The people have spoken as the end of the current Chevy Malibu sedan in November looms closer by the day. The GM Authority poll about the Malibu’s future shows that most of our readership wants the nameplate to continue – and to live in a fairly specific form, not as yet another EV crossover.
Out of the four choices offered, a “heavy refresh” of the Chevy Malibu was the most popular. The comments section contains some interesting observations on what the sedan needs going forward.
As of this writing, 43 percent of GM Authority readers who voted prefer the “heavy refresh” option, with the “complete redesign” choice coming in a close second with 38 percent of votes. Just 10 percent of voters want the Chevy Malibu to become an electric vehicle, while a further 10 percent say that “nothing” should be done with the Bow Tie brand’s sedan, indicating they believe it should be permanently discontinued.
Many commenters preferred the approach of refreshing the sedan because it would be more economically viable than a ground-up, clean-sheet redesign and, therefore, more likely to happen. As one commenter, ocnblu, pointed out, “the Asian players in the segment have done the same for years and have had success at it.”
Features that should be featured in a refresh, according to many comments, include a new, improved interior, all-wheel drive in some cases, increased engine power, and a hybrid powertrain. While many commentators want to see a hybrid variant alongside the ICE version of the sedan, a significant majority – though they want GM to do something with the Malibu – do not want an EV or a CUV variant. A RWD version seems to be disliked almost as much as an all-electric Malibu.
Finally, a number of readers want the Chevy Chevelle name to be returned in place of “Malibu.” While the poll posed this as an option for a fully redesigned Chevy Malibu only, some people seem to think a major refresh of the existing model is enough reason to flip back to “Chevelle.”
Styling is also mentioned as important several times, with one poster, Joe B, summing up the general mood on the subject of Malibu aesthetics: “I see lots of young people in Camrys and Accords, with their bold styling, but they just don’t have ‘The Look.’ Build a Malibu with an irresistible look, and they will sell.”
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Comments
In any way, GM needs to introduce a new Malibu. Although sedans are dying, there is demand. I’m worried that there aren’t any American factories left to make a new Malibu because Fairfax is going to make the next-gen Bolt, but it’s not like there’s no way out.
I think it would be okay to make and import from GM plants in Korea like Trax(or Envista). Trax could be manufactured with low labor costs thanks to the moderate labor union at the Korean plant and is being sold at a low price. Wouldn’t it be good if the same was applied to the new Malibu?
In addