The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu remains a steadfast option in a world where sedans are quickly being overshadowed by SUVs and crossovers. As Chevy’s last traditional sedan (excluding the Corvette), the Malibu represents an affordable, spacious, and family-friendly choice in the midsize car segment. With a lower starting price than competitors like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata, the Malibu delivers practicality, comfort, and modern tech without breaking the bank.

While its 160-horsepower turbocharged engine isn’t going to win any drag races, it’s smooth, fuel-efficient, and well-suited for daily commuting. Inside, the Malibu offers a spacious cabin with ample rear legroom and a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, Chevrolet’s decision not to offer a hybrid option or all-wheel drive puts the Malibu at a disadvantage compared to its key rivals.

If you’re looking for an affordable family sedan with a focus on value, comfort, and simplicity, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Performance and Fuel Economy: Balanced for Everyday Use

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It produces:

• 160 horsepower
• 184 lb-ft of torque

While this setup isn’t the most thrilling in its class, it’s refined and smooth, making it a solid choice for daily commuting or family road trips.

Fuel Economy:

• 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway

These figures are respectable but fall short of rivals like the Toyota Camry Hybrid (up to 53 mpg) or the Honda Accord Hybrid (up to 51 mpg). Additionally, the Malibu doesn’t offer an all-wheel-drive option, unlike the Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata.

Trims and Pricing: Practical Choices Across the Range

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in four trims: LS, RS, LT, and 2LT.

• LS ($26,995): The entry-level model includes 16-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a 6-speaker audio system, keyless entry, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• RS ($27,995): Adds sportier design cues like 18-inch alloy wheels, a black Malibu badge, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• LT ($29,295): Upgrades include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, LED daytime running lights, heated seats, and remote start. (Recommended Trim)
• 2LT ($32,695): The fully loaded version includes 19-inch wheels, a dual-pane sunroof, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, and leather-wrapped finishes.

Best Pick: The LT trim offers the best balance of features and affordability, with enough comfort upgrades to justify the price bump over the RS.

Interior: Comfortable and Spacious, But Not Luxurious

The 2025 Malibu’s cabin prioritizes space and practicality over flashy design. With seating for five passengers and a 60/40-split rear seat, it offers flexibility for both passengers and cargo.

Interior Highlights:

• Supportive front seats with good adjustability
• Ample rear legroom for adult passengers
• 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space (slightly smaller than the Honda Accord’s 16.7 cubic feet)

While the 2LT trim adds premium soft-touch materials and a more refined feel, lower trims stick with cloth seats and basic finishes, which can feel underwhelming compared to rivals like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.

Technology: Intuitive and User-Friendly

Chevrolet excels in infotainment usability, and the 2025 Malibu is no exception. Every trim comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display that’s simple to navigate and responsive.

Tech Features Include:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• Satellite navigation (standard on all trims for 2025)
• 9-speaker Bose audio system (available on 2LT)

While the system works well, competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry offer larger 12.3-inch displays on higher trims, giving them a more modern edge.

Safety: Solid Features, But Mostly Optional

While the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu includes standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, many advanced safety technologies are locked behind optional packages or reserved for higher trims.

Standard Safety Features:

• Forward-collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist

Optional Packages Add:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic parking assist
• Enhanced automatic emergency braking

In crash testing, the 2024 Malibu received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in side-impact collision tests, a factor worth considering if safety is a top priority.

Chevrolet Malibu vs. the Competition: Worth the Value?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu holds its ground in a shrinking segment of midsize sedans but faces stiff competition:

• Toyota Camry: Offers hybrid efficiency and all-wheel drive options.
• Honda Accord: More powerful engines and a larger trunk.
• Hyundai Sonata: Stylish design and a spacious interior.

Where the Malibu shines is in its affordable pricing, spacious cabin, and user-friendly tech. But if fuel efficiency or all-wheel drive are deal-breakers, rivals like the Camry Hybrid or Sonata AWD might be better options.

Final Verdict: Affordable Comfort, But Showing Its Age

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is a comfortable, spacious sedan that delivers excellent value for families and budget-conscious buyers. It’s a reliable daily driver with an intuitive infotainment system and plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

However, the lack of hybrid or all-wheel-drive options and an aging design mean it lags behind more modern competitors. If your priorities are affordability, simplicity, and everyday comfort, the Malibu is still a worthwhile choice.

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