2023 Chevrolet Malibu Review: The Sedan That Time Left Behind

2023 Chevrolet Malibu: The midsize sedan segment is not what it used to be. Once the heart of the American car market, it has been squeezed from every direction. SUVs steal the families. Compact cars steal the commuters. And the remaining sedans? They have to be exceptional to matter. The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is not exceptional. It is competent, comfortable, and completely unremarkable. And in a segment stacked with genuinely impressive alternatives, that is a problem.

Chevrolet has been selling the Malibu in its current form since 2016. That is seven years without a major redesign. Seven years of rivals evolving, improving, and leaving it behind. The 2023 model year brings a few changes, but none of them address the car’s fundamental issues. The 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine is gone. The Premier trim is gone. What remains is a single 160-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo with a CVT, and a cabin that feels like a time capsule from the mid-2010s.

The Malibu is not a bad car. It rides smoothly, handles competently, and offers user-friendly technology. But it is also dated, underpowered, and outclassed by fresher, better-equipped rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. For buyers who simply need a reliable sedan at a reasonable price, the Malibu gets the job done. For anyone looking for excitement, refinement, or modern design, there are better choices.

Our Take

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is the definition of adequate. It does not offend. It does not excite. It simply exists, a fading remnant of an era when American sedans mattered. The ride is plush, the infotainment is easy to use, and the fuel economy is solid. But the cabin feels dated, the seats become uncomfortable on long trips, and the 160-horsepower engine struggles when you need to merge onto a busy highway.

Car and Driver gave it a 6 out of 10, noting that “the Malibu isn’t a bad car, it’s that it has grown stale compared with its more impressive and evolved peers”. That is a polite way of saying it has been left behind. And honestly? I think they were being generous.

Pros

• Polished, cushioned ride quality that absorbs road imperfections well
• Intuitive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Solid fuel economy with EPA-estimated 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined mpg
• Spacious trunk with 15.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity
• Easy-to-use controls and straightforward cabin layout

Cons

• Dated cabin design with cheap materials and uninspired styling
• Uncomfortable front seats that become tiring on longer drives
• Underwhelming 160-horsepower engine lacks power for highway merging
• Below-average rear-seat legroom compared to rivals
• Less engaging to drive than competitors like the Accord and Camry
• Can’t turn off the auto start/stop system, which becomes annoying

What’s New for 2023

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu received a few updates, but none of them are significant enough to change the car’s position in the market. The biggest change is the discontinuation of the 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That engine, along with the top-level Premier trim, has been dropped. The 2LT trim now serves as the range-topping model, essentially replacing the Premier.

Chevrolet also added more standard safety features for 2023, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist across all trims. The 2LT trim offers leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and other premium features. But the core of the car remains unchanged. The Malibu is still built on a platform that dates back to 2016, and it shows.

Exterior Design: Attractive but Familiar

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is not an ugly car. In fact, its exterior styling is one of its stronger attributes. The sleek profile, the coupe-like roofline, and the aggressive front fascia give it a sporty appearance that still looks decent after all these years. Car and Driver noted that “most shoppers will find its exterior styling attractive,” and it is easy to see why.

But attractive is not the same as fresh. The Malibu has been on the market since 2016, and the design has aged. It is not embarrassing, but it is not exciting either. Compared to the sleek, modern lines of the Kia K5 or the bold styling of the Hyundai Sonata, the Malibu looks like a car from a different era. It is the kind of design that does not offend, but it also does not inspire.

Driving Experience: Smooth but Dull

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is a comfortable car to drive, and that is about the best thing you can say about it. The suspension is tuned for a plush, cushioned ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease. It is the kind of car that makes you feel relaxed on a long highway drive. The steering is light and easy to manage, making it simple to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

But comfort comes at the cost of engagement. The Malibu is not fun to drive. It does not inspire confidence in corners. It does not communicate what the wheels are doing. It simply goes where you point it, without complaint and without excitement. The CVT does its job without drawing attention to itself, but it also does not add any joy to the driving experience.

I spent a week with the Malibu, and I found myself wishing for something more. On one highway merge, I had to press the throttle harder than I expected. Nothing dangerous, but the engine response felt a second too late. That delay sticks with you. You start planning your merges differently. You leave more space. You think twice before pulling out into traffic. That is not a dealbreaker, but it is the kind of thing that reminds you the car is not as capable as you want it to be.

