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2020 Chevy Malibu: Here’s What’s New And Different

Now in its ninth generation, the Chevrolet Malibu finds itself in uncharted waters. With no end in sight to slumping sales, the midsize sedan finds itself in a rather precarious place that raises some questions about the vehicle’s future. Even so, the 2020 Chevy Malibu represents the fifth model year of the ninth-gen Malibu, and there are some changes and updates to take note of. So, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Chevy Malibu.

Lineup

The biggest change to the lineup is the discontinuation of the fuel-efficient Malibu Hybrid model, which delivered an impressive 49 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway.

Those on the dealer side should also take note that the sporty-looking Malibu RS has a new model code of 1ZS69.

2019 Malibu RS (does not show new-for-2020 grille)

There’s also a new Midnight Edition package added to the lineup. Available only on the Malibu LT, the package includes:

  • Black nameplate badges
  • Black front and rear bowties
  • Blacked-out grille
  • 19″ Black-painted aluminum wheels
  • 245/40R19 all-season blackwall tires

Exterior

On the outside, the 2020 Chevy Malibu loses three colors and gains two new ones, as follows:

Deleted Colors:

  • Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
  • Pacific Blue Metallic
  • Sandy Ridge Metallic

New Colors:

  • Stone Gray Metallic
  • Black Cherry Metallic

In addition, the 16-inch steel wheels with covers previously standard on the base L model have been deleted. Taking their place on the base model is the 16-inch aluminum QC7 wheel. In addition, the 2020 Chevy Malibu RS gains a chrome grille surround with black grille inserts and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Rounding out the changes to the exterior is a new LPO-level rear spoiler.

Interior

Inside, the 2020 Chevy Malibu makes one change—the deletion of the Dark Atmosphere / Medium Ash Gray leather-appointed interior color combination.

Mechanical

Mechanically, the 2020 Chevy Malibu adds the remote vehicle starter system as an option on the LS and RS models. In addition, the LPO-level remote start kit—a separate, dealer-installed option—is no longer available as a free flow option. Instead, it is now only available through Convenience Package 1, Convenience Package 2 or Weather Protection Package 2.

Active Safety

The remaining changes and updates to the 2020 Chevy Malibu are related to active safety, and are as follows:

  • LT Cloth model:
    • (PDM) Driver Confidence I LT Cloth Package replaces (WPR) Driver Confidence Package
    • (PDN) Driver Confidence I & II LT Package replaces (WPR) Driver Confidence Package and (WPS) Driver Confidence Package II
  • LT Leather model:
      • (PDN) Driver Confidence I & II LT Package replaces (WPR) Driver Confidence Package and (WPS) Driver Confidence Package II
      • (PDM) Driver Confidence I LT Cloth Package is not available
  • Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking is now called Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Forward Automatic Braking is now called Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking

And that’s all that’s new and different for the 2020 Chevy Malibu. The midsize sedan finds itself in an ever-shrinking space for Chevrolet sedans, with the discontinuation of the Cruze and Impala, and the seemingly dim future of the Sonic. Even so, we do expect the Malibu to remain available for the 2021 model year, albeit with minimal changes. Sources tell GM Authority that the ‘Bu will stick around until the end of the current model’s planned lifecycle through around 2023. At that point, the vehicle could be replaced by an all-new model, though it might not necessarily be a three-box sedan or carry the Malibu name, for that matter.

Until then, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Malibu newsChevrolet news, and ongoing GM news coverage.

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Comments

  1. Well I hope Chevy’s happy because the Malibu will be the flagship for cars in the Chevy lineup.

    Reply
  2. The 2020 Malibu also added a shut off switch to the auto start-stop system to the 1.5L engine

    Reply
  3. Everything looks good till you get to the slushbox CVT trans in everything but the highest models with a price tag well over $30 grand. Pass. It’s like GM/Chevy is doing whatever they can to kill the sedans.

