2020 Chevy Malibu Review
2020 Chevy Malibu Review
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2020 Chevrolet Malibu Review
byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Spacious interior with lots of front-seat headroom
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration from the base 1.5-liter engine
- Limited outward visibility
- Interior looks dated compared to rivals
What's new
- Several optional packages have been renamed
- The Malibu Hybrid has been discontinued
- Part of the ninth Malibu generation introduced for 2016
Overview
First, the good news. The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu rides well on the highway and has a roomy cabin fitted with an easy-to-use infotainment system. It is, at its core, a fundamentally solid midsize sedan. However, it also happens to be surrounded by a deep class of rival sedans that outdo it in a few areas.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu L 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$136/mo for Malibu L
Malibu L
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Like its competitors, the Malibu can be equipped with different powertrains. There are two turbocharged four-cylinder engine options: a base 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter engine. We like the zesty 2.0-liter engine, but the base 1.5-liter engine — the one most commonly found at dealer lots — is sluggish.
On the inside, there's roomy seating up front. But there's less rear legroom compared to what you'll find in some other top sedans, and the overall cabin aesthetic is a bit underwhelming. The report on the infotainment system is mixed, too. GM's Chevrolet Link 3 system features useful smartphone integration and big graphics, but its standard display looks lower-res than the competition.
Overall, the Malibu is an acceptable choice, especially if you manage to get a great deal or are interested in the hybrid version. But we also suggest shopping some of the other Edmunds' top-rated sedans such as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Mazda 6.
Which Malibu does Edmunds recommend?
We used to recommend the hybrid as it provided the best combination of features, performance and value. But since Chevrolet discontinued it this year, the next best choice is the Premier. Yes, it's the most expensive version of the Malibu, but its more powerful engine makes daily driving a lot more enjoyable.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu models
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is a five-seat, four-door midsize sedan that's available in five trim levels: L, LS, RS, LT and Premier. All but the Premier come with the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and CVT automatic combination that sends 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.
The L trim is the base model, but it comes with the bare necessities such as air conditioning and extras such as steering wheel controls, keyless entry and ignition, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The LS, RS and LT all feature increasing levels of content based off the L model. The LS adds some creature comforts such as noise-reducing glass and OnStar, but it really just paves the way for some option packages. The RS adds convenience amenities such as power-adjustable seats and style accessories such as a rear spoiler and unique grille. With the LT, you'll get satellite radio, front-seat heating, and dual-zone climate control with a vent for rear-seat passengers.
The Premier model upgrades to a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a nine-speed transmission that produces 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Feature content is similar to the LT model but with the addition of built-in navigation, a nine-speaker audio system, leather seating and a sunroof, among other features.
Several driver safety aids are optional on the Malibu, including forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning.
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#10 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Malibu from 2008-2022.$446/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.8x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).11.4%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Chevrolet Malibu.
5 star(35%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(28%)
40 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly Nice!
Cory, 09/09/2019
2020 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
I rented a 2020 Malibu with the base 1.5L engine and the CVT transmission which I had initially expected to perform horribly on the highway. I was wrong and this car was a pleasant surprise in almost every regard. I averaged 37 MPG in mixed city/highway driving, the car rode very smoothly and handled better than expected. The seats were comfortable, even on a 5 hour drive and there was … enough space for 4 adults to be comfortable the whole time. The android auto worked flawlessly and the heated seats were quick to warm up and the settings allowed for optimal comfort. Overall, I was highly impressed with this car, particularly because I expected to be disappointed. My lease on my Terrain ends in a few months and I may replace it with a new Malibu. The Malibu handles better, gets better MPG and overall was more fun to drive.
4 out of 5 stars
Sticking with the Malibu
Rick katai, 01/31/2021
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I am a car guy. I absolutely do not like, or need an SUV. It is getting more and more difficult to find a car made by an American manufacturer. That being said, I am very pleased with my Chevy Malibu with the top of the line Premier trim package. It basically loads up the car with all the goodies. I chose the black cherry metallic color with a black and gray interior that garners … many compliments. The 4 cylinder turbo along with the 9 speed transmission gives good performance along with about 30mpg combined city/highway mileage. It is a very comfortable long distance road car. The Bose sound system is very good.
My only complaint and warning to new car buyers is the totally worthless spare tire inflater system instead of an actual spare tire. It does NOT work. My dealer quickly got me an actual tire and jack at no charge.
5 out of 5 stars
Love my Malibu
Barry Cantor, 02/05/2021
2020 Chevrolet Malibu RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
Bought a 2020 RS, the gas mileage is amazing (37 on the highway), the 1.5L engine has plenty of power and the cvt tranny is very smooth. The black bow ties, grill, and spoiler are a great addition to this model. This car looks sharp. The Apple CarPlay is great for all iPhone users. I would recommend this to anyone as a daily commuter.
5 out of 5 stars
Wow!
Gary Gottschalk, 11/19/2020
2020 Chevrolet Malibu LS Fleet 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
I recently rented a vehicle for an extended trip. Given the option of three different makes and models I ultimately selected a Chevrolet Malibu.
I’m a SUV owner and haven’t purchased a sedan in quite sometime.
I was extremely impressed with the Malibu. The driver’s seat was one of the most comfortable I’ve experienced in some time. My last day of driving was approximately 13 hours … in duration with minimal short breaks. I was more relaxed after that drive than I was a week later in my own car after two drives of three hours in duration with an extended lunch break.
I was also very impressed with the gas mileage. While most of my driving was “Highway” driving I was getting 36+ miles per gallon. Amazing!
Comfortable and fuel efficient both.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, so we've included reviews for other years of the Malibu since its last redesign.
2020 Malibu Highlights
L
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,095 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $136/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Malibu models:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Warns the driver of potential obstacles ahead. (Automatic braking is available as an optional extra.)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Informs the driver of vehicles in perpendicular motion behind the car when reversing.
- Pedestrian Detection
- Warns the driver of pedestrians in the roadway and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not take action.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedPoor
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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