontal crash.
Rating: Good (G)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test, the highest rating possible. This indicates robust structural performance and effective occupant protection in this type of collision.
Action shot of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test, demonstrating vehicle impact and safety system deployment.
Key Findings:
- Structure and Safety Cage: The structure of the Malibu 2019 held up exceptionally well, maintaining the survival space for the driver. This is crucial in preventing serious injuries in a crash.
- Driver Injury Measures: All injury measures for the driver were rated “Good,” indicating a low risk of significant injuries to the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot in a similar real-world crash.
- Restraints and Kinematics: The driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good.” This signifies that the seatbelts and airbags worked effectively to control the dummy’s movement during the crash, minimizing potential injuries.
Post-crash test view inside the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, illustrating the maintained driver survival space with the dummy’s position relative to key vehicle components.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
The technical measurements from the test provide objective data supporting the “Good” rating.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 9 |
| Footrest | 11 |
| Left toepan | 6 |
| Brake pedal | 2 |
| Parking brake | 11 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 2 |
| Steering column | 1 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 6 |
| Upper dash | 8 |
| Lower instrument panel | 7 |
These measurements indicate the extent of intrusion into the occupant compartment. Lower intrusion numbers generally correlate with better structural performance and reduced risk of injury.
Driver Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 85 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 22 |
| Femur Left/Right (kN) | 0.3 / 0.3 |
| Knee displacement Left/Right (mm) | 1 / 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk Left/Right (%) | 0 / 0 |
| Maximum tibia index Left/Right | 0.76 / 0.43 |
| Tibia axial force Left/Right (kN) | 2.4 / 0.8 |
| Foot acceleration Left/Right (g) | 81 / 28 |
These detailed measurements of forces and accelerations on the crash test dummy provide a comprehensive picture of potential injury risks, all of which were within acceptable limits for a “Good” rating.
Close-up of the dummy’s head movement during the driver-side small overlap test in the 2019 Malibu, showing interaction with airbags and potential for head excursion.
Footwell area of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu post driver-side small overlap crash test, demonstrating maintained space and low risk of lower extremity injuries.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation of the Malibu 2019
While the driver-side small overlap test is critical, the passenger-side evaluation is equally important for overall occupant safety. This test assesses how well the vehicle protects the front passenger in a similar type of frontal crash.
Rating: Marginal (M)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | M |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Acceptable (A) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Acceptable (A) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Marginal (M) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Malibu’s passenger-side small overlap performance is rated “Marginal” overall. While the driver side performed admirably, the passenger side results indicate areas of concern.
Action shot of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu during the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test.
Key Findings:
- Structure and Safety Cage: The structural performance on the passenger side was rated “Acceptable,” lower than the “Good” rating on the driver side. This suggests some asymmetry in structural design or performance.
- Passenger Injury Measures: Head/neck and lower leg/foot injury measures for the passenger were “Acceptable,” while chest and hip/thigh protection remained “Good.” The “Acceptable” ratings point to a slightly higher risk of injury in these areas compared to the driver side.
- Restraints and Kinematics (Passenger): The passenger restraints and dummy kinematics were rated “Marginal.” The dummy’s head slid off the frontal airbag, hitting the dashboard. This indicates a potential weakness in airbag deployment or coverage for the passenger in this specific crash scenario.
- Driver Performance: Interestingly, driver injury measures remained “Good” even in the passenger-side test, suggesting the test primarily highlights passenger-specific vulnerabilities.
Post-crash view of the 2019 Malibu’s passenger side, showing the passenger survival space and dummy position in relation to the dashboard.
Close-up view of the passenger dummy’s head in the 2019 Malibu passenger-side small overlap test, illustrating airbag interaction and head contact with the dashboard.
Footwell area of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu after the passenger-side small overlap test, indicating potential intrusion and injury risk to the lower leg.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 11 |
| Footrest | 13 |
| Right toepan | 7 |
| Center toepan | 2 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 3 |
| Center dash | 7 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 9 |
| Upper dash | 11 |
| Right lower dash | 10 |
Intrusion measurements are generally higher on the passenger side compared to the driver side, reflecting the “Acceptable” structural rating.
