“Be ready to learn how to drive with many buttons. It will make driving an easy task.”
Chevrolet Malibu: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Chevrolet Malibu is a five-seat midsize sedan built for everyday commuting and family transportation. It is known for its roomy cabin, large trunk, simple controls, and fuel-efficient power.
The Malibu has long been Chevrolet’s practical family sedan, offering more passenger and cargo room than many compact cars without requiring a move to an SUV. Across multiple generations, it emphasized comfortable everyday transportation, familiar controls, and sensible four-cylinder power. Later models added easier smartphone connectivity and more standard driver-assistance technology. The Malibu ended production after the 2025 model year.
Strengths
- The cabin gives five people useful space, and the 2025 model had 38.1 inches of rear legroom.
- The trunk is well suited to everyday family use, with 15.7 cubic feet of space in 2025.
- Fuel economy is a strong everyday benefit, with the 2025 Malibu rated at 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- The controls and touchscreen connectivity are straightforward, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard for 2021.
- Every 2023-and-newer Malibu includes the same core collision-warning and lane-support safety suite.
Who it's for
The Malibu suits commuters and small families who want a roomy, conventional sedan that is easy to understand and economical to drive. It is especially worth considering for shoppers who value passenger and trunk space but do not want an SUV.
Chevrolet Malibu lineup
LS is the practical entry point, especially after the lower-priced L disappeared for 2022. RS joined the family in 2019 as the more style-focused version, so it makes sense for shoppers who want a sportier look without moving to the top of the range. LT, later called 1LT, sits between those versions and the flagship trim. Premier was historically the top Malibu and stood apart through 2022 with a stronger turbo engine; it was renamed 2LT for 2023, while later models used the same 1.5-liter turbo engine throughout the lineup.
Chevrolet Malibu generations
From 2009 to 2025, the Malibu spans three generations. The current 9th Generation arrived for 2016, following the 8th Generation (2013–2015).
9th Generation (2016–2025)
The ninth-generation Malibu moved to a longer-wheelbase, lighter design with turbocharged engines, more modern touchscreen technology, and a full hybrid model. A 2019 update refreshed the styling, upgraded the standard touchscreen, and changed the transmission used with the 1.5-liter engine.
216 In Stock
2025
A carryover year with the same four trims and 1.5-liter turbo engine. This was the Malibu’s final model year.
2024
Rear parking sensors became standard on every non-fleet trim.
2023Trim changes
The top trim was renamed 2LT, and the core collision-warning and lane-support safety suite became standard throughout the range.
2022Trim changes
The base L trim left the lineup, making LS the entry trim. An electronic parking brake became standard.
2021
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the lineup.
2020Trim changes
The Hybrid left the lineup, leaving only gasoline-powered models.
2019Mid-cycle update
Chevrolet refreshed the front and rear styling, added the RS trim, made an 8-inch touchscreen standard, and paired the 1.5-liter engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
2018
Selected gas models received a larger fuel tank, while LT gained a Redline appearance package.
2017Trim changes
The 2LT trim left the gasoline lineup. Premier gained a 9-speed automatic, and more trims received Teen Driver safety technology.
2016New generation
An all-new Malibu arrived with a longer wheelbase, lighter body, turbocharged engines, updated technology, and a full hybrid. The outgoing car continued for one year as Malibu Limited.
8th Generation (2013–2015)
The eighth generation introduced a new body and cabin, a quieter interior, and a new engine range. Its lineup included an Eco model with mild-hybrid assistance, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter turbo engine.
13 In Stock
2015Trim changes
The separate Eco model left the lineup. Otherwise, this final year carried over without major styling or mechanical changes.
2014Mid-cycle update
An early refresh revised the front styling, steering, brakes, suspension, and center console. Slimmer front seatbacks added rear knee room, and most 2.5-liter models gained automatic engine stop/start.
2013New generation
The redesigned Malibu arrived with a new body and cabin, improved sound insulation, and a new range of four-cylinder engines.
7th Generation (2008–2012)
This Malibu generation used four-cylinder and V6 engines. Stability control became standard throughout the range in 2009, and every trim received a six-speed automatic for 2011.
2 In Stock
2012
A quiet final year before the 2013 redesign, with minor trim-level equipment reshuffling.
