Chevrolet Malibu
By its final year of production, the Chevrolet Malibu was starting to show its age, having not had a significant refresh since 2019. Available in four trim levels, the 2025 Malibu was only offered with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a continuously variable transmission, which delivered adequate power to the front wheels. The cabin may feel a little dated, but it offers effective space for all five passengers plus 15.7 cubic feet of trunk storage. An extensive list of advanced driver-assist features came standard, including automatic emergency braking and Buckle to Drive, which prevents the car from shifting out of Park until the driver’s seatbelt is fastened.
Explore the evolution of the Chevrolet Malibu
Get our expert take on used Chevrolet Malibu models, or view year-by-year changes.
Ninth generation Chevrolet Malibu
One of Chevrolet’s longest-lived nameplates, the Malibu has been a part of the brand’s lineup for most of the last 60 years. Launching the sedan’s ninth generation, the 2016 Malibu came to market with a sleek new shape and styling similar to that of the larger Impala. With ample space for front and rear passengers, the Malibu was available with features like leather trim, heated and ventilated seats, and high-quality materials throughout that gave the sedan an upscale vibe. A seven-inch touchscreen came standard, with higher trims getting a slightly larger eight-inch display. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ were standard on either system.
Two turbocharged engines were available when the 2016 Malibu arrived, including a powerful 250-horsepower 2.0-liter engine on higher trims. Chevrolet also offered the Malibu with its first hybrid powertrain. While the hybrid didn’t deliver much power, its EPA combined estimate of 46 mpg balanced its slow acceleration.
The hybrid was discontinued in 2020.Model highlights
Fuel-efficient hybrid (discontinued in 2020)
Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ (added in 2021)
Sporty-looking RS trim available (added in 2019)
Spacious, comfortable cabin
Powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine (discontinued in 2023)
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2016 - 2025
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
2024 Chevrolet Malibu
2023 Chevrolet Malibu
2022 Chevrolet Malibu
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Highlights
Standard wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™
New Sport Edition appearance package
Buckle to Drive introduced (doesn't allow shift out of park until driver's seat belt is fastened)
Learn more
2020 Chevrolet Malibu
2019 Chevrolet Malibu
Highlights
Refreshed styling
Updated infotainment system
RS Trim added to the lineup
Learn more
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
2017 Chevrolet Malibu
2016 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Malibu an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet Malibu 10th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Malibu is $446, compared to an average of $430 for Midsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Chevrolet Malibu owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.8 times per year, compared to an average of 0.9 times for Midsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Chevrolet Malibu, compared to an average of 12% for Midsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Perry Stern has been writing about cars for almost 30 years and has been an enthusiast for much longer than that. Contributing to multiple automotive publications, Perry drives almost every new car on the market, ranging from base-level Kias to exotic high-performance Lamborghinis. But his favorite is still the 2006 Mazda Miata parked in his garage.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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