The steering wheel feels slightly too light at highway speeds, almost artificial. There is no weight to it, no sense of connection. You point the car in a direction, and it goes there, but there is no conversation between you and the road. The throttle response is lazy. It is the automotive equivalent of a blank stare. Not great, not terrible. Just… there.

Performance and Acceleration: One Engine, One Speed

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is available with only one engine: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. That is it. No V6. No hybrid. No performance option.

The engine is adequate for most daily driving situations. It provides enough power to keep up with traffic and merge onto highways, but it does not offer much in the way of passing power or quick acceleration. Car and Driver noted that the engine is “potent enough to get from A to B without drawing attention to itself,” which is a polite way of saying it is unremarkable.

The CVT is smooth and responsive, but it does not provide the engagement of a traditional automatic or the efficiency of a hybrid. The Malibu’s acceleration is adequate, but it is not quick. It is a car that gets the job done without any drama. And honestly, sometimes that is enough.

Ride Comfort and Cabin Refinement

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu delivers a ride that is smooth and comfortable, which is one of its strongest attributes. The suspension absorbs road imperfections well, keeping the cabin settled and quiet. On the highway, the Malibu is composed and relaxed, making it a good choice for long-distance travel.

But the cabin is not as refined as some rivals. Wind and road noise are noticeable at highway speeds, and the interior materials do not do much to dampen sound. The seats are comfortable for short trips, but they become less supportive over longer distances. U.S. News noted that seat comfort is lacking, especially on long drives, which is a significant drawback for a car that is supposed to be a comfortable cruiser.

I noticed the seat issue around the 90-minute mark. You start shifting around, trying to find a better position. The padding is there, but the support is not. It is not terrible, but it is not great either. It is just… there. After a couple of hours, you start to feel it in your lower back. Not enough to make you hate the car, but enough to make you wish you had chosen something else.

Interior: Dated and Disappointing

Step inside the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, and the first thing you notice is how old it feels. The design is functional but uninspired, with hard plastics and dated switchgear that belong in a car from the last decade. It is not a terrible interior, but it is not a good one either. It is simply there.

The controls are easy to use, which is a plus. The infotainment system is responsive and intuitive, and the physical buttons for climate control are a welcome relief from the touchscreen-heavy interiors of some rivals. But the materials feel cheap, and the overall design lacks the modern flair of competitors like the Accord or Sonata.

The rear seat is spacious enough for two adults, but legroom is below average for the class. U.S. News noted that rear-seat legroom is limited, which is a significant drawback for a family sedan. The trunk, however, is generous at 15.7 cubic feet, providing ample space for luggage or groceries.

Part of me likes how simple the interior is. No unnecessary complexity. No confusing menus. Everything is where you expect it to be. Another part of me thinks that simplicity is just outdated engineering in disguise. The Malibu is not a bad car to sit in. It is just a car that reminds you of how far the segment has moved on.

Technology and Infotainment: A Bright Spot

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu’s infotainment system is one of its best features. The standard 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is a welcome convenience. The system also includes Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition.

The Malibu does not offer a premium audio system or a larger screen, but the standard setup is more than adequate for most buyers. The controls are straightforward, and the system responds quickly to inputs. It is not the most advanced infotainment system on the market, but it is one of the easiest to use.

Fuel Economy

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu delivers solid fuel economy for a midsize sedan. The EPA estimates are 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. In real-world driving, owners have reported consistently over 30 mpg in mixed city and highway driving.

The Malibu runs on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep operating costs low. With a 15.8-gallon fuel tank, the Malibu has a range of approximately 474 miles on the highway. For buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency, the Malibu is a competitive option.

Practicality and Cargo Space

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu offers 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which is generous for the midsize sedan class. The trunk opening is wide and the load floor is low, making it easy to load and unload items. The rear seats fold down to accommodate longer items, though the pass-through is not as wide as some rivals.

Inside the cabin, storage is adequate but not exceptional. The door pockets are large enough for bottles, and the center console provides a decent amount of space for small items. The glovebox is average in size. Overall, the Malibu is a practical car for everyday use, though it does not offer the same level of versatility as some competitors.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu comes with a solid suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert through optional packages.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the 2023 Malibu, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not rated the 2023 model, but the 2022 model received “Good” ratings in most crash tests.

However, the Malibu has been subject to a significant recall. General Motors recalled over 271,000 Malibu vehicles from the 2023-2025 model years due to a rearview camera issue that could display a distorted or blank image. The problem stems from a defective bonding process used to assemble the camera housing. Buyers should ensure that any recall work has been completed before purchasing.

