2024 Chevrolet Malibu Review

Trims

2024 Chevrolet Malibu trim comparison

Starting MSRP

Starting Market Average

$26,195

$27,095

$29,195

$32,595

$24,449

$25,813

$27,990

$31,945

MPG

Engine

Drive Type

Seating Capacity

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

27 city/35 hwy

1.5L I4 Turbo

FWD

5 passenger

3 yr / 36k mi

163 hp

OEM Engine Code

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Aspiration

Variable Valvetrain

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Start/Stop System

LFV

Gas

Regular Unleaded

163 hp

5700 rpm

184 lb-ft

2500 rpm

1.5 L

Inline

4 cylinder

Turbocharged

Double Overhead

16 valve

10

27 MPG

35 MPG

30 MPG

Pricing

How much should I pay for the Chevrolet Malibu?

Use the chart below to see how much shoppers are paying for each 2024 Chevrolet Malibu trim on average. This will help you determine how much to pay on a lease, financing, or cash basis. Get upfront price offers from Certified Dealers in your area by selecting a trim and following the steps to build your car.

MSRP

$26,195

Market AverageMarket Avg

$24,449

Average Savings off MSRPAvg Savings

6.7% off MSRP

Build & Price

Average Total Price Paid for Chevrolet Malibu Trims

Price Information

These prices reflect the national market average, based on the sale prices of similar vehicles.

The base model of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu has an MSRP of $26,195, but the average price paid is $24,449 based on 76 transactions from the past 8 weeks.

Shoppers are paying 6.7% less than MSRP.

Reviewed by Perry Stern

Overview

The last of the gas-powered sedans offered by Chevrolet, Malibu has been part of the Chevy lineup since the mid-1960s. The Malibu was refreshed in 2019, and the styling has held up well. With a starting price of around $26,000, the Malibu has a long list of standard features, a spacious cabin, and a sizable trunk, making it an ideal family sedan.

The Malibu's cabin isn't fancy, but it is comfortable, with supportive front seats and reasonable rear-seat legroom. The infotainment system's intuitive design is easy to read, and the 8-inch display screen integrates nicely into the dashboard. Popular features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on all trim levels, connecting to the system wirelessly. All Malibu trims also come with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of advanced driver-assist features.

A turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is the only powertrain option, and while it feels adequate for most situations, its output lags behind that of competitors, including the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia K5. The engine is reasonably fuel-efficient, but the Malibu no longer has a hybrid option, a strike against the Chevy when compared to the competition.

Positives

Intuitive infotainment system. Fuel-efficient engine. Spacious cabin.

Considerations

Only one engine is available. Aging design. Due to be discontinued soon.

Verdict

It may be an older design compared to its rivals, but the Chevy Malibu still offers a roomy cabin and comfortable ride, making it an ideal choice among traditional family sedans.

What's New for 2024

The Chevrolet Malibu carries forward unchanged for the 2024 model year.

Trims and Pricing

The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is available in four trim levels: LS, RS, 1LT, and 2LT. The 1LT is the popular model, and it gets our recommendation as well. We'll explain why.

LS

Priced at $26,195 (including a $1,095 destination fee), the entry-level LS includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a capless fuel fill, automatic on-off headlights, a six-speaker audio system, six-way manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, keyless entry, and keyless start. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

RS

The RS ($27,095) has a performance-oriented look, despite being powered by the same engine as the rest of the lineup. Outside, it has a dual-outlet exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a black Malibu badge. The Chevy "bowtie" badges are black, too. Interior updates are highlighted by an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

1LT

The LT ($29,195) is the first of two luxury-oriented Malibu models. It's equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color exterior mirrors, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights. Inside, it features dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and remote start. We prefer this trim for its low cost and high content level.

2LT

Priced at $32,595, the 2LT is the most well-equipped of the lineup. It has 19-inch aluminum wheels, body-colored mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and a dual-pane sunroof. The infotainment offers navigation and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.

Engine and Performance

The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The engine delivers 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. It's quick enough for most buyers but falls short of thrilling acceleration. Many of the Malibu's competitors have more base and optional power offerings. The Toyota Camry has a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission as its base drivetrain. The optional engine is a 301-hp V6, and the Camry Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with two motor generators for a combined system output of 208 hp. The Honda Accord gets a 192-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or a 204-hp hybrid powertrain.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu's fuel economy is typical of vehicles in its class. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Malibu delivers an estimated 27 mpg during city driving and 35 mpg on the highway. The Toyota Camry LE with the base four-cylinder delivers 28/39 mpg city/highway. The base Hyundai Sonata sedan has EPA ratings of 28/38 mpg city/highway. The fuel-efficient Camry Hybrid offers 51/53 mpg.

Interior

The Chevrolet Malibu boasts a large interior that is right in line with its competitors. It can transport a family of five in simple comfort. There is plenty of head-, shoulder, hip, and legroom for adults throughout the cabin. The interior is attractively styled and well-trimmed. The top-of-the-line 2LT has an abundance of premium-looking soft-touch materials. Lower models get cloth-covered seats instead of synthetic or leather seats.

The Malibu provides generous trunk space, although it is not markedly larger than its competitors. With 15.7 cubic feet of capacity, five passengers will have plenty of room to stow their luggage. With its split-fold rear seat, the Malibu can accommodate larger items. The Toyota Camry is comparable, with 15.1 cubic feet. The Hyundai Sonata has a slightly more spacious 16-cubic-foot trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

One big plus of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is its infotainment system, which uses an 8-inch touchscreen with large, easy-to-see icons. All Malibus have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Befitting its position at the top of the lineup, the 2LT also gets navigation and wireless device charging. Most Malibus come with a six-speaker audio system, while the 2LT has a nine-speaker premium Bose system that delivers clear, rich sound. The Toyota Camry has a 7-inch touchscreen on the lower trim levels and a 9-inch screen on upper models. The Honda Accord sedan provides a standard 8-inch infotainment screen on all models.

Safety

The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu has not yet been officially rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the nearly identical 2023 Malibu received five out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2023 Malibu Good in five crashworthiness categories and Poor in the updated side collision test.

The Malibu offers several active safety and driver-assist features, though many are in optional packages. The Driver Confidence I package (available on all trims) includes rear park assist, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The more sophisticated Driver Confidence I & II package (available on all models) adds automatic headlights, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, following distance indicator, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Enhanced Driver Confidence package (available only on the 2LT) adds adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and an electronic parking brake.

Chevrolet Malibu vs. the Competition

While not leading edge, the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is roomy and comfortable, and it has plenty of trunk space. Its infotainment system is high-tech and easy to use. Numerous electronic driving aids are available, but many are optional and only available on upper-level models. Some are only available on the top 2LT trim. Other good midsize sedan choices include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata, all of which also offer hybrid-powered versions.

Chevrolet Malibu vs. Honda Accord

Chevrolet Malibu vs. Hyundai Sonata

Chevrolet Malibu vs. Toyota Camry

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

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