The Chevrolet Malibu is the lucky recipient of various changes and updates for the 2017 model year, including new colors, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, updates to its connectivity technologies, and a modification to its trim level structure.
On the outside, the 2017 Chevy Malibu delete three colors and replaces them with three new ones:
Deleted Colors
- Butte Red Metallic
- Crystal Red Tintcoat
- Champagne Silver Metallic
New Colors
- Arctic Blue Metallic
- Pepperdust Metallic
- Cajun Red Tintcoat
Inside, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu adds Android Auto compatibility on LS trim levels and above.
Now, arguably the most exciting update is the widely anticipated introduction of a new 9-speed automatic transmission. Assigned RPO code M3E, the new 9-speed auto replaces the 8-speed automatic MRC gearbox on the Premier trim level, which includes the 2.0L Turbo LTG I-4 engine making 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The new 9-speed auto also lowers the final drive axle ratio from 3.08 to 2.89.
In addition, two new packages — Sport Package as well as the Premier Sun and Wheel Package — are added:
Sport Package (WPK) includes:
- 18″ aluminum wheels (PZX)
- 245/45R18 all-season, blackwall tires (R0X)
- Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel (N34)
- Leather-wrapped shift knob (VY7)
Availability:
- Available exclusively on LT trim
- Not available at start of production
- Requires one of the following exterior colors:
- Blue Velvet Metallic (G1M)
- Silver Ice Metallic (GAN)
- Summit White (GAZ)
- Mosaic Black Metallic (GB8)
- Cajun Red Tintcoat (GPJ)
Premier Sun and Wheel Package (PDL) includes:
- Power sunroof (C3U)
- Universal Home Remote (UG1)
- Premium front and rear floor mats (BB4)
- 19″ aluminum wheels (RT9)
- 245/40R19 all-season blackwall tires (RMI)
Availability:
- Available exclusively on Premier trim
Finally, the 2017 Malibu deletes the 2LT equipment group, resulting in the following trim level and equipment group structure:
| Trim Level | L | LS | LS | LT | HYBRID | PREMIER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Code | 1ZB69 | 1ZC69 | 1ZC69 | 1ZD69 | 1ZE69 | 1ZF69 |
| Equipment Group | 1VL* | 1FL** | 1LS | 1LT | 1HY | 2LZ |
* Retail order only
** Fleet order only
The 2017 Chevy Malibu represents the second model year of the ninth-generation Malibu, which debuted for the 2016 model year as the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.
Following is the complete list of RPO-level changes to the 2017 Chevy Malibu:
Deletions
- 2LT Equipment Group
- (G7T) Butte Red Metallic exterior color
- (GBE) Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior color
- (GWT) Champagne Silver Metallic exterior color
New Features
- (GGB) Arctic Blue Metallic exterior color
- (GMU) Pepperdust Metallic exterior color
- (GPJ) Cajun Red Tintcoat exterior color (extra cost)
- Android Auto compatibility on uplevel radios
- Cyber security added
Changes
- (M3E) 9-speed automatic transmission on Premier replaces (MRC) 8-speed automatic, which changes the final drive axle ratio on Premier from (D95) 3.08 to (FXK) 2.89
Follow this link to download the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu order guide.
Comments
What I would love to see is yellow rear turn signals….it just adds elegance
Elegance? You know that in North America it’s optional to have amber turn signals for the rear taillights, and that some automakers take advantage of this when designing taillights for the NA market.
Agree it’s not a matter of elegance and yes, only in North America do we have this as an ‘option’. The real reason for amber rear turn signals is SAFETY. I prefer them when they are done correctly. I see they eliminated them on the new Cruze as well. They are not a styling exercise.
Refer to NHTSA document DOT HS 811 115 of April 2009.
Not too much sport here.
I had hoped we would see a little more HP with the new tranny.
Still a nice car just wished for more.
Scott
Like you I enjoy the “sport” in my cars. However this is a mid size car that is in a segment under pressure. Would much rather see an attempt to appeal to normal consumers and offering Awd
Sadly sport and Awd are out of the question based upon GMs prior track record! Neither of us will be happy, and that is sad because this is a fine automobile!
