The 2015 Malibu offered two gasoline engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-4 and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, both paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Engine options in the 2015 Malibu
The following summarizes the two gasoline powertrains used in 2015 Malibu models:
- 2.5-liter EcoTec inline-4 — 196 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque; paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 — 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque; paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive.
Both engine options were designed to balance daily usability with available performance: the 2.5-liter emphasizes efficiency and smooth operation for everyday driving, while the 2.0-liter turbo provides stronger acceleration and higher performance. The Malibu lineup for 2015 remained front-wheel drive across the board and did not offer a manual transmission option.
Summary
In short, the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu could be equipped with either a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine or a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. Both engines used a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, giving buyers a choice between balanced efficiency and higher performance.