The midsize market is a tough nut to crack. The stalwarts of this class; Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry have a major stronghold. But the competition has been mounting an attack, building models that either match or better the stalwarts. Such models include the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Ford Fusion, and the subject of this video review, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Chevrolet did a soft launch of the Malibu early last year with the e Eco mild-hybrid model. Since then, the Malibu lineup has grown with the introduction of the base model 2.5L four-cylinder and the potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2.5L makes 197 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0L turbo produces 259 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Both engines use a six-speed automatic transmission and power goes to the front wheels. Both the 2.5L and Turbo get added bits of chrome trim and dual exhaust ports to help differentiate them from the Malibu Eco. Prices for the Malibu 2.5L start at $22,805 for the base LS model, and the Malibu Turbo begins at $27,410.
