2020 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan competing with the likes of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat....
The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan competing with the likes of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. The current generation debuted for 2016, then received a refresh for 2019. For 2020, it carries over with no changes.
Lower-trim Malibus are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). However, you can upgrade to a turbocharged 2.0-liter unit with 250 hp and 260 lb-ft. Both powertrains come exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD). Fuel economy is 29 mpg city, 36 highway, and 32 combined with the 1.5-liter or 22/32/26 with the 2.0-liter. It offers 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Chevrolet asks you to pick between L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier trims. The L trim bundles 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system, a 60/40 rear split-folding seat, Bluetooth, and keyless start. The RS trim comes with unique wheels and black exterior badging. Other trims include leather upholstery, keyless access, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), larger wheels, LED taillights, a Bose 9-speaker audio system, wireless charging, memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, and a premium instrument cluster.
The Malibu’s standard safety equipment includes a reversing camera and a rear-seat reminder. Teen Driver, automatic parking assist, lane-change alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and a following-distance indicator are all optional. The Malibu achieved Good scores in most categories in its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-safety evaluation.
The Chevrolet Malibu hits the center of the family sedan market with good styling, plenty of space, and thoughtful features.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers appreciate the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu for its smooth ride, attractive design, and good gas mileage. Many owners highlight the value for money and the comfort of the interior. However, some drivers feel it lacks certain features like memory seat settings and advanced sound systems."
I purchased a 2020 Chevy Malibu on February 14th, 2024. Since then, the vehicle has been plagued with issues. The check engine light is constantly on, and when a sensor fails, multiple problems seem to arise. For example, the first time the check engine light appeared, the dash dinged and displayed messages like “steering assist reduced, drive with care,” while all the gauges would jump around. It also showed “low fuel,” despite the tank being full, and the message “service ESC.” The root cause was the throttle body, which needed to be replaced. Subsequently, similar issues occurred, and different parts had to be replaced, including the mass airflow sensor, the accelerator pedal, the brake vacuum pump sensor, the brake vacuum pump, and components related to the charging system. At one point, there was a ground issue. Then there is the constant “shift into park” after parking the car. Overall, this car has been nothing but trouble, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
March 1, 2026Love the car! I think the car is in excellent condition. Only thing it’s missing is a sunroof.
April 21, 2026This car really runs great.It also has more options than i thought.It also has a smooth ride.I love the style of the car. Overall it has everything that i want and I love it!!great car for the money
October 28, 2020What owners say
I purchased a 2020 Chevy Malibu on February 14th, 2024. Since then, the vehicle has been plagued with issues. The check engine light is constantly on, and when a sensor fails, multiple problems seem to arise. For example, the first time the check engine light appeared, the dash dinged and displayed messages like “steering assist reduced, drive with care,” while all the gauges would jump around. It also showed “low fuel,” despite the tank being full, and the message “service ESC.” The root cause was the throttle body, which needed to be replaced. Subsequently, similar issues occurred, and different parts had to be replaced, including the mass airflow sensor, the accelerator pedal, the brake vacuum pump sensor, the brake vacuum pump, and components related to the charging system. At one point, there was a ground issue. Then there is the constant “shift into park” after parking the car. Overall, this car has been nothing but trouble, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
March 1, 2026Love the car! I think the car is in excellent condition. Only thing it’s missing is a sunroof.
April 21, 2026This car really runs great.It also has more options than i thought.It also has a smooth ride.I love the style of the car. Overall it has everything that i want and I love it!!great car for the money
October 28, 2020This model is roomy, comfortable, but it has pick-up! Rides like a dream, good interior features. Only drawback : it really needs a better radio/stereo.
November 4, 2023Great premium package with the leather heated seats, the sun/moon roof. Excellent gas mileage and great safety features
March 9, 2021Looks good, smooth ride, great gas mileage, overall a great car
September 30, 2020Great car, good workmanship, exceptional attention to details and placement of features
June 15, 2020Very quiet and smooth riding car. The car handles exceptionally well, with tight steering and superior responsiveness. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a solid and attractive car. Also, the gas economy is rated at 29/36.
May 15, 2023Overall love the premiers features, interior and the way it drives!
April 7, 2021Its missing memory seat settings and turn indicators on side view mirrors.
March 27, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $26,670 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 32 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,095 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 32 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $33,370 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 250 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,270 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 32 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,270 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 32 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,270 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 32 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$22,095 - $33,370
Current avg. market price
$13,325
Trending down by 1.6% this month
April 2026 - October 2026
