“I love the Chevy Malibu it is very good on gas it also has very good safety features I can put the children in the back and let them use the Wi-Fi is a very good car for the price.”
2018 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a light-update model, not a redesign. The main change is a larger 15.8-gallon fuel tank for the L, LS, and LT gas trims, along with a few equipment and appearance updates.
About the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
9th generation (2016-2025), third year before the 2019 styling and infotainment refresh.
The 2018 Malibu is Chevrolet’s midsize sedan for drivers who want a roomy cabin, clean styling, strong highway comfort, and multiple efficiency choices without moving into an SUV. Chevrolet’s own materials emphasize fuel economy, available safety tech, and easy-to-use infotainment, while reviewers note the Malibu’s spacious interior and composed ride. In this lineup, the Malibu’s identity is practical daily transportation with a more polished look and feel than many basic family sedans.
The L is the simple daily-driver version, while the LS adds a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear camera. The LT builds on that with a power driver’s seat and LED daytime running lights, while the Premier stands apart with a stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine, leather-trimmed seating, navigation, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Hybrid focuses on fuel-saving commuting while retaining useful LT-style comfort and technology.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The L, LS, and LT gas trims received a larger 15.8-gallon fuel tank. Their engines and transmissions carried over.
Styling
Chevrolet added Sandy Ridge Metallic paint and introduced a Redline appearance package limited to the LT trim.
Tech
Remote start became standard on the LT and Hybrid after being optional for 2017. There was no lineup-wide touchscreen or infotainment upgrade.
2018 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 Drive 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 | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 163 hp | 163 hp | 163 hp | 250 hp | |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 130 lb-ft | 260 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 | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu redesigned?
No. The 2018 Malibu remained part of the ninth generation introduced for 2016 and received only light equipment and appearance updates.
What changed on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu compared with the 2017 model?
The 2018 Malibu gained a larger 15.8-gallon fuel tank on the L, LS, and LT gas trims, standard remote start on LT and Hybrid, Sandy Ridge Metallic paint, and a Redline appearance package for LT. The engines, transmissions, major cabin technology, and overall design otherwise carried over.
Which 2018 Malibu trims received the larger fuel tank?
The gas-powered L, LS, and LT trims received the larger 15.8-gallon fuel tank. The Hybrid and Premier are not identified as receiving this change.
Did remote start become standard on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes, remote start became standard on the 2018 Malibu LT and Hybrid after being optional on those trims for 2017. This change did not apply across the full lineup.
What is different about the 2018 Malibu Redline package?
The Redline package is a new appearance package for the 2018 Malibu LT. It changes the car’s presentation rather than its engine, transmission, or basic structure.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.
4.1
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
(372 reviews)
“It drives amazing!!!!!!..the MPG is the best part lol..I love how they added more technology to the car making it safer to drive and reliable all around.”
“Reliable, comfortable, great interface with my smartphone. Only complaint is a known issue - “shift to park" warning when in park. Unable to leave vehicle until cleared by pressing shifter button repeatedly. Minor inconvenience.”