2013 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is an all-new, eighth-generation model with a redesigned body and cabin. Its biggest changes are a quieter structure and a new engine lineup that includes the Eco mild hybrid and a 2.0-liter turbo.

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About the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

8th generation Malibu, first year of the 2013 redesign before the 2014 refresh.

Chevrolet positioned the 2013 Malibu as a mainstream midsize sedan with a more premium feel than the old car. The core pitch was sleek styling, a quieter highway ride, useful everyday technology and strong fuel economy, especially in Eco form. For most shoppers, Malibu’s role was family-sedan duty with a calmer, more upscale feel than buyers might expect from a Chevrolet badge, while still keeping easy front-wheel-drive practicality.

The LS is the straightforward entry model, while the LT adds a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth audio streaming and upgraded cabin trim. Eco focuses on fuel savings with mild-hybrid hardware, and LTZ adds leather, heated front seats and other comfort upgrades. Upper LT and LTZ versions also feature the stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder powers most versions, the new Eco trim uses a 2.4-liter mild-hybrid system, and upper LT and LTZ versions add a 2.0-liter turbo later in the model year. A six-speed automatic is standard throughout the lineup, and the previous flexible-fuel options are dropped.

Styling

The exterior and interior are fully redesigned, with a more aerodynamic shape, projector-beam headlights on several trims and LED taillights on LTZ.

Technology

Bluetooth becomes standard on LS and LT. Eco, LT and LTZ feature a 7-inch touchscreen, while navigation changes from standard to optional on LT and LTZ.

Structural

The redesigned Malibu has additional noise reduction, electric power steering and fully independent suspension across the lineup. Gas models have 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space, up from 15.1, while rear legroom decreases from 37.6 to 36.8 inches.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Chevrolet MalibuLS2 in stock	2013 Chevrolet MalibuLT0 in stock	2013 Chevrolet MalibuEco1 in stock	2013 Chevrolet MalibuLTZ0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, eAssist, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Man Md	Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Man Md	Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Man Md	Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Man Md
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	22 mpg	21–22 mpg	25 mpg	21–22 mpg
MPG Highway	34 mpg	30–34 mpg	37 mpg	30–34 mpg
Horsepower	197 hp	197–259 hp	182 hp	197–259 hp
Torque	191 lb-ft	191–260 lb-ft	171 lb-ft	191–260 lb-ft
Max Towing	1000 lb	1000 lb	1000 lb	1000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	16.3 cu-ft	16.3 cu-ft	13.2 cu-ft	16.3 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36.8 in	36.8 in	36.8 in	36.8 in
Seats	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Navigation System
SD Card Slot
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start

How the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu compares

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu received an unusually early refresh just one year after its redesign. The main change was a broad update that revised the front end, improved rear-seat space, retuned the way the car drives, and updated both four-cylinder engines.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu a redesigned model?

Yes. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu begins the eighth generation with a completely redesigned exterior, cabin and structure, plus new engines, electric power steering and fully independent suspension.

What engines are in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2013 Malibu uses three four-cylinder setups: a 2.5-liter engine in most versions, a 2.4-liter mild-hybrid system in Eco, and a 2.0-liter turbo in upper LT and LTZ versions introduced later in the model year. Every version has a six-speed automatic transmission.

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco a full hybrid?

No. The 2013 Malibu Eco is a mild hybrid that uses eAssist hardware with a 2.4-liter engine. It also has active grille shutters, an efficiency display, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen.

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have a touchscreen and Bluetooth?

Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on the 2013 Malibu LS, while Eco, LT and LTZ have a 7-inch touchscreen. LT also adds Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB port.

How does the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu compare with the 2012 model?

The 2013 Malibu is a full redesign rather than a minor update. It has new four-cylinder powertrains, a quieter body, standard Bluetooth on LS and LT, and a larger 16.3-cubic-foot trunk, although rear legroom decreases from 37.6 to 36.8 inches.