“The Chevrolet Malibu are great cars overall, fit for the best lifestyle. Truly a hidden treasure among the car world. Understated for sure but I believe it to be the best vehicle I've ever had.”
2019 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-cycle refresh with reshaped front and rear styling. It is a meaningful update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu
9th generation (2016-2024), mid-cycle refresh year
Chevrolet positions the Malibu as a comfortable, stylish midsize sedan for daily commuting, family use, and long highway drives. The brand leans on its sophisticated look, roomy cabin, quiet ride, easy smartphone integration, and a range that spans basic value trims, a sport-look RS, an efficient hybrid, and a stronger, more upscale Premier. Compared with rivals, Malibu’s identity is more about comfort and straightforward usability than sharp performance.
The 2019 Malibu remains a roomy midsize sedan, with the LT positioned as the everyday sweet spot through heated front seats, remote start, and dual-zone climate control. The RS emphasizes a sportier look rather than extra speed, while the Premier adds the stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine, navigation, Bose audio, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and wireless charging.
What changed, by category
Styling
Chevrolet revises the front and rear styling across the lineup and adds the appearance-focused RS trim with a black grille and badges, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets.
Powertrain
Malibu models with the 1.5-liter turbo engine switch from the previous automatic transmission to a CVT. The new RS uses this same engine-and-CVT combination.
Tech
An 8-inch touchscreen becomes standard on every trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019 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, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, Two-Motor Drive Unit | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 49 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 43 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 163 hp | 163 hp | 163 hp | 163 hp | 250 hp | |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 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 | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 11.6 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 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 Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear 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
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu a major redesign?
No. The 2019 Malibu is a mid-cycle update of the generation introduced for 2016, with refreshed styling, updated technology, a new RS trim, and a transmission change for 1.5-liter models.
How is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu different from the 2018 model?
The 2019 Malibu has revised front and rear styling, a standard 8-inch touchscreen on every trim, a new RS appearance trim, and a CVT replacing the prior automatic on 1.5-liter gas models. The LT also makes heated front seats standard.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS faster than the other 1.5-liter trims?
No. The 2019 Malibu RS is focused on appearance, not added power. It uses the same 1.5-liter turbo engine and CVT as the L, LS, and LT, while adding black exterior trim, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets.
Does every 2019 Chevrolet Malibu use a CVT?
No. The L, LS, RS, and LT use a CVT with the 1.5-liter turbo engine. The Premier pairs its 2.0-liter turbo engine with a 9-speed automatic, while the Hybrid uses a dedicated two-motor drive unit.
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu LT have heated front seats?
Yes. Heated front seats are standard on the 2019 Malibu LT, along with remote start, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver's seat.
2019 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu.
4.1
2019 Chevrolet Malibu
(82 reviews)
“The vehicle is fuel efficient, comfortable to drive, and looks good. I've received many compliments about my vehicle.”
“This car was a dream come true for the first year. Drives and handles very smooth. Then my transmission failed at 44k miles. Chevrolet is repairing it under warranty but so far its taken 2 months and it's still waiting on parts. If you own a Malibu keep your ears open for any strange rattling from under the car. That was how I found the problem.”