2023 Chevy Malibu
MSRP range: $24,700 - $31,500 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Spacious interior with lots of front headroom
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration
- Limited outward visibility
- Dated cabin design
What's new
- Last year's top Premier trim and its larger engine have been discontinued
- All models gain standard safety features
- Part of the ninth Malibu generation introduced for 2016
The current Chevrolet Malibu generation has been around since 2016, and since then it has never quite found a solid footing against other midsize family sedans. It's also the last traditional sedan in Chevy's lineup that is dominated by SUVs and trucks. Perhaps it comes as no surprise that the Malibu is headed out to pasture after the 2023 model year, and it's not likely to be replaced.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT 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 $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$137/mo
Malibu 1LT
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
In its final year, the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu lineup loses last year's top Premium trim and the more powerful 2.0-liter engine it included. Many of the Premier trim's features are still available in the new 2LT trim. It's not all bad news, as all Malibu models now come standard with a handful of advanced driver assist features. Otherwise, the Malibu returns with its weak base engine and dated interior.
While we credit the Malibu's spacious interior and accommodating trunk as some of its best attributes, it falls well short of the mark set by the Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata. More importantly, there's a new Honda Accord on the way, which has the potential to claim class-leading status.
Which Malibu does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest stepping up to the Malibu's top 2LT trim since it doesn't represent a huge price increase and the additional convenience and luxury features make it more competitive against its rivals. We'd also consider adding the optional Driver Confidence packages for their safety features.
Chevrolet Malibu models
The 2023 Malibu is offered in four trim levels: LS, RS, LT and 2LT. All are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (160 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) driving the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $25,795
- MPG & Fuel
- 27 City / 35 Hwy / 30 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.8 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 160 hp @ 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 194.2 in. / Height: 57.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.0 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,135 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 15.7 cu.ft.
Compare the Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia K5
The Kia K5 is currently one of our favorite sedans in the class as it delivers a lot of features for the money and looks sharp. The K5's base engine is more powerful than the Malibu's, and overall it's simply better to drive. It's also offered in all-wheel drive, which is not available with the Malibu.
Chevrolet Malibu vs. Honda Accord
There's a new Honda Accord coming our way in 2023, and initial impressions have it poised to take over the top spot among midsize family sedans. It comes with either a conventional four-cylinder engine or, in the top trims, a hybrid. It comes as no surprise that the Accord's interior is more up-to-date than the Malibu's, both in terms of design and technology features.
Chevrolet Malibu vs. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a close relative to the Kia K5 and benefits from a similar value proposition and features list. As a result, the Sonata bests the Malibu in a number of areas, including performance and comfort. There's also a high-performance Sonata N Line model for drivers seeking a little excitement.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Malibu safety features:
- Teen Driver
- Allows you to program specific vehicle features and functions, track driver behavior, and receive a report showing how the vehicle was used.
- Rear Seat Reminder
- Alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle to prevent you from leaving a child or pet inside the car.
- Driver Confidence I and II packages
- Equips the Malibu with important collision avoidance systems including automatic braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and more.
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FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Malibu a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Malibu both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Malibu gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Malibu has 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Chevrolet Malibu. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu:
- Last year's top Premier trim and its larger engine have been discontinued
- All models gain standard safety features
- Part of the ninth Malibu generation introduced for 2016
Is the Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
To determine whether the Chevrolet Malibu is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Malibu. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Malibu's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Malibu gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Malibu is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?
The least-expensive 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu LS Fleet 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $24,700.
Other versions include:
- LS Fleet 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $24,700
- LS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $25,000
- RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $26,000
- 1LT 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $28,100
- 2LT 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $31,500
What are the different models of Chevrolet Malibu?
If you're interested in the Chevrolet Malibu, the next question is, which Malibu model is right for you? Malibu variants include LS Fleet 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), LS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and 1LT 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT). For a full list of Malibu models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more