2011Trim changes
A six-speed automatic became standard across the entire lineup, replacing the four-speed previously used by LS.
2010
FlexFuel capability spread to more gasoline models, while the Hybrid shifted to very limited fleet-only availability.
2009
Electronic stability and traction control became standard across the lineup, and the fuel-saving 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic pairing reached more models.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Chevrolet Malibu.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu2024 Chevrolet Malibu2023 Chevrolet Malibu2022 Chevrolet Malibu2021 Chevrolet Malibu2020 Chevrolet Malibu2019 Chevrolet Malibu2018 Chevrolet Malibu2017 Chevrolet Malibu2016 Chevrolet Malibu2015 Chevrolet Malibu2014 Chevrolet Malibu2013 Chevrolet Malibu2012 Chevrolet Malibu2011 Chevrolet Malibu2010 Chevrolet Malibu2009 Chevrolet Malibu
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Malibu a sedan or an SUV?
The Chevrolet Malibu is a four-door midsize sedan. It has seating for five and a conventional trunk, giving shoppers more passenger and cargo room than many compact cars without moving to an SUV.
What is the Chevrolet Malibu known for?
The Malibu is known for roomy, straightforward transportation. Its main strengths are familiar controls, useful touchscreen connectivity, a large trunk, fuel-efficient turbo power in recent models, and a comfortable five-seat layout.
Does the Malibu have enough room for a family?
Yes, the Malibu was designed for commuting and family transportation. The latest version seats five, provides 38.1 inches of rear legroom, and has a 15.7-cubic-foot trunk for groceries, luggage, or everyday family gear.
Does the Chevrolet Malibu come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only in certain used-model eras. Hybrid Malibus appeared within the 2009–2019 span. The 2013–2014 Eco used a mild-hybrid system, while the 2016–2019 Malibu Hybrid used a dedicated 1.8-liter two-motor hybrid system.
Does the Chevrolet Malibu have AWD?
Recent ninth-generation Malibus are front-wheel drive, not AWD. The latest LS, RS, 1LT, and 2LT trims all use front-wheel drive with a 1.5-liter turbo engine and continuously variable automatic transmission.
Does the Malibu support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, many ninth-generation Malibus support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8-inch touchscreen became standard for 2019, and wireless phone connection became standard across the lineup for 2021. Earlier equipment varies by trim.
Has Chevrolet discontinued the Malibu?
Yes. The 2025 Malibu was the final model year, and no 2026 Malibu followed. Used shoppers will still find several generations and trim structures, but the model is no longer in Chevrolet’s new-vehicle lineup.
How do the modern Chevrolet Malibu generations break down?
The seventh generation covers 2008–2012, the eighth covers 2013–2015, and the ninth runs from 2016–2025. One wrinkle is 2016: Chevrolet also sold the outgoing eighth-generation car for that year as the Malibu Limited.
Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
What owners are saying about the Chevrolet Malibu.
4.1
Chevrolet Malibu
(2,425 reviews)
“Chevrolet Malibu is a good and reliable car. The Chevrolet brand is well known and repairs are easy to make.”
“I love my Chevy malibu. I like the my Chevrolet app. I haven't had any problems so far”
“The new Chevrolet Malibu is fun to drive, beautiful to look at, and a pleasure to own. The new enhancements and safety features make it extremely affordable for all that it offers.”
“All around great car. Smooth solid comfortable ride that handles very well on all roads. Plenty of power. Awesome styling and a great Bose sound system. Plus 36 mpg on highway and 28 around town.”
“I love my 2016 Chevy Malibu, It's a great car with wonderful features, spacious, Bluetooth capabilities, push button start, backup camera, and much more.”
Sources
- chevrolet.com.br — Malibu / Trims / Compare
- media.chevrolet.com — Malibu / 2024 / 2024 Chevrolet Malibu
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Malibu / GTK 2015 Malibu 22941527 A
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Multi Model PDFs / 2015MyLinkDetailsBook Camaro Cruze Equinox Malibu SS Volt Trax Spark Spark EV Sonic Traverse
- assets.gm.com — Manuals / Chevrolet / 2014 Chevrolet Malibu Owners
- afdc.energy.gov — Pdfs / My2010 Afv Atv
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Malibu Hybrid / 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Owners