2023 Chevrolet Malibu review
Chevrolet Malibu highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Standard driver-assist features
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Mediocre performance
- Older design
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 33 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $18,998 - $21,998*
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2023 Chevrolet Malibu is an affordable family or commute car
The midsize Chevrolet Malibu hasn’t changed much since it was last refreshed in 2019, and it hasn’t had a redesign since 2016. To help it keep pace with newer rivals, the 2023 Malibu did get an update to standard driver-assistance features, adding automatic emergency braking and related features, lane keeping assistance, automatic high-beam control, and a following distance indicator.
Chevrolet offers just one driveline option, and that’s a modest gasoline engine with an automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. According to EPA estimates, the 2023 Malibu will return 27 mpg in city driving and up to 35 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
The 2023 Malibu is available in four trim levels ranging from the basic through the sporty and winding up with a top trim that offers GPS navigation and a few luxury features. The original price difference separating the various trim levels is not very much, so it pays to look for a high trim level like the LT or 2LT.
All Chevrolet Malibu years
What is new for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The Malibu is available in a variety of new trims, including the 1LT and 2LT.
- The LT and Premier trims have been discontinued for 2023.
- Malibu trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu trims
Curious how Chevrolet Malibu trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLS:
- 160-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
- Cruise Control
- Smart Key
- Overhead Airbags
- Traction Control
- Power Mirrors
- Cloth Seats
- Side Airbags
- Rear Defroster
1LT:
- Includes all features available on the LS
- Front Seat Heaters
- Remote Start
- Power Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Chevrolet Malibu 1LT inventory
RS:
- Includes all features available on the 1LT
- Rear Spoiler
- View our Chevrolet Malibu RS inventory
Chevrolet Malibu photos
What We Like
Fuel economy: EPA-estimated at up to 35 mpg on the highway, the Malibu is both affordable both to purchase and to drive.
This makes a Malibu an excellent choice for a commuter vehicle or a family vehicle that’s easy on the monthly budget.Standard driver assistance: The 2023 Malibu gets a good suite of standard driver-assistance features, which you might not find on all trims of a more expensive vehicle. Modern driver assistance really recommends the Malibu for both commuting and family use.
Spacious interior: As a midsize sedan, the Malibu offers plenty of space inside, with a generous trunk. If this is a car where you’ll be spending a lot of time, a little extra breathing room can be the difference between being comfortable and feeling like you're locked in a box.
What Needs Improvement
Modernization: The Malibu was last given a full makeover in 2016, and it hasn’t been substantially updated since 2019. That means the interior design and dashboard tech are well behind other 2023 model year options. If having a current infotainment system is important to you, be sure to take a good look at the dashboard.
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Ratings & 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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet MalibuChevrolet Malibu features and specs
Curious how Chevrolet Malibu trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
LS 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
160
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.8
Wheelbase
111.4"
Overall length
194.2"
Width
73"
Height
57.9"
Leg room
F 41.5"/R 38.1"
Head room
F 39.1"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P205/65R16
Rear tires
P205/65R16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2023 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LS: 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- RS: 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- 1LT: 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- 2LT: 22 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
The Chevrolet Malibu received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Chevrolet Malibu as 9 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2023 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu:
- 1LT
- 2LT
- Lane Departure Warning
- Sunroof(s)
- Front Seat Heaters
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
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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