Woo hoo a 9spd tranny, new colors, and a sport package that doesn’t really add sport. Meanwhile as much as I hate to say these words that should shame GM, Ford just released the Fusion Sport with AWD, 325hp/380lb ft TTV6 because it was what the customer was demanding. I quote from Motor Trend “The Sport is in response to customer demand for a V-6 and more power, said Todd Soderquist, chief program engineer for Fusion and Mondeo globally.” Hmm, those silly customers who want an affordable, powerful and sporty family sedan, crazy I know. For shame, right GM. Over and over again I wait for Chevrolet to match Ford with performance vehicles other than the obvious choices of Corvette and Camaro yet I am continually disappointed.
General Motors is never going to put a V6 again in a car the size of a Malibu, unfortunately. Does GM still make the 3.0 liter V6? If so, that could be an option so as not to upstage larger cars that use the 3.6 liter.
I keep waiting for Chevrolet to match Ford as well but it just never seems to happen unless there’s a racetrack involved. No AWD or Titanium trims etc.. Oh well.
I still like the Malibu’s rear 3/4’s. That’s a face only a mother could love though. That front end still isn’t growing on me.
Once again GM misses the boat and the competition sails away .
GM now has the LGW 3.0L Twin Turbo V6. This engine, along with the new twin-clutch all wheel drive system, could definitely be used to create a Malibu RS trim level.
The question is would the V6 fit even with out a Turbo? Many of todays cars are not built to accept larger than what they have engines. Even some larger 4 cylinders will not fit in some of the smaller 4 cylinder cars.
GM has cut wasted space and mass by cutting unused space out.
I hate to say it but Grand Am is probably right that the car will never get a V6 again. To be honest the Ford may lose it in the next gen for the same reasons. Removing mass is a priority for most MFG now and in the future.
Also adding a TT V6 to a Malibu would add much to the price. How much would you pay before it becomes too much for a Malibu?
Ford only has one car to work with. GM does have two and the coming Regal will offer AWD and may offer engine options we do not have in the Chevy. Not only does this make the Buick much more different than the Chevy but also the Buick can better support a higher price in a limited market.
Higher ATP will be important as production of the Focus models is small and it also has to live with additional sales from Europe versions to make up volume. Buick can do this too with Opel and Holden.
A lot of things need to be considered here as there is much more to this than just plopping an engine in a car.
I would love to see Chevy do a Redline model like they showed at SEMA. Then add a 300 HP Turbo 2.0 to the mix. It should fit and it could all be done for much less and be just as fast as the Ford with the less weight.
The key is to sell more than 10% of the volume here with this model. This is what hurt the Cobalt and HHR SS as they sold in such small volumes. Yet today a good clean example is in great demand as they were great driving vehicles. Cheap interiors but great performance vehicles from the GM performance group.
Can’t argue with that! I so wish GM could boost the power of their 2.0! While it has some pep, it still feels underpowered in certain applications! A 300+ hp 2.0L four Malibu would be awesome!
It would be nice to also make the 8L45 standard across the board with the 9-speed now being the top tranny.
The 2.0 can easily make over 300 HP. I own one now that can see 23 PSI of boost with the GM performance upgrade. The issue is that it forces the engine to Premium only and GM marketing at Chevy like the ability for the Turbo to be rated Premium Recommended not Required.
I wish they would waive this for the performance model.
Might note with my upgrade I gained even more Torque and the unintended result was 1-2 gain in MPG. I was able to confirm this with the GM engineer that it was real and not just my driving.
As for the 9 speed I expect it to be standard in a year. GM at start up normally only offered them in the top line and a year later spreads it out.
8L45 is for rear wheel drive. A front wheel drive will have “T” not “L”. T = Transverse engine. L= Longitude engine.
GM does not make an 8 speed auto for fwd. they buy those from Aisin.
Why is it that the premium exterior paint “Autumn Bronze Metallic” is not deleted from the 2016 colors, but is not available to order for 2017? Is this a mistake in the order guide?
I thought The RS package was coming for the Malibu??
General Motors builds long wheelbase versions on some sedans for China, makes you wonder whether there will be a such a version of the Chevrolet Malibu and if we’ll see it in the US as well.
I have a 2014 Malibu 256hp 295lb, why did they depower the new Malibu ?