    Reply
  4. GM will soon be the only domestic to produce a midsized sedan which is a fantastic opportunity with the right car.
    VW has a North America only Passat and GM should be doing the same thing. To cut costs a reskined Impala with its uber high quality ranking me ght he a good idea if sold at a Malibu price point. Considering Malibu’s ranking Is he General should sacrifice margins for a generation in order to build a customer base.
    Chevy mostly uses a C or S naming scheme for it’s cars so Cutlass, a throw back from Oldsmobile that will mean little to millennials, would be slick.

    Reply
  5. Another long and slow death march. If not interested in cars just put them out of their misery.

    Reply
  6. Time to stop blaming GM and start putting the blame on the general public for the death of the sedan.

    The rest will fall in time.

    People want utility at the expense of styling and performance.

    I hate to say this but if Camaro and Mustang sales don’t turn around their future may be limited too.

    When it comes to billions to develop a model it takes more than 100k sales to keep it viable. Even then if you Can invest that much into a CUV that sells 300k units over 100k car units it is obvious what one they will chose.

    The minivan started a trend that has put the car at risk. Sad but true.

    Reply
    1. billions? i think you are off by a zero.

      Reply
      1. A new platform and new model can run 3 to 5 billion dollars in today’s money. New engine and tranny can add more but often are not always done during the same year. Often the either do it a year before or after the new intro if they even add a new engine.

        Refresh can be hundreds of millions depending on how much change. GM is doing it cheap now with just changes to the soft parts on the nose and a grill like on the Colorado or Acadia.

        Reply
    2. Add in (for domestics only) the cutting of car bodystyles and the ROI of large truck/SUV sales and it’s a rainy season for cars.

      Reply
  7. If Chevrolet want to have an EV sedan, this is the car. They need to move its a grill free design and add more corvette clues to front , backs looks great , Interior needs improvement and then take out engine and add frunk. Add a model 3 style skateboard power-train ( RWD/AWD ) and the car is there …. use same nameplate…

    Reply
    1. Not !!! Ev you’re funny still no charging station, got to be hybrid, this is not how we MAKE GM GREAT AGAIN, let Cadillac figure it out, chevy can’t afford it, or maybe they can , haven’t had to pay workers for awhile ………………. something about Mary and her hair gel !!!! Just another opinion

      Reply
  8. I work for a Chevy dealer part-time delivering vehicles. I drive all models. Love driving Malibu’s so much I bought a 2019 Malibu Primere. Americans are wrongly on love with big, overpriced, vehicles. I paid less than $30K for a vehicle that is a real joy to drive. Great mileage and performance. What’s not to like?

    Reply
    1. I agree! Even though it took me four months to get my current 2020 Chevrolet Malibu premier model to replace my 2016 Malibu premier I love this car. I think it’s as good as anything on the road in its class. It has tons of safety features, is extremely peppy and my gas mileage is ok.

      Reply
  9. Rear wheel drive,400 horsepower and a 6 speed under 30,000.Might sell

    Reply
    1. Realistically it will be over $30k for 400 hp, not even the old, current Charger is under $30k with 375hp.

      A 2.5-2.0t is good for starters all the way to the v8s is more likely and appeal to more buyers..

      Reply
      1. Some people forget it is not 1990 anymore.

        Reply
    2. Sound good to me…..

      I’m still waiting for news on my C8 order a year ago…. what’s up with my deposit, cant cancel I’m back on tour and won’t be state side for a year.

      I’m not upset ?????

      Reply
  10. Good news: Chevrolet added a disable feature for the start/stop system for 2019. The switch is on the dashboard right next to the hazard flashers. That makes the Malibu Premier a good choice especially with incentives…unless you need all wheel drive, which the Malibu doesn’t offer for some reason.

    I think there should be a next generation Malibu. It and the Regal should be designed on the same chassis and wheelbase, and both with an all wheel drive wagon variant. The Malibu aimed more towards the Mazda6 and Subaru Outback, with the Regal aimed more towards the Audi Quattro and Acura TLX.

