“The Chevy Malibu is an all around good car. It has good security features, room in the front as well as the back. It's not all crowded like most other 4door sedan's.”
2017 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is a new 9-speed automatic transmission for the Premier trim. Otherwise, this is a modest update to the recently redesigned sedan, with broader Teen Driver coverage, a simpler trim lineup, and a few multimedia changes.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
9th generation Malibu, second year after the 2016 redesign.
Chevrolet positioned the Malibu as a sleek, roomy midsize sedan that mixed family-car practicality with better-than-expected style, quietness and easy tech. The brochure leans on its longer wheelbase, generous rear-seat space, low-drag shape, and smartphone-friendly infotainment, while Edmunds highlights the roomy cabin, intuitive touchscreen and tidy handling. For most shoppers, the 2017 Malibu is the everyday sedan choice for comfort, fuel economy and modern connectivity rather than outright sportiness.
For 2017, Chevrolet positioned the L as the simple entry model, while the LS and LT added everyday conveniences such as smartphone integration, a power driver’s seat, and LED daytime running lights. The Hybrid focused on fuel savings with its two-motor system and 49-mpg city rating. Premier paired the stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine with navigation, Bose audio, leather-appointed seating, and heated and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Premier replaced its previous 8-speed automatic with a new 9-speed automatic. The 1.5-liter turbo engine, 2.0-liter turbo engine, and 1.8-liter hybrid system otherwise carried over.
Safety
Teen Driver became standard on LS, LT, Hybrid, and Premier. It was not standard on the base L.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on LS and LT, and the Hybrid received an updated base multimedia setup.
Trim lineup
The LTZ was dropped, leaving L, LS, LT, Premier, and Hybrid trims.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Auto, 2-Motor Dr Unit | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 49 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 43 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 160 hp | 160 hp | 250 hp | |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 129 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.8 cu-ft | 15.8 cu-ft | 15.8 cu-ft | 11.6 cu-ft | 15.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Parental Control System | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
The biggest change is the Premier trim’s new 9-speed automatic transmission, which replaced its previous 8-speed automatic. The rest of the engine lineup remained largely unchanged.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu a redesign?
No. The 2017 Malibu is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2016, so its styling and basic body structure are largely unchanged.
Which 2017 Chevrolet Malibu trims have Teen Driver as standard equipment?
Teen Driver is standard on the 2017 Malibu LS, LT, Hybrid, and Premier. It is not standard on the base L trim.
What changed on the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid?
The 2017 Malibu Hybrid gained Teen Driver as standard equipment and received an updated base multimedia setup. Its 1.8-liter two-motor hybrid system continued.
Did the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu trim lineup change?
Yes. The LTZ was dropped for 2017, leaving L, LS, LT, Premier, and Hybrid trims.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.
4.1
2017 Chevrolet Malibu
(612 reviews)
“I love the features, I love the way the vehicle drives, the car is great on gas and very sporty”
“I loved my car until it started having electrical and brake malfunctions. These safety issues are common yet not recalled, which made me lose trust in the brand.”