2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Overview

For those seeking a new Chevy sedan, the 2023 Malibu is the best option because, well, it’s the only option. In a segment full of more impressive alternatives—namely the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata—the Malibu is our least favorite. It’s not that we don’t appreciate its comfy interior or pleasant driving character; it’s more that the ‘Bu isn’t as well-equipped as rivals and its cabin is undermined by lackluster materials. Still, we think that, like us, most shoppers will find its exterior styling attractive, and the sedan’s standard turbo four-cylinder engine is potent enough to get from A to B without drawing attention to itself. What the 2023 Chevy Malibu lacks in standard driver assists it makes up for with its roster of desirable infotainment features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, folks who want tech such as blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control can add them—they just cost extra.

What’s New for 2023?

Horsepower fans will be disappointed to learn the 2023 Malibu is losing its most powerful engine. That’s because the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder has been dropped. With it goes the top-level Premier trim, which is essentially replaced by the 2LT. Other than that, Chevy’s family sedan is unchanged.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We recommend buying the LT trim, as it comes with more standard features than the lowly LS. The LT comes standard with 17-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Every LT also features automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, but a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert can be added with the $545 Driver Confidence package. For a sportier look, might we recommend the Sport Edition or Midnight Edition, which add black 19-inch wheels and black body trim.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Unlike many other family sedans, the 2023 Malibu is only available with a single powertrain. There’s also no hybrid or all-wheel-drive option. The Chevy features a dutiful 163-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The version we tested recorded a wholly average 7.8-second zero-to-60-mph time. This combination is slower than similar rivals in our acceleration tests, but it delivered a smooth, even pull. For those who want a speed demon for the whole family, check out the Hyundai Sonata N Line or the Kia K5 GT, which both have 290-hp engines that’ll shoot them to 60 mph in about 5 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In terms of EPA fuel-mileage estimates, the Malibu’s lone engine underperforms the equivalent base powertrains in the Accord and the Toyota Camry. The Chevy is rated at 30 mpg combined, which is 2 mpg less than last year. Still, its turbocharged 1.5-liter managed a respectable 34 mpg over the course of our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. For more information about the Malibu’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

While the Malibu’s interior is not the fanciest or the quietest, it is comfortable and ergonomically friendly. The cabin has competitive passenger space and options, but most alternatives have better outward visibility. The Malibu’s symmetrical dashboard and the large opening beneath the center stack make the cockpit feel spacious. The front seats have a wide base and supportive side bolster, but their back cushions are too narrow for some occupants. The back seat has less legroom than the Accord’s back seat, but it still fit our adult frames. The Malibu boasts a big trunk with ample carry-on capacity; it also has plenty of interior storage space even though it doesn’t lead the class.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Chevy fits every Malibu with a touchscreen infotainment system that includes many desirable options—Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. While the touchscreen interface is easy to interpret, the system is losing ground versus the competition, and it lacks a convenient rotary control knob as a secondary way to interact with the interface.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Although the Chevy sedan can be had with all the high-tech assists that help protect modern families, none of them are standard. For more information about the Malibu’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Malibu has competitive limited and powertrain warranties, but its corrosion protection and roadside assistance are longer than most rivals in this matchup. Likewise, the Chevy offers just one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit while the Camry is covered for two years or 25,000 miles.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

Specifications

Specifications

2019 Chevrolet Malibu 1.5T RS

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED

$25,840 (base price: $25,095)

ENGINE TYPE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement

91 cu in, 1490 cc

Power

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque

184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION

continuously variable automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 11.8-in vented disc, 11.3-in disc

Tires: Continental ProContact TX, 245/45R-18 96H M+S TPC

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 111.4 in

Length: 193.8 in

Width: 73.0 in

Height: 57.6 in

Passenger volume: 108 cu ft

Trunk volume: 16 cu ft

Curb weight: 3184 lb

C/D
TEST RESULTS

Zero to 60 mph: 7.8 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 22.3 sec

Zero to 120 mph: 41.6 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 9.1 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.3 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.8 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph

Top speed (governor limited, mfr’s claim): 130 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g

C/D
FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 25 mpg

75-mph highway driving: 34 mpg

Highway range: 540 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 32/29/36 mpg 

More Features and Specs