    Reply
    1. The Regal and the Malibu are on the same architecture. What I would like to see on the Malibu is the hatch variant of the sedan. It makes a car much more handy with that large opening.

      Reply
  11. GM continues its package and options restrictions into 2020. You can’t get premium audio, navigation or heated rear seats unless you go all the way up to a Premier. Every other competitor gives you those features farther down the trim hierarchy and does so for less money.

    Reply
  12. Regardless chevy is garbage 200000 miles and its done and thats weak as ya u know

    Reply
  13. I recently purchased a 2019 Malibu Premier. I absolutely love it. Comfortable ride, great back seat space for the kids, terrific fuel mileage. I am very happy with my purchase. The Infotainment 3, HD backup camera, and digital TFT gauge cluster is well worth purchasing a 2019/2020 model.

    Reply
    1. Love my Malibu LT1

      Reply
  14. Hello, This is off topic, however, can anyone confirm if the 2020 Model Year Buick Regal G S has added any new colors in addition to what was offered for the 2019 Model Year? If so, what colors are they? Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Go to buick.com and click on all vehicles. The 2020’s will pop up first. You can then build your Buick Regal.

      Reply
  15. GM’s marketing is a handicap to this capable sedan. Also GM should seriously consider service fleet sales for L and LS trims.

    Reply
  16. It’s not competitive compared to the Accord, the Camry or the striking (no pun intended) new Sonata. While GM exits markets and just gives up, others improve and fill the space. Regardless of whether this market shrinks there ARE buyers and profits….

    That said “old” GM gave up markets to focus on profits and ultimately went bankrupt due to costs. This vehicle reminds me of that era… the UAW is killing GM, Ford & FCA… again.

    Reply
    1. Yet even the cars you list here have all show a decline in sales too. They just have farther to fall.

      Reply
    2. GM also continues it’s inane package and option restrictions. You can’t get heated rear seats, premium audio or navigation unless you move up to a Malibu Premier. All of its competitors let you have such features farther down their trim and price hierarchy. You can’t get the good-looking RS package with leather, sunroof or the full suite of safety options.

      GM actually pays scores of people to dream sh*t like this up.

      Reply
  17. About time they gave the cheaper L model alloy wheels. The LS should have access to at least the Safety package 1 and the LT needs to get back the leather wheel and shifter considering the 27,500 sticker they are commanding for it.

    Reply
  18. Too bad the Impala will be gone, it’s a superb car. The interior and engine/gearbox combo especially are much more appealing than the Malibu.

    Reply
  19. Have a 2016 Malibu, hate it! Tells me that I’m not shifted into park when I clearly am. This car could be called “Christine” if it actually was something worth keeping. Have a 2015 Silverado 3500HD and it has electronic issues also. I will never buy another Chevrolet!

    Reply
    1. Take it to the dealer as they have a harness connection to add to it and correct the issue. They have a TSB on it.

      The resistance in the wire to the BCM is too high and the new harness fixes it.

      The Fix has been out for a good while.

      Reply
  20. Not even going to look at another Chevrolet product again! Have a 2015 3500HD Silverado and a 2016 Malibu, BOTH OF THEM HAVE COMPUTER ISSUES! Spending all of this money, to stay loyal to GM, was a waste and money!

    Reply
  21. Bought a new Malibu without any thought. Just took advantage of the deals for a new GM car. Had it one week drives nice but every time I look at it I like it more and more. Basic model in black cherry metallic. It is classy, really classy.

    Reply
  22. Purchased a 2020 Chevy Malibu LS. With 2200 miles on it. And 5 months later the transmission goes out on it… of course with the amazing chevy warranty it was fixed at no charge… but now I am having problems with the air conditioning. It just doesn’t get as cold as it should… so now I have to take it back to the shop…. I have always owned Chevy. But this is getting ridiculous. And truly the only thing I hate is the auto off… I think it’s dumb. It does nothing to improve the cars functions. And it’s dumb that I have to h a button to cut it off when it shouldn’t be on the car In the first place.

    Reply

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