2019 Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu receives a mid-cycle refresh for the 2019 model year consisting of updates to exterior, interior, technology and powertrain. The update comes three years after the launch of the ninth-generation Chevrolet Malibu for the 2019 model year. To note, a mid-cycle refresh can also be referred to as a facelift or a mid-cycle enhancement (MCE) in GM parlance.

Changes, Updates, New Features

Following is an overview of the changes, updates and new features for the 2019 Malibu:

• Exterior Changes:
  • Three new exterior colors
  • Restyled exterior front and rear fascias
  • Three new wheel choices
  • Deletion of Keyless Open on all 4 doors, becoming Keyless Open on front doors only
• Interior Changes:
  • One new interior color combination
  • Addition of heated rear outboard seats on Malibu Premier trim level (equipment group)
  • Addition of rear-vision camera on Malibu L trim
  • Addition of HD Rear Vision Camera on Hybrid and Premier trims
  • New Chevrolet Infotainment 3 systems replace Chevrolet MyLink radios
  • New 8-inch reconfigurable color driver information center replaces Enhanced Driver Information Center on Premier trim
  • Deletion of ambient lighting from LT and Hybrid models
  • Deletion of integrated turn signal indicator on outside heated power-adjustable, body-color mirrors on LT models
  • Rear-only Park Assist replaces Front and Rear Park Assist across all models and packages where it was previously available
  • Deletion of Universal Home Remote across all models/trims
• Powertrain Changes:
  • New CVT transmission with 5.10 final drive ratio replaces 6-speed automatic transmission with 3.23 final drive axle ratio on L, LS and LT equipment groups (all models equipped with 1.5L turbo engine)
• Package-Level Changes:
  • Introduction of new RS equipment group (1SP) that offers a sporty, personalized appearance
  • Deletion of Malibu Redline Edition
  • Deletion of Sport Package
  • Deletion of Sun and Wheels Package
  • Deletion of Premier Sun and Wheels Package
  • Deletion of LPO-level Highway Safety Kit
  • Deletion of LPO-level Crystal Claret Red horizontal leading edge grille
  • Deletion of LPO-level Ground Effects Package
  • Deletion of LPO-level Sport Handling Package
  • Changes to Convenience and Technology Package content
  • Changes to Leather Package content
  • Changes to Driver Confidence Package content
  • Changes to Driver Confidence II Package content
  • Confidence III Package replaces 2018 Malibu’s Driver Confidence Package II
  • Sun and Wheel Package replaces 2018 Malibu’s Premier Sun and Wheel Package

Exterior

The Malibu’s front fascia, grilles and headlamps are all-new:

• The headlamps are integrated with the upper grille. The lower grille is larger and bolder lower grille, giving the car a more powerful presence. There’s also greater attention to detail in the grille and headlamps, with bold chrome accents reinforcing Malibu’s premium appearance.
• High-performance LED lights are integrated into the headlamps for the Malibu Premier models.
• LT and Premier models get new LED signature daytime running lamps.

At the rear, a new rear valance pushes the dual-exhaust outlets farther toward the corners, emphasizing the car’s width. New taillamps deliver a more dramatic execution of Chevrolet’s signature dual-element design. The LT and Premier trims feature LED taillamps.

Additionally, the 2019 Malibu gets new exterior colors (more information coming soon).

“The Malibu’s fresh look refines and enhances the sculptural beauty of the Malibu,” said John Cafaro, executive director, Global Chevrolet Design. “It will also be an obvious member of the Chevrolet car family.”

Interior

Inside, the 2019 Malibu gets a new 8-inch reconfigurable color driver information center (DIC), which is located in the gauge cluster between the speedometer and tachometer.

Additionally, the midsize sedan gets a new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 with a new, standard 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen radio. A new navigation radio is also available.

The Malibu L (base) trim gains a rear-vision camera, while the Malibu Premier trim adds rear heated outboard seats.

Additionally, the 2019 Malibu gets new interior colors (more information coming soon).

Body Styles

The 2019 Chevy Malibu continues being offered as a four-door midsize sedan.

Platform

The 2019 Chevy Malibu continues riding on the GM E2 platform.

Powertrain

The 2019 Chevy Malibu continues being offered with the same three engine choices as the 2016-2018 model. However, a diesel engine is rumored to be join the lineup.

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Powertrain Specs & Fuel Economy

Competitors

The 2019 Malibu continues competing in the midsize mainstream sedan space with the following vehicles:

• Ford Fusion
• Toyota Camry
• Nissan Altima
• Honda Accord
• Hyundai Sonata
• Kia Optima
• Subaru Legacy
• Mazda 6
• Volkswagen Passat

Spy Shots

Camouflaged prototypes of the Chevrolet Malibu were spotted undergoing testing during the 2017 and 2018 years. The vehicle had a heavy amount of camouflage on its body and no camo covering the interior, leading us to believe that updates will be limited to the exterior and potentially the powertrain. Despite the heavy amount of camouflage on the prototype, it’s unlikely that updates to the exterior design will be significant.

Introduction

Chevrolet privately revealed the 2019 Malibu at its national dealers meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States in April 2018. Details of the vehicle were released to the media on April 6^th, 2018.

Availability

The 2019 Malibu will become available across the United States in the third quarter of 2018 as a 2019 vehicle.

Prices

We expect the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu to carry similar pricing to the 2016-2018 model. We will update this section once Chevrolet prices the 2019 Malibu.

Production

The 2019 Malibu is produced across three GM plants globally:

• GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, USA – supplying the Americas
• GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea – supplying Eurasia
• Shanghai GM Jinqiao North in China (GM China) – supplying China

Beyond 2020

We expect that the ninth-generation Malibu will live on thru at least the 2021-2022 model years, and that an all-new, future Chevy Malibu will launch thereafter.

Discussion

Discuss the 2019 Chevy Malibu in our Chevrolet forum.

News

Follow our coverage of Chevrolet Malibu news.

Specifications

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Overview

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Powertrain Specs & Fuel Economy

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Chassis & Suspension

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Wheels & Tires

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Exterior Dimensions

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Interior Dimensions

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Weights & Capacities