Chevrolet has announced that the 2013 Malibu Eco will start at $25,995—higher than most non-hybrid mid-size sedans, but lower than mid-size hybrid players such as the Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry. The Eco model will spearhead the new global 2013 Chevrolet Malibu’s launch in the U.S. in early 2012—the presumably cheaper gas-only model, powered by a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder, will arrive later.
The Eco’s middle-of-the-road pricing makes sense: it’s a mild hybrid system—essentially the same as Buick’s eAssist—but unlike Toyota’s hybrid system, the electric motor cannot power the car on its own. As a result, fuel-economy estimates are an unexceptional (in the hybrid context) 26 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway; higher than a conventional gas-powered sedan’s, but lower than its hybrid competitors. Furthermore, the Eco’s 2.4-liter four combined with its electric motor/generator is good for 182 hp—less than some competitors’ four-cylinders. For comparison, the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid LE returns 43 and 39 mpg city/highway, packs 200 hp, and is priced from $26,660. That’s not a whole lot more money for markedly better city fuel economy and comparable highway thrift. On the other end of the spectrum, the $21,455 base 2012 Hyundai Sonata—with a six-speed automatic—makes 198 hp and gets 24 and 35 mpg city/highway. At the moment, it appears the Malibu Eco’s pricing may be slightly out of step with its capabilities, but we will reserve judgment until we drive a production model for ourselves.
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