General Motors has decided to extend production of the 2023 Chevy Malibu, sources close to the matter tell GM Authority.
Previously, the 2023 Malibu was slated to end production on June 20th, 2023, with production of the 2024 model year to begin the day after, on June 21st. Now, The General is set to build the 2023 Malibu through July 2023.
As a reminder, the Malibu is the only sedan that Chevy currently offers. Over the course of the 2022 calendar year, the Malibu performed reasonably well in the midsize sedan segment. In fact, GM sold more than 115,000 units last year, which represented almost a 200 percent increase from 2021 sales figures.
| MODEL | YTD 22 / YTD 21 | YTD 22 | YTD 21 | YTD 22 SHARE | YTD 21 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA CAMRY | -5.93% | 295,201 | 313,795 | 35% | 35% |
| HONDA ACCORD | -23.71% | 154,612 | 202,676 | 18% | 23% |
| NISSAN ALTIMA | +34.86% | 139,955 | 103,777 | 16% | 12% |
| CHEVROLET MALIBU | +193.24% | 115,467 | 39,376 | 14% | 4% |
| KIA K5 | -28.19% | 66,298 | 92,326 | 8% | 10% |
| HYUNDAI SONATA | -40.81% | 55,131 | 93,142 | 6% | 11% |
| SUBARU LEGACY | -0.71% | 22,605 | 22,766 | 3% | 3% |
| MAZDA MAZDA6 | -97.93% | 335 | 16,214 | 0% | 2% |
| CHRYSLER 200 | -86.67% | 2 | 15 | 0% | 0% |
| TOTAL | -3.90% | 849,606 | 884,087 |
This remarkable jump in sales numbers from 2021 to 2022 helped the Malibu claim 14 percent of the midsize sedan segment, placing the Bow Tie sedan in fourth overall. With this in mind, it may come as no surprise that General Motors is currently planning to release another generation of the Malibu after the current generation sunsets following the 2024 model year.
In regard to the current 2023 Malibu, the midsize sedan is only offered with one drivetrain configuration. This includes the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LFV gasoline engine, rated at 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Previously, the Malibu lineup featured an additional engine option, the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LTG, rated at 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, matched to the GM nine-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, that powertrain combination was dropped as the Premier trim level was replaced with the 2LT.
As for structure, the Malibu rides on the GM E2 platform, while production commenced back on September 7th, 2022 at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City.
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View Comments
The silver Malibu in the first photo looks great. Sadly, GM has deleted silver across all product lines. Can anyone explain why such a popular paint color would be discontinued? Makes no sense!
The Malibu should return for MY 2024 as a fully hybrid sedan. The hybrid Camry gets 51 city 53 highway. I think a hybrid Malibu would be a very successful offering.
Gm had a hybrid Malibu not long ago and they got rid of it because it didn't sell. Gm didn't advertise or market it and didn't really do much to put them on dealer lots either.
Gm has allocation limits they force on dealers and it breaks down all the way to trims and even engines. It's really stupid and a huge reason why a lot of people cannot walk onto a gm dealer lot and find what they want.
I love my silver Buick LaCrosse! Codenamed the Silver Surfer it glistens when freshly detailed. And the light gray leather interior just screams elegance!
For my money the only thing that compares is a slick Black Cadillac CTS-V sport coupe with a 6 speed manual. From 2011-12
GM just needs to put the 2.0L turbo back as an option in this... The 1.5L is gutless and not worth what they are asking for in this out of date Malibu...
I second what Dan B said. I'm speaking from my experiencing of driving Chevrolet Malibu as rental car twice (2019 and 2022 MY, both were LT trim powered by 1.5T + CVT)
Admittedly, it's not speedy (but a vehicle this level is not meant to be that way anyway. You're not comparing to Dodge Charger), but it is more than adequate for most conditions. I never feel underpowered, and I can cruise on interstate at 80+ MPH and passing/merging without much hassle. The car is just fine doing everything you need. Plus, it's very smooth.
The 163HP may look low, but this engine also got 184 torque, which is more than most competitors.
Besides, this car handled very well, and somewhat fun to drive. Interior cabin is quiet, comfortable, spacious. Ride is steady. Both times I drove long distance, and I don't feel fatigued. Exterior wise, it's stylish, without being overly dressed. It's also very efficient (Got close to 40 MPG at best condition)
Based on research, reliability seems respectable overall (though some model years are worse than others).
I've driven other vehicles in this segment, including the well respected Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, and VW Passat. Only Ford Fusion could come close, thanks to its sporty handling and driving dynamics (It's slightly faster than Malibu), and the sporty exterior, though overall I still like Malibu more. The Honda drives OK, but Malibu is more engaging to drive. The Hyundai, just another car. VW, a bit slow. (Wish I got chance to try Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry for comparison, but so far Malibu is very satisfactory)
I know some criticize Malibu being outdated and lack of nice features others have. Yes the current gen has been around since 2016, but I think it's still one of the sleeker looking models on market today. As for lack of features, are those the ones you must have or you will die?
I'm not ashamed to say, I would like to purchase a car soon, and Malibu is my top choice!
Hope they keep this model running (and certainly look forward to the 10th generation)
I have a 2016 LT..I got in spring of 2021....with the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder....it has been a good car so far....only thing I do not like is the stop ,start function...but I was able to disable it
I still say not only do they need to continue building the Malibu, they need to add a SS option.
"In fact, GM sold more than 115,000 units last year, which represented almost a 200 percent increase from 2021 sales figures..... (the year the plant was idled for 9 months...)"
Many of the sales were FLEET SALES to rental car companies.
imagine how many they would sell if there was inventory on the dealer lots!!
I agree the malibu is still a very competitive offering. My son works at Hyundai , but if he was buying a car tomorrow a top choice would be a Malibu RS
Hard to celebrate the Malibu when it is outsold by the Nissan Altima.
Anticipating the most stylish Malibu ever.
It's really odd how they keep reducing the mileage ratings on the 1.5T Malibu. It started with a 37 highway rating that was reduced to 36 a few years after intro and is now down to 35. City also dropped from 29 to 27 and combined also went down by 2 to 30 from 32
The problem with the 2.0t is the premium fuel requirement. The problem with the 1.5t is the 6 speed.
I like the Malibu but the interior is in need of an update. It's not bad, but it's not great.
The 2.0L is only recommended premium fuel, not required. Speaking from experience, my Malibu was one of the best cars I’ve had. Although, I wish I had the 9 speed auto instead of the 8 speed out of the Camry. Only reason I got rid of it because I wanted AWD and the deals were better on the terrains. Also, again from experience, my grandparents had the 1.5L 6 speed auto. It wasn’t all that good. But the new CVT is a huge improvement over the 6 speed. (Had one as a rental) Had much better get up and go even with 5 people in the car.
Yes we're rentals I work at the factory