2025 Chevrolet Malibu Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

As the Chevrolet Malibu takes its final bow, we look back at the mid-size family sedan's 60-year history with fondness. The Malibu—named for the seaside town that pairs well with a Beach Boys album—had a good run. In its final year, the 2025 Malibu retains its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission as the sole powertrain offering. It's not quick by any measure, but the sedan offers steady and even acceleration once up to speed. Next to competitors like the Toyota Camry, which comes standard with a zippy hybrid powertrain and is available with front- or all-wheel drive, the Malibu lags. The Malibu's rivals like the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Sonata put a little more salt in the wound by way of vastly superior standard features, leaving the Chevy to feel a little under-geared. All in all, the Malibu may not leapfrog to the top of the segment list, but this four-door isn't a total dog, either. Comfortable seats and considerate ergonomics are its key attributes, complementing a handsome exterior. Throw in an aggressive price, and for some, that may be enough.

What's New for 2025?

This is the sunset year for the Malibu; as such, Chevrolet made no changes for the 2025 model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We recommend buying the LT trim, as it includes more standard features than the lowly LS. The LT comes 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. A blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert system are notably missing but dropping an extra $250 adds the two features.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Unlike many other family sedans, the Malibu is only available with a single powertrain: a dutiful 160-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a CVT. The Malibu won’t be confused for a luxury car, but its ride comfort and quality are above average for this segment. We were impressed by the responsive chassis of all the Malibu models we drove: balanced damping was neither soft nor stiff, and the Malibu could even pass as sporty.

0-60-MPH Times

A 2019 Malibu we tested recorded an average 7.8-second run 60 mph. This combination is slower than similar rivals in our acceleration tests. For those who want a speed demon for the whole family, check out the Hyundai Sonata N Line or the Kia K5 GT, both of which have 290-hp engines that’ll shoot them to 60 mph in about 5.0 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 nets an estimated 30 mpg combined. 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 co*ckpit 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.

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 secondary physical controls.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Although the Chevy sedan is available with all the high-tech assists that help protect modern families, many are optional. 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 many rivals.

• 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

More Features and Specs