“It's got annoying tech that flashes at you when it thinks you're too close to other cars, and it's got the stupid auto stop that turns on by default, so you have to turn it off every time you start the car.”
2023 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is that Chevy Safety Assist becomes standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
9th generation (2016-2025), late-cycle year after the 2019 refresh.
Chevrolet positions the Malibu as a stylish, comfortable midsize sedan for everyday driving. The pitch centers on sleek exterior lines, a roomy five-seat cabin, a useful trunk, and straightforward tech like a touchscreen with wireless phone integration. Compared with many rivals, Malibu leans more on familiar gas-sedan simplicity than on hybrid efficiency or big performance, making it a fit for shoppers who still want a traditional family sedan instead of an SUV.
The 2023 Malibu remains a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and an 8-inch touchscreen throughout the lineup. The RS emphasizes sporty-looking details, the 1LT adds everyday comforts such as heated front seats and dual-zone climate control, and the top 2LT has leather-appointed seats, ventilation for the front seats, Bose audio, and built-in navigation.
What changed, by category
Safety
Chevy Safety Assist became standard across the lineup. Confirmed standard features include automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning.
Trim lineup
The LT was renamed 1LT. The Premier was dropped, and the more fully equipped 2LT joined the lineup as the top trim.
2023 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 |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 163 hp | 163 hp | 163 hp | 163 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| 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 Steering Wheel | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
The biggest change is standard Chevy Safety Assist on every 2023 Malibu trim. The update gives the full lineup the same core collision-warning and lane-support equipment.
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu a redesign?
No, the 2023 Malibu is not a redesign. It remains part of the ninth generation introduced for 2016 and carries over the familiar exterior shape, cabin layout, and front-wheel-drive sedan format.
Does every 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have Chevy Safety Assist?
Yes, Chevy Safety Assist is standard on every 2023 Malibu. Confirmed standard functions include automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning.
How did the Malibu trim lineup change for 2023?
The LT was renamed 1LT for 2023. Chevrolet also dropped the Premier and added the 2LT as the most fully equipped trim.
What distinguishes the 2023 Malibu 2LT?
The 2023 Malibu 2LT is the most fully equipped trim. It has leather-appointed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, Bose audio, built-in navigation, a heated steering wheel, and driver-seat memory settings.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu.
4.0
2023 Chevrolet Malibu
(110 reviews)
“I do love the Malibu and think it is a great option for daily use. It is versatile in parking spaces and tight areas.”
“Handles great, helps keep me between the lines. Bose sound system is awesome, other interior features are upscale.”