Review and specifications
2023 Chevrolet Malibu
Completely redesigned for 2016, the Malibu is much sleeker than the boxy sedan it replaced. A new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine became the base engine, improving fuel economy to 29 mpg overall. A 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder remained the up level engine choice until it was dropped in 2023, and was mated to a new eight-speed automatic. The hybrid powertrain is all new, with dramatically improved fuel economy. Rear-seat room is also much improved, while the car's composed and compliant ride and quiet cabin remain. For 2019, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Chevrolet dropped the hybrid model for 2020. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity was new for 2021. For 2023, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection became standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning became optional. Updates for 2024 included standard rear park assist, which provides alerts identifying nearby objects behind the vehicle. 2025 is the final model year for the Malibu.
- Market value
- $18,425
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Category
- Midsized cars
- Generation began
- 2016
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $18,425
- Retail value range
- $18,000 - $20,375
- Original MSRP range
- $24,700 - $31,500
- Trade-in range
- $15,730 - $18,235
Ratings
- Road test score
- 79/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 50%
- Reliability
- 3/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 27 MPG
- EPA highway
- 36 MPG
- EPA combined
- 30 MPG
- Tested city
- 19 MPG
- Tested highway
- 41 MPG
- Tested overall
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,365
- Cruising range
- 370 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.1 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8.4 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 130 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 53 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 194 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 58 in
- Wheelbase
- 112 in
- Weight
- 3,125 lb
- Maximum load
- 900 lb
- Towing capacity
- 1,000 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 5.5 in
- Front leg room
- 43 in
- Rear head room
- 3 in
- Rear leg room
- 29 in
- Luggage
- 3+2+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 1/5
- Driving
- 4/5
- Styling
- 3/5
- Value
- 2/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 7/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 6/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Chevrolet
<p>Once a purveyor of all things automotive, Chevrolet has shifted its focus toward SUVs and pickup trucks, with the supercar-like Corvette being a notable exception. It has been pioneering with electric vehicles, and it continues to introduce new EVs. Most models have roomy interiors, easy-to-use controls, and good array of standard safety and convenience technology. Several models, however, have poor visibility and lack steering agility. Many Chevrolets rate average or below average for reliability in CR’s rankings, resulting in few carrying our recommendation. The Suburban and Tahoe can keep three rows of passengers comfortable within their enormous cabins. The Silverado pickup truck competes with the best-selling Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 by balancing interior comfort with towing and cargo capability. With some exceptions, used Chevrolets can have reliability issues, but are often less expensive to maintain and repair than competitors.</p>
Vehicle ID: 26088 First published: November 15, 2022 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.