The Chevrolet Malibu is a competitive midsize sedan. Although some cars in this class are sportier or more luxurious, the Malibu is one of the best values in its segment. It’s up against tough competition from the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, but the Malibu is worth a look if you’re after the most bang for the buck in a family sedan.
The sole engine offering in the 2023 Chevy Malibu is a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Performance is adequate with 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This efficient engine scores an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 city/36 highway/32 combined mpg.
Let’s look at the four distinct trims of the Chevy Malibu and find the right one for you.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu LS (starting at $24,400)
The Chevy Malibu LS has some excellent features for a base model at this price point. The standard Chevy Safety Assist safety tech suite bundles many desirable driver assistance tech features. It has a following-distance indicator, forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The standard infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 6-speaker audio system.
Other standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and door locks, push-button start, a backup camera, rear seat reminder, 60/40-split-folding back seats, Teen Driver mode, automatic headlights, and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
Additional options include remote start, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.
When you factor in a $1,095 destination fee, the Malibu has a starting price of $25,495. If you get a Malibu LS with a 60-month loan at 3% interest with no money down, it will have a starting monthly payment of about $458. See 2023 Chevrolet Malibu LS models for sale
2023 Chevrolet Malibu LS includes:
Chevy Safety Assist — This standard safety tech suite installs driver assistance features like a following-distance indicator, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay — These convenient features let you bring up your maps, music, and more on the screen in your car without taking your phone out of your purse or pocket.
Efficient turbo engine — The standard turbocharged engine in the Malibu achieves impressive fuel economy with a combined 32 mpg rating.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu RS (starting at $25,400)
The RS trim adds a sporty appearance package to the Malibu but doesn’t add any performance upgrades. The appearance package includes a rear spoiler, a black grille, black badging, unique 18-inch wheels, and a dual-exit exhaust. A power driver’s seat also comes standard.
Other than those upgrades, the standard and available features for the Malibu RS are essentially the same as those for the base LS trim.
Assuming a 60-month loan with 3% interest and no money down, the Malibu RS starts at about $476/month. See 2023 Chevrolet Malibu RS models for sale
2023 Chevrolet Malibu RS includes:
Dark grille — The stylish black grille and black Chevy “bowtie” badging add to the sporty aesthetic of the Malibu RS.
18-inch wheels — These sporty wheels are unique to the RS trim.
Power driver’s seat — Find the perfect seating position with this convenient feature.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT (starting at $27,800)
The 1LT trim adds some excellent creature comforts to the Malibu while keeping the pricing under the $30,000 mark.
Standard features for the Malibu 1LT include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, remote start, SiriusXM, a rear center armrest, a rear HVAC vent, vanity mirrors, LED daytime running lamps, heated mirrors, and 17-inch wheels.
There are a few attractive appearance packages available for the 1LT model. The Midnight Edition adds dark accents and 19-inch black aluminum wheels, the Sport Edition makes it look more like the RS trim, and the Redline Edition has a stylish black and red trim. A power sunroof is also optional.
The Malibu 1LT starts at approximately $519/month, assuming a 60-month loan at 3% interest with no money down. See 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT models for sale
2023 Chevrolet Malibu 1LT includes:
Heated front seats — If you live in a cold climate, heated seats are a must.
Remote start — The ability to start a car before sliding inside is a handy feature usually found in more expensive vehicles.
Dual-zone automatic climate control — Front-seat passengers can choose the temperature of their choice with the 1LT’s standard dual-zone automatic climate control.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT (starting at $31,200)
The top 2LT trim is the nicest Chevy Malibu you can get. Drivers will appreciate the additions of navigation, an enhanced 8-inch driver information center, a memory driver’s seat and mirrors, an auto-dimming mirror, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, 19-inch aluminum wheels, and LED headlights and taillights. Passengers also will enjoy the Bose premium audio system, ventilated front seats, a power front passenger seat, ambient interior lighting, and a 120-volt power outlet.
The 2LT model has the same three appearance packages that are optional on the 1LT trim. An optional Driver Confidence and Cruise Package adds automatic parking assist, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
The top 2LT model will have a starting monthly payment of about $580 if you get one with a 60-month loan at 3% interest and no money down. See 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT models for sale
2023 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT includes:
Bose premium audio — This premium 9-speaker audio system delivers your music how it’s meant to be heard.
Cooled seats — Ventilated front seats make hot summer days more comfortable.
Wireless charging — No more fussing with cords to charge your phone.
