2020 Chevrolet Malibu review
Chevrolet Malibu highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacious interior with ample front-seat headroom
- Hybrid trim offers high fuel efficiency and brisk acceleration
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration from base 1.5-liter engine
- Limited outward visibility
- Interior looks dated compared to rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 32 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu remains a strong, steadfast American choice
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu represents a solid American-made choice among midsize family sedans, although its competitors have moved at a faster pace of change and innovation. It has a roomy cabin, rides well on the highway and its infotainment system is easy to use. But for 2020, Chevy pulled the plug on what we felt was the lineup’s best model, the Malibu Hybrid, so if you want its smooth power delivery and EPA-estimated 46 mpg combined rating, you’ll have to look at 2019 and earlier models. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov. That leaves just the uninspired base model engine and the optional 2.0-liter turbo engine available only in the priciest Premier trim.
The lack of standard driver assistance features is also an oversight, as many of the Malibu’s contemporary rivals now offer at least a basic bundle in base models. The Malibu is still a strong choice, especially if you can find a good deal or a low-mileage earlier hybrid model. But its rivals have quickly outpaced it.
All Chevrolet Malibu years
What is new for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Malibu trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s) and Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment this year.
- The L trim now comes with Alloy Wheels as standard equipment.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu trims
Chevrolet Malibu photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu
What We Like
Driving: The discontinued hybrid offered the best time behind the wheel of a Malibu, thanks to its smooth and efficient acceleration and braking, and its surprising swiftness. In its absence, we’d only reach for the optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. It makes 250 hp, zips from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and pairs perfectly with the Malibu’s delightful handling agility. Unfortunately, it’s only available in the top Premier trim.
Interior: The Malibu has always punched above its weight with interior quality, and while the 2020 model is showing its age alongside fresher rivals, it doesn’t detract from the inherent quality of materials and appealing soft-touch surfaces. The Malibu isn’t the only one offering an entry-level luxury type cabin, but it’s still an acceptable choice.
Comfort: The Malibu’s hushed interior comes into focus during stressful commutes or long-distance highway travel, and it’s among the car’s best traits. Ample sound deadening keeps outside noise at bay, while the wide and supportive front seats suit nearly all body types. Even the rear seat is finally roomy enough for taller passengers to ride comfortably for stretches.
What Needs Improvement
Transmissions: Chevy replaced a clumsy six-speed automatic transmission paired with the base engine with an equally uninspired continuously variable transmission (CVT). It ekes out a few more mpg, but it’s not exactly an upgrade. Chevy’s unit isn’t quite as refined as other CVTs and is prone to the noisy and unnatural acceleration feel that plagues lesser examples. While we still like the 2.0-liter turbo engine, the nine-speed transmission is also awkward and comes down to software programming aimed at maximizing fuel economy.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.5 out of 5
14 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 8 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Malibu an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet Malibu 10th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet MalibuChevrolet Malibu features and specs
RS 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automatic Transmission
- Rear Spoiler
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
160
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.8
Wheelbase
111.4"
Overall length
194.2"
Width
73"
Height
57.9"
Leg room
F 41.5"/R 38.1"
Head room
F 39.1"/R 37.5"
Front tires
245/45R18
Rear tires
245/45R18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- RS: 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- Premier: 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- L: 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- LS: 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- LT: 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
The Chevrolet Malibu received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Chevrolet Malibu as 9 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Alloy Wheels
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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