Passenger Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 312 |
| Head Peak gs at hard contact | 72 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 20 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.28 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 17 |
| Femur Left/Right (kN) | 2.8 / 0.5 |
| Knee displacement Left/Right (mm) | 1 / 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk Left/Right (%) | 0 / 0 |
| Maximum tibia index Left/Right | 0.76 / 0.77 |
| Tibia axial force Left/Right (kN) | 4.2 / 1.4 |
| Foot acceleration Left/Right (g) | 46 / 71 |
The Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) is significantly higher for the passenger (312) compared to the driver (85) in the driver-side test, supporting the “Marginal” rating due to head contact with the dashboard.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test for Malibu 2019
The moderate overlap front test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacting a deformable barrier. This test is designed to represent a common type of frontal collision.
Rating: Good (G)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test, indicating excellent performance in this more common frontal crash scenario.
Key Findings:
- Overall Performance: The Malibu 2019 demonstrated “Good” performance across all evaluation criteria, including structural integrity and driver injury measures.
- Injury Risk: The risk of significant injuries to the driver in a moderate overlap frontal crash is low, according to the dummy measurements.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest intrusion | 5 |
| Left footwell intrusion | 7 |
| Center footwell intrusion | 4 |
| Right footwell intrusion | 2 |
| Brake pedal intrusion | 3 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement (Left/Right) | 1 / 0 |
| Steering column movement Upward/Rearward (cm) | -1 / -5 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 1 |
These measurements show minimal intrusion into the driver’s footwell and occupant space, contributing to the “Good” structural rating.
Driver Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 203 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 17 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 29 |
| Femur force – Left/Right (kN) | 0.5 / 0.6 |
| Knee displacement – Left/Right (mm) | 1 / 3 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left/Right | 0.40 / 0.50 |
| Tibia axial force – Left/Right (kN) | 2.0 / 1.6 |
| Foot acceleration – Left/Right (g) | 50 / 41 |
All driver injury measures are well within acceptable limits, further reinforcing the “Good” safety rating for moderate overlap frontal crashes.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Test for Malibu 2019
The side impact test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side collision, a particularly dangerous type of crash.
Rating: Good (G)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu received a “Good” rating in the original side impact test, indicating robust side crash protection for both front and rear occupants.
Key Findings:
- Comprehensive Protection: The Malibu 2019 offers “Good” protection for the driver and rear passenger across all measured injury types (head/neck, torso, pelvis/leg) and head protection.
- Structural Integrity: The “Good” rating for structure and safety cage highlights the vehicle’s ability to withstand side impact forces and maintain occupant survival space.
Technical Measurements – Original Side Impact Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -14.5 |
The negative value indicates that the intrusion stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, suggesting good structural resistance to side impact.
Driver Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 303 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 33 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 5.91 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.45 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.1 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 26 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 94 |
These measurements for driver injuries are all within low-risk thresholds, supporting the “Good” rating.
Rear Passenger Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 249 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.7 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.60 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.41 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.1 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.1 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 51 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 101 |
Rear passenger injury measurements are also low, confirming good side impact protection for rear occupants.
Side Impact Crash Test: Updated Test for Malibu 2019 (Model Year 2022 Tested)
It’s important to note that while the original side impact test resulted in a “Good” rating, an updated, more stringent side impact test was later conducted on a 2022 model. Although not directly on a 2019 model, it’s relevant as it reflects evolving safety standards and potential vulnerabilities.
Rating: Poor (P)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Poor (P) |
| Structure and safety cage | Poor (P) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Poor (P) |
| Torso | Marginal (M) |
| Pelvis | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver head protection | Marginal (M) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Pelvis | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Marginal (M) |
In the updated side impact test, the 2022 Malibu (representing the same generation as 2019) received a “Poor” overall rating. This significant downgrade is primarily due to structural issues and inadequate head protection.
Post-crash image of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu in the updated side impact test, showing vehicle deformation.
