2020 Chevrolet Malibu: Specs, Prices, Ratings, and Reviews (2024)

Chevy keeps engine choices simple in the exclusively-front-wheel-drive Malibu, with most models featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Premier models receive a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four.

The 1.5-liter turbo engine uses a continuously variable transmission, while the 2.0-liter is mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

As a five-seat sedan, the Malibu offers 15.7 cubic feet of cargo volume in its trunk.

The Malibu comes with no standard active safety features, but a clever gradient braking system maintains a constant speed while the car is heading downhill, ensuring drivers don’t have to ride the brakes constantly.

On the LT trim, the Driver Confidence I and II LT Package ($1,095) makes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, and front pedestrian braking. These features require the Enhanced Driver Confidence Package ($2,095) on the Premier trim.

The Malibu comes standard with an 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. On the LS, wi-fi hotspot capability becomes standard, while the range-topping Premier brings navigation and wireless charging.

A modest price hike from L trim brings minor upgrades including and outside temperature display, Chevy's Teen Driver system, and acoustic laminated glass, which helps quieten the cabin.

Buyers can add a remote start with the Convenience Package 2 ($595), which also adds a universal tablet holder, all-weather floor mats, and a cargo net.

Despite being $2,400 more expensive than RS trim, LT models ride on smaller 17-inch aluminum wheels. However, it gains heated outside mirrors, LED taillights, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and remote start.

The $1,590 Leather Package combines a heated leather steering wheel with a leather-wrapped shift knob and leather seats, plus an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The Premier is the only Malibu to get LED headlights and ride on 19-inch wheels, and the only one to have turn signal indicators in its heated power outside mirrors. It’s unique in having a dual-pane power sunroof and a six-way power passenger seat with lumbar control. Heating elements recur in the steering wheel and rear outboard seats which – like the ones in the front – are clad in perforated leather.

Compare Malibu Trims Side-By-Side

While the Malibu has loads of space, the interior design isn’t on par with what others in the segment have. Material quality isn’t good for the class, as numerous surfaces are covered in hard plastics and low-rent cloth. The control knobs and buttons aren’t much better, either. Opting for a dark color scheme results in a drab cabin.

At 15.7 cubic feet of space, the Malibu’s trunk is average for the segment. It does have a wide opening, which should make load and unloading cargo easier.

Well equipped throughout the lineup. Pricing for the Malibu starts at $22,970 including destination. At the price point, the Malibu comes well equipped with all sorts of features.

An 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all included with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. Other features include a six-speaker audio system and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Things only get better as you move up the lineup. The RS trim brings a sportier experience, while the Premier carries features like wireless charging and a dual-pane sunroof.

Mediocre safety features and ratings. Chevrolet doesn’t offer any standard active safety features. It only comes with GM's OnStar system and a rear seat reminder to better peace of mind, but these aren't what today's drivers seek.

The available active safety features are reserved for the LT trim and above, where automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist are bundled into a $1,095 package, among other features. Furthermore, Chevy limits adaptive cruise control to the range-topping Premier trim.

Meanwhile, in testing by the NHTSA, the Malibu earned a four-star overall safety rating. Options like the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Mazda Mazda6 all received five-star overall ratings.

Softness over sportiness. The Malibu has two engines, and while they’re both turbocharged, they emphasize smoothness over sportiness. The majority of the Malibu lineup comes with a 160-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. While the engine produces less than a lot of other base engines in mid-size sedans, it’s still sufficient for daily driving.

Once again, Chevrolet has kept its best option for the high-end Premier, which comes with a 250-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. With the more powerful engine, acceleration is much better and results in a capable cruiser.

Fuel economy is just as varied as performance. The base engine gets great fuel economy with a combined rating of 32 miles per gallon, according to the EPA. The available 2.0-liter engine isn’t nearly as efficient with a combined rating of 26 mpg.

Final thoughts. The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu will meet a lot of consumers’ needs with its well-equipped trims, comfortable ride, and spacious cabin. The base engine gets great fuel economy, too.

Up against competitors, the Malibu struggles to keep up when it comes to quality, safety, and performance. If Chevy could fix the interior, add more safety features as standard, and give one trim a sportier edge, it would fare much better against the competition.

The Accord is an overall better vehicle with more safety features, better fuel economy, better performance, and nicer materials. The Camry is more enjoyable to drive, comes with more safety features, has an available 301-hp V6, and has a more stylish cabin.

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