Competitors Worth Considering

Honda Accord: The Accord is the standard-bearer in the midsize sedan class. It offers sharper handling, a more refined interior, and better resale value than the Malibu. It is more expensive, but the extra cost is justified by the superior driving experience and higher-quality cabin.

Toyota Camry: The Camry is the reliability champion, with a proven track record of durability and strong resale value. It offers a more modern interior, better performance, and available all-wheel drive. The Malibu is more affordable, but the Camry is the smarter long-term investment.

Kia K5: The K5 is the stylish alternative, with bold design, a premium interior, and available all-wheel drive. It offers more standard features and a better warranty than the Malibu. The K5 is the better choice for buyers who want a car that stands out.

Hyundai Sonata: The Sonata offers a spacious interior, a generous feature list, and a strong warranty. Its hybrid variant is particularly appealing for buyers who prioritize fuel economy. The Sonata is a more modern and well-rounded package than the Malibu.

Nissan Altima: The Altima offers available all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride, but its interior quality and driving dynamics are not as polished as the Accord or Camry. The Malibu is a more affordable alternative, but the Altima is a more capable one.

Biggest Strength and Biggest Weakness

Biggest Strength: The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu’s greatest asset is its ride quality. It is genuinely comfortable, absorbing road imperfections with a plushness that rivals more expensive cars. For buyers who prioritize a smooth, relaxed driving experience over performance or style, the Malibu delivers.

Biggest Weakness: The Malibu’s biggest weakness is its age. The platform dates back to 2016, and it shows in every aspect of the car. The interior feels dated, the engine is underwhelming, and the overall package is less refined than its competitors. It is a car that has been left behind by a rapidly evolving segment.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

Cardrav recommends the LT trim for most buyers. It offers the best balance of features and value, adding heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat to the base LS trim. The LT also includes standard automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. For added safety, the Driver Confidence package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for $545.

The 2LT trim is a good choice for buyers who want leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium feel. It replaces the discontinued Premier trim and offers a more upscale interior. The RS trim adds sporty styling elements, but it does not add any performance upgrades.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is a car that exists in a shrinking segment, competing against rivals that have moved on without it. It is comfortable, affordable, and easy to live with. But it is also dated, underpowered, and outclassed.

Who should buy it: Buyers who prioritize a smooth, comfortable ride and a low price over style, performance, or modern design. Those who want a simple, no-frills sedan for daily commuting and do not care about driving engagement.

Who should avoid it: Buyers who want a modern interior, engaging driving dynamics, or the latest technology. Those who regularly carry rear passengers and need ample legroom. Anyone who values long-term resale value or brand prestige.

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is not a bad car. It is just not a great one. For buyers who understand its limitations and are willing to accept them, it offers decent value. But for everyone else, the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Kia K5 are better choices.

If I were spending my own money, the Malibu would not be my first choice. Not because it is terrible, but because there are simply better options out there. The Accord is more engaging. The Camry is more refined. The K5 is more stylish. The Malibu is just… there. And “just there” is not enough anymore.

I wouldn’t buy it. At least, not with the current competition. If the price drops low enough, maybe it starts to make sense. But at its current price point, the Malibu asks you to accept too many compromises. And in 2023, that is a hard sell.

FAQ

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable car?

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu has an average reliability rating. Consumer reviews on KBB give it a 3.9 out of 5 for reliability. However, there have been recalls for the 2023 Malibu, including a significant recall for the rearview camera that could display a distorted or blank image. Buyers should verify that any recall work has been completed.

How does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu compare to the Honda Accord?

The Honda Accord is a more refined and engaging car than the Malibu. It offers sharper handling, a more premium interior, and better resale value. The Accord is more expensive, but the extra cost is justified by the superior driving experience and higher-quality cabin. The Malibu is cheaper, but the Accord is better in almost every way.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is EPA-rated at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. In real-world driving, owners have reported consistently over 30 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. The Malibu runs on regular unleaded fuel.

What engine does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have?

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. The 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine was discontinued for 2023.

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu a good family car?

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is an adequate family car for small families. It offers a spacious trunk and comfortable front seats, but rear-seat legroom is below average for the class. The seats are not as supportive on long drives as some rivals. For families who frequently carry rear passengers, the Accord or Camry are better choices.

Does the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu have all-wheel drive?

No, the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is front-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive is not available on any trim. Buyers who need all-weather capability should consider the Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima, which offer available AWD.