What's New
Instead of adding features or making updates, Chevrolet is taking away the Malibu’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 2023. The change leaves the turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the sole powertrain option in the Malibu lineup. Additionally, Chey has discontinued the range-topping Premier trim and replaced it with the 2LT.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Malibu
The midsize Malibu is available in four trims: LS, RS, LT, and 2LT. Prices range from $26,095 (with destination) to $32,595. Prices are slightly higher than last year.
Engine Choices
Chevrolet offers the Malibu with a single engine for 2023. The lineup now comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and routes power to the front wheels. Fuel economy is rated at up to 29 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The midsize Malibu offers seating for up to five and 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk. Rear passengers get 38.1 inches of rear legroom, which is below segment leaders like the Honda Accord.
Safety Features
Every Malibu comes with a lengthy list of standard features that include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam assist, and Chevrolet’s Teen Driver system.
The LS is available with the $545 Driver Confidence Package that brings rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane change alert. Adaptive cruise control is only available on the 2LT trim through the available Driver Confidence and Cruise Package which costs $1,000.
Connectivity
Chevrolet offers the Malibu with a standard eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, six audio speakers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, navigation, and a satellite radio. The 2LT trim is the only one in the lineup to come with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu LS – MSRP From $26,095
The base LS trim doesn’t come with many standard features. The model has 16-inch wheels, automatic headlights, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, power windows, and cloth upholstery.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu RS – MSRP From $27,095
With 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, black badges, dual-exhaust outlets, and body-colored exterior mirrors, the RS trim brings a sportier design. It also comes with power-adjustable front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu LT – MSRP From $29,195
While the LT represents a large jump over the RS trim, it’s where the Malibu starts to feel competitive against other midsize sedans. It comes with 17-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and illuminated vanity mirrors.
The Midnight Edition and Sport Edition cost $895 and bring black elements to the Malibu. The Redline Edition gives the Malibu a sportier design with black badges, black mirrors, a black grille, 19-inch black wheels, and red elements. The package costs $1,195.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT – MSRP From $32,595
The new for 2023 2LT trim is the most upscale one in the lineup. It comes with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, memory settings for the driver, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped shift knob, interior ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and ventilated front seats.
Compare Malibu Trims Side-By-Side
Against newer, more high-tech, and more upscale midsize sedans, the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu fails to be a competitive option. That’s truer than ever with the discontinuation of the available 2.0-liter engine. We don’t recommend the Malibu, but if you’re heart’s set on Chevy’s midsize sedan, the LT is where the Malibu feels remotely competitive to others in the class. The Driver Confidence Package is a must-have, while the other packages are mostly appearance ones that aren’t worth the cost.