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2020 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is the loss of the Hybrid model, making the lineup gas-only. Otherwise, this is a quiet follow-up to the 2019 refresh, with the Premier gaining standard moonroof equipment.
About the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu
9th generation (2016-2025), second year after the 2019 refresh
Chevrolet positions the Malibu as its roomy, easy-to-live-with midsize sedan: a family car focused on comfort, connectivity, and everyday efficiency rather than sportiness. The core appeal is a spacious cabin, simple controls, available turbo power, and a trim range that stretches from basic commuter duty to a more upscale Premier model. Against rivals, the Malibu leans on familiar Chevrolet controls and a straightforward value-minded personality.
The 2020 Malibu lineup ranges from straightforward L and LS models to the comfort-focused LT, while the RS adds sportier-looking trim without a stronger engine. Premier is the luxury and performance step-up, with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, leather seating, built-in navigation, Bose audio, and heated and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The Hybrid model was dropped, leaving the 2020 Malibu with gasoline engines only. Most trims use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while Premier retains a stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Equipment
The Premier’s power moonroof and panoramic moonroof equipment changed from optional to standard.
2020 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, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 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 | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 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 | 15.7 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 Emergency Braking | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
The biggest change is that Chevrolet dropped the Malibu Hybrid for 2020. The remaining lineup uses gasoline turbo engines and otherwise stays close to the refreshed 2019 model.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu a hybrid?
No, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is gasoline-only because the Hybrid model was dropped after 2019. Most trims have a 1.5-liter turbo engine, while Premier has a 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu significantly different from the 2019 model?
No, the 2020 Malibu is mostly a carryover from the refreshed 2019 model. The main differences are the loss of the Hybrid and standard moonroof equipment on Premier.
What became standard on the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Premier?
Moonroof equipment became standard on the 2020 Malibu Premier, including the panoramic roof. Premier also has the lineup’s stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine, leather seating, built-in navigation, and Bose audio.
Which 2020 Chevrolet Malibu trim has the stronger engine?
The 2020 Malibu Premier has the stronger engine: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The L, LS, RS, and LT use a 1.5-liter turbo engine.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu.
4.2
2020 Chevrolet Malibu
(175 reviews)
“Its was amazing in a crash, it's easy to handle lots of room, amazing vehicle. I can't say enough good things about this car. My wife is alive because of her car.”
“The Chevy Malibu offers comfort, technology, sleekness and safety at an affordable price.”