This year marks the end of the line for one of Chevrolet’s longest-running nameplates. The Malibu was first introduced in 1964 as the top-level variant of the Chevrolet Chevelle, and today, it’s a mainstream midsize sedan competing against the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Kia K5. In its final year before its discontinuation, the Malibu carries over virtually unchanged from the prior year.
What’s New
Now that the Malibu has reached the end of production, it isn’t surprising that we see few updates for 2025. The new model year brings a new paint color: Night Shade Metallic. The Malibu received slightly more significant changes for the 2024 model year, when Chevy introduced standard rear parking sensors for all trims, made a tire inflator kit standard and a spare tire optional, and discontinued Convenience Packages 1 and 2.
What We Think
This is your last chance to get a Chevrolet Malibu. Although we expected the midsize sedan to be discontinued after the 2024 model year, Chevy has opted to extend the four-door car’s life for 2025.
Although the Malibu is old compared to its competitors, it still has its merits. It provides a comfortable ride and absorbs impacts competently. Steering feel is decent for a car that was never intended to lap a racetrack.
The Malibu’s shortcomings have begun to stand out as rivals receive full redesigns or significant updates. Material quality inside the cabin leaves a lot to be desired, and the layout of the dashboard looks ancient compared to the clean cockpits of rivals like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The engine is woefully underpowered and not as efficient as its rivals. With no direct successor planned, the Malibu bows out with a fizzle rather than a bang.
Performance and MPGs
Every 2025 Chevrolet Malibu makes do with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a CVT automatic driving the front wheels. Output totals 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Based on our most recent test figures, expect the Malibu to clock the 0-60 mph sprint in a sluggish 8.5 seconds. Most recently, the EPA rated the Malibu at 27/35 mpg city/highway, falling short of the 2024 Honda Accord’s score of 29/37 mpg and the 2024 Nissan Altima’s 27/39 mpg.
The Malibu’s Not-So-Direct Heir
When the Malibu is finally retired, Chevrolet’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas will have an opening for a new model. Rather than replacing its four-door sedan with another vehicle of the same size and class, the automaker will begin to build the next-gen Bolt EV in the Malibu’s place. The new model will arrive in 2025 or 2026.
The last iteration of the Bolt was phased out by December 2023, so this move will fill in the entry-level EV-sized gap in Chevy’s lineup once more. We expect the new Bolt to be a compact SUV or hatchback-sized crossover as it was before. The new Bolt will use GM’s Ultium platform that underpins the other EVs in the automaker’s portfolio.
Safety Ratings and Features
Every 2025 Chevrolet Malibu will receive automatic emergency braking, a lane keeping system, and automatic high-beams as standard equipment included in the Chevy Safety Assist suite. Other features include standard rear parking sensors and optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Malibu has received mixed crash test results. The IIHS gave the 2024 Malibu an incomplete Good score in the small overlap front test, while its original moderate overlap front and original side test results were deemed Good. The Malibu didn’t fare as well in the updated side test, scoring a bottom-rung Poor. Headlights are rated Marginal and its pedestrian front crash prevention system is Poor. LATCH ease of use is also Marginal. NHTSA scores are far more favorable as the 2024 Malibu achieved a five-star overall rating, which includes five stars in the front crash test, five stars in the side crash test, and four stars in the rollover evaluation.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu’s generous rear legroom has been eclipsed by some rivals. The sedan’s cargo space is right in the middle of the pack, however.
|
|
Legroom (front/rear) |
Cargo Space (seats up/down) |
|
2024 Chevrolet Malibu |
41.5/38.1 inches |
15.7 cubic feet |
|
42.8/39.5 inches |
15.1 cubic feet |
|
|
42.3/40.8 inches |
16.7 cubic feet |
Technology
Every consumer version of the Chevrolet Malibu receives an 8.0-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 1LT trims and up receive heated seats while 2LT models come equipped with LED headlights and taillights, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging. A six-speaker audio setup is standard, while the top trim receives a nine-speaker arrangement.
Which 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Trim Level Is Best?
Chevrolet offers the 2025 Malibu in four trims: LS, RS, 1LT, and 2LT. We’d reconsider buying a Malibu altogether, but those who have their hearts set on Chevy’s sedan should stick with the top trim. Every model is mechanically identical, but stepping up to the best version of the Malibu equips many luxuries as standard. The 2LT variant also comes equipped with the best safety tech on offer. Prices could increase for 2025, but we aren’t expecting the 2LT model to sticker for much more than the prior year’s starting price of $33,000.
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