Expect no significant changes for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. A major re-design is apparently in the works for the 2012 model year, thus Chevy is pretty much standing pat as far as styling and features go for the '10 edition. The five-passenger Malibu sedan for 2010 offers five trims, the base LS, midlevel LT, and high-end LTZ, as well as a single-mode, and a new-for-2010 two-mode Hybrid.

The 2010 Chevy Malibu still packs the standard 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, with the LS and LT trims getting a four-speed automatic transmission, while in a rare departure from ’09 standards, the 2010 Malibu LTZ trim receives a standard six-speed automatic as standard equipment. The 2.4-liter I4 is good for 169 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque at 22/30 mpg with the four-speed transmission and 22/33 with the six-speed automatic. Both the LT and LTZ trims also offer an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine and its accompanying six-speed automatic. This combo is capable of 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque at an EPA-estimated 17/26.

The single-mode Chevy Malibu Hybrid for 2010 packs the 2.4-liter I4 engine and a single electric motor dancing to an estimated 26/34. The new-for-2010 Malibu two-mode Hybrid should pack the 3.6-liter V6 and two electric motors, giving it the capability to run for short, low-speed distances on electric power alone, a feat the single-mode Hybrid can't match. Both, however, will shut down the gasoline engine at a stop. The 2.4-liter Malibu Hybrid is managed by the standard four-speed automatic, while the 2010 Chevy Malibu two-mode Hybrid comes with a constant-velocity transmission (CVT). EPA figures are not unavailable yet for the 2010 Malibu two-mode Hybrid.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the 2010 Chevy Malibu LS include 17-inch steel wheels, cloth front bucket seats, split fold-down rear seats, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning, and a single-CD player with 46 watts of power and six speakers. The LT and both Malibu Hybrid trims add 17-inch polished alloy wheels, suede bucket seats with a six-way adjustable power driver's seat, multilevel front seat heating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, universal remote, the Onstar navigation system, and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. The top-shelf LTZ offers such standard features as 18-inch polished alloy wheels, an eight-way powered driver’s seat and six-way power passenger seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, heated outside mirrors, a 210-watt 6-CD changer with eight speakers and two subwoofers, and, new for 2010, a power rear-window sunshade.

Options for the 2010 Malibu LS include carpeted floor mats, the six-speed automatic transmission, and body-color exterior side moldings. For the LT, Hybrid, and LTZ trim levels, options include the 3.6-liter V6, a Premium Audio Package, a power sunroof, and for the LT, the recently introduced power rear sunshade.

Safety features offered with the 2010 Chevy Malibu include four-wheel ABS, with the LS offering rear drum brakes and the LT and LTZ using rear disc brakes. The ABS system features electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist. Front side-mounted airbags, as well as front and rear head airbags and traction control, and, for the LT and LTZ trims, an anti-skid system also come standard.

Owners of the ’09 Chevy Malibu are disappointed with its poor rear visibility, poorly positioned armrests, cheap interior plastics, small trunk opening, and lack of a voice-activated, DVD-based navigation system. Virtually all owners, however, are lavish in their praise for the Malibu’s quietness, seat comfort, V6 performance, Bluetooth technology, good looks, gas mileage (especially with the single-mode Hybrid), and above all, its plain and simple value for the money.