Interior view of the 2022 Malibu after the updated side impact test with doors removed, highlighting airbag deployment and damage to the occupant compartment.
Key Findings (Updated Side Test):
- Structural Deficiency: The “Poor” rating for structure and safety cage is a major concern. It indicates that the vehicle’s structure did not adequately withstand the forces of the updated side impact test, leading to greater occupant compartment intrusion.
- Driver Head Injury Risk: Driver head/neck injury measures were rated “Poor,” and driver head protection was “Marginal.” Greasepaint on the window sill confirmed that the dummy’s head moved past the side curtain airbag and struck the window sill. This is a critical safety deficiency.
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: Rear passenger head protection was also “Marginal,” with similar head excursion and contact with the window sill.
- Mixed Injury Measures: While head protection was poor, torso and pelvis protection for both driver and rear passenger ranged from “Acceptable” to “Good,” indicating some level of protection in other body regions.
Greasepaint on the driver-side window sill of the 2022 Malibu after the updated side impact test, indicating head contact past the airbag.
Greasepaint on the rear passenger-side window sill of the 2022 Malibu after the updated side impact test, also indicating head contact past the airbag.
Technical Measurements – Updated Side Impact Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -8.0 |
The intrusion measurement is less negative than in the original test (-14.5 cm), indicating greater intrusion in the updated test.
Driver Injury Measures (Updated Test):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 1,178 |
| Head Peak gs at hard contact | 142 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.8 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 55 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 45 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.91 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.70 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 4.7 |
The dramatically higher Head HIC-15 value (1,178 vs. 303 in the original test) clearly illustrates the increased risk of severe head injury in the updated side impact scenario.
Passenger Injury Measures (Updated Test):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 335 |
| Head Peak gs at hard contact | 74 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 2.1 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 49 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 4.0 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 46 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.90 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.92 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 3.9 |
While lower than the driver’s head HIC, the rear passenger’s head injury measurements also indicate a concern in the updated side impact test.
Roof Strength Test for Malibu 2019
The roof strength test measures the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. A strong roof is crucial for protecting occupants in such accidents.
Rating: Good (G)
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,117 lbs |
| Peak force | 16,665 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.35 |
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength, indicating a strong roof structure capable of providing good protection in rollover scenarios.
Key Findings:
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: The strength-to-weight ratio of 5.35 exceeds the IIHS requirement for a “Good” rating, demonstrating a robust roof design.
Head Restraints and Seats for Malibu 2019
Head restraints and seats play a critical role in preventing neck injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions.
Rating: Good (G)
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu earned a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats, indicating effective design in minimizing whiplash injuries in rear impacts.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 16 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 22 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 13.0 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 57 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 28 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 494 |
These measurements confirm that the seat and head restraint geometry and dynamic performance are effective in reducing neck injury risk.
Headlight Ratings for Malibu 2019
Headlight performance is a vital safety feature, especially for nighttime driving. The IIHS evaluates headlights for visibility and glare. The 2019 Malibu has two headlight variations, and their ratings differ.
Headlight Variation 1 (with Driver Confidence I & II Package):
Rating: Marginal (M)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | M |
These headlights, equipped with high-beam assist, received a “Marginal” rating.
Key Findings (Variation 1):
- Low Beam Performance: Low beams were rated as fair on the right side of the straightaway but inadequate on the left and on curves.
- High Beam Performance: High beams offered good visibility on straightaways but were inadequate on curves.
- High-Beam Assist: High-beam assist provides some compensation for low beam limitations.
Headlight Variation 2 (Standard Trims):
Rating: Poor (P)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | P |
The standard headlights without the Driver Confidence packages received a “Poor” rating.
Key Findings (Variation 2):
- Similar Low/High Beam Issues: Similar to Variation 1, low beams were inadequate on the left and curves, and high beams were inadequate on curves.
- No High-Beam Assist: Lack of high-beam assist further degrades performance compared to Variation 1.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle for Malibu 2019
Front crash prevention systems are designed to mitigate or prevent frontal collisions. The 2019 Malibu offers optional systems with varying levels of effectiveness.
System 1 (Driver Confidence Package II):
Rating: Superior
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| System Details | Optional Forward Automatic Braking, Low Speed Front Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert |
This system, part of the Driver Confidence Package II, earned a “Superior” rating.
Key Findings (System 1):
- Forward Collision Warning: Meets requirements for forward collision warning.
- Collision Avoidance/Mitigation: Avoided collision in the 12 mph test and significantly reduced impact speed (by 24 mph) in the 25 mph test.
System 2 (Driver Confidence Package):
Rating: Advanced
| Overall evaluation | Advanced |
|---|---|
| System Details | Optional Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert |
The system in the standard Driver Confidence Package is rated “Advanced.”
Key Findings (System 2):
- Forward Collision Warning: Meets requirements for forward collision warning.
- Collision Avoidance/Mitigation: Avoided collision in the 12 mph test and reduced impact speed (by 9 mph) in the 25 mph test, though less effectively than the “Superior” system.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day) for Malibu 2019
Pedestrian detection and prevention systems are increasingly important for urban safety. The 2019 Malibu offers optional pedestrian front crash prevention.
System 1 (Driver Confidence Package II on LT, Hybrid, Premier trims):
Rating: Basic
| Overall evaluation | Basic |
|---|---|
| System Details | Optional Automatic Emergency Braking/Front Pedestrian Braking |
This system, available on certain trims with Driver Confidence Package II, is rated “Basic.”
Key Findings (System 1):
- Limited Pedestrian Detection Performance: System showed some impact speed reduction in crossing child, crossing adult, and parallel adult scenarios, but only achieved a “Basic” rating, indicating limited effectiveness compared to more advanced systems.
System 2 (Confidence III package on Premier trim):
Rating: Basic
| Overall evaluation | Basic |
|---|---|
| System Details | Optional Automatic Emergency Braking/Front Pedestrian Braking |
A slightly different system, available with the Confidence III package on the Premier trim, also received a “Basic” rating.
Key Findings (System 2):
- Similar Limited Performance: Performance metrics are similar to System 1, resulting in another “Basic” rating for pedestrian front crash prevention.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) for Malibu 2019
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease the installation of child safety seats, making them more secure. The 2019 Malibu’s LATCH system has been evaluated.
Rating: Marginal (M)
| Overall evaluation | M |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim (LS/LT) | LS / LT |
| Seat type | cloth |
The LATCH system in the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu received a “Marginal” rating.
Key Findings:
- Number of Positions: The Malibu 2019 has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and one additional position with a tether anchor only.
- Ease of Use Issues: Lower anchors were rated as too deep in the seat and requiring too much force to attach to, contributing to the “Marginal” rating.
Technical Measurements – Child Seat Anchors
Measurements detail the depth, force, and clearance angles of the lower anchors and tether anchor locations for different rear seating positions. These measurements highlight the challenges in using the LATCH system effectively.
Conclusion: Safety Performance of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu presents a mixed safety profile. It excels in some critical areas, such as driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, roof strength, and head restraints, achieving “Good” ratings. These strengths indicate a solid foundation for occupant protection in common crash scenarios.
However, there are notable weaknesses. The passenger-side small overlap front test resulted in a “Marginal” rating, and the updated side impact test revealed “Poor” performance, particularly concerning head protection in side collisions. Headlight ratings are also either “Marginal” or “Poor” depending on the trim, and pedestrian front crash prevention is only “Basic.” The LATCH system for child seats is rated “Marginal” due to ease-of-use issues.
Overall, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu offers good protection in many frontal and rollover crash scenarios. However, potential buyers should be aware of the “Marginal” passenger-side small overlap and “Poor” updated side impact performance, as well as the suboptimal headlight ratings and basic pedestrian front crash prevention. Consideration should be given to trims equipped with the Driver Confidence packages for improved front crash prevention and marginally better headlights, but the fundamental structural and side impact concerns remain for the 2019 Malibu. For buyers prioritizing top-tier safety across all crash types and scenarios, especially side impacts, further research and comparison with vehicles performing better in the updated side impact test is recommended.
