2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Performance

Chevy gave the 2025 Malibu a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine making 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s combined with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. That combination provides modest acceleration and power, making the Malibu an excellent commuter with a smooth ride and agreeable driving dynamics. Chevrolet tuned the suspension for comfort, and the car can easily soak up the worst road conditions.  

The EPA hasn’t detailed fuel economy estimates for the 2025 Malibu yet, but the 2024 model returned solid gas mileage. The turbo-four and CVT combination returns 28 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. Those are healthy numbers from a car without a hybrid option, adding to Malibu’s already strong value proposition.  

Exterior

The 2025 Malibu has striking styling elements that give it an imposing stance and eye-catching curb appeal. Its sleek front end houses a large grille with unique shapes, and the sporty RS trim has blacked-out accents that give the car a sinister look. The sculpted sides add interesting lines and depth to the profile, and 16-inch wheels come standard. Higher trims add larger wheels in sizes up to 19 inches.

Interior

The Chevrolet Malibu’s cabin isn’t the fanciest space, but it’s practical, comfortable, and spacious. It offers seating for five people on standard cloth upholstery, and higher trim levels are available with perforated leather. Heating and ventilation are also available in more expensive configurations. There is plenty of room for passengers in both rows, and adults can ride comfortably in the back. The Malibu offers comfortable ergonomics, and outward visibility is good in all directions.   

Front passengers enjoy 39.1 inches of headroom and 41.5 inches of legroom, while people in the back seat have 37.5 inches of headroom and 38.1 inches of legroom. Those are solid numbers for such a small car, and they make the Malibu a practical companion for families and people who regularly need to transport multiple passengers. The trunk space measures 15.7 cubic feet.  

Technology

The 2025 Malibu comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, six speakers, and push-button start. Higher trims add navigation, wireless charging, SiriusXM radio, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, a Bose nine-speaker stereo, and dual-zone automatic climate controls.   

Chevrolet’s infotainment software offers one of the best interfaces in the business. Menus are clearly labeled and easy to understand, and the system is responsive and quick. The colorful system offers crisp graphics with easily viewable text from both front seats. Its ease of use makes it less distracting than many others while driving.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Chevy Safety Assist comes standard with all Malibu models, bringing forward collision alerts, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and following distance indicators. An HD rearview camera, rear parking sensors, teen driver mode, and buckle-to-drive are also standard.  

The mechanically identical 2024 Malibu received an overall 5-star rating from the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).