New Chevrolet Malibu gets a lower starting price

Chevrolet's 2016 Malibu, which has been overhauled with a new sleek look, will have a new, lower base price.

The new version of the midsize sedan carry starting prices ranging from $22,500, including shipping charges, for the base L model to $31,795 for the up-level Premier package. The current lowest priced Malibu is $23,290.

"We've continued our focus on delivering on the highest levels of quality, as evidenced by recent recognition from J.D. Power," said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet cars and crossovers marketing. "The 2016 Malibu is engineered and priced to give customers impressive value and technology."

Comparing these prices to the 2015 is difficult. There are fewer trim levels on the outgoing model. The base engine is a different size -- 2.5 liters. But the three 2015 trim levels -- LS, LT and LTZ -- range in starting prices from $23,290 to $29,145.

Starting, or base prices, don't include the price of optional equipment that is not standard.

The redesigned midsize sedan will come in five trim levels: L, LS, LT, Hybrid and Premier. Standard equipment includes 10 air bags, cruise control, push-button start with passive entry and fuel-saving stop/start technology on the base 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. The Malibu will go on sale before the end of the year.

The LS will start at $23,995 with standard features such as MyLink radio, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, subject to Apple and Google privacy statements, and a rear-vision camera.

The LT starts at $25,895, including the same standard equipment as the LS plus LED daytime running lamps and 8-way power driving seats.

The LT and Premier start at $29,495 and $31,795 respectively, and have the option of a 2-liter turbo ending that GM estimates will get 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. Official EPA estimates are not yet available.

All prices include a $875 shipping charge.

Pricing for the Malibu hybrid will be announced closer to its start of production in spring 2016. Workers at GM's Fairfax, Kan., plant will build the Malibu.