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2023 Chevrolet Malibu review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Chevrolet Malibu highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Spacious interior
  • Standard driver-assist features
  • Affordable price point

Cons

  • Mediocre performance
  • Older design

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 33 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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2023 Chevrolet Malibu is an affordable family or commute car

The midsize Chevrolet Malibu hasn’t changed much since it was last refreshed in 2019, and it hasn’t had a redesign since 2016. To help it keep pace with newer rivals, the 2023 Malibu did get an update to standard driver-assistance features, adding automatic emergency braking and related features, lane keeping assistance, automatic high-beam control, and a following distance indicator.

Chevrolet offers just one driveline option, and that’s a modest gasoline engine with an automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. According to EPA estimates, the 2023 Malibu will return 27 mpg in city driving and up to 35 mpg on the highway. 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.

The 2023 Malibu is available in four trim levels ranging from the basic through the sporty and winding up with a top trim that offers GPS navigation and a few luxury features. The original price difference separating the various trim levels is not very much, so it pays to look for a high trim level like the LT or 2LT.

All Chevrolet Malibu years

What is new for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?

  • The Malibu is available in a variety of new trims, including the 1LT and 2LT.
  • The LT and Premier trims have been discontinued for 2023.
  • Malibu trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.

2023 Chevrolet Malibu trims

Curious how Chevrolet Malibu trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LS:

  • 160-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
  • Cruise Control
  • Smart Key
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cloth Seats
  • Side Airbags
  • Rear Defroster

1LT:

RS:

Chevrolet Malibu photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

What We Like

Fuel economy: EPA-estimated at up to 35 mpg on the highway, the Malibu is both affordable both to purchase and to drive.

This makes a Malibu an excellent choice for a commuter vehicle or a family vehicle that’s easy on the monthly budget.

Standard driver assistance: The 2023 Malibu gets a good suite of standard driver-assistance features, which you might not find on all trims of a more expensive vehicle. Modern driver assistance really recommends the Malibu for both commuting and family use.

Spacious interior: As a midsize sedan, the Malibu offers plenty of space inside, with a generous trunk. If this is a car where you’ll be spending a lot of time, a little extra breathing room can be the difference between being comfortable and feeling like you're locked in a box.

What Needs Improvement

Modernization: The Malibu was last given a full makeover in 2016, and it hasn’t been substantially updated since 2019. That means the interior design and dashboard tech are well behind other 2023 model year options. If having a current infotainment system is important to you, be sure to take a good look at the dashboard.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

4
Excellent

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 Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu features and specs

LS 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 Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • 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

P205/65R16

Rear tires

P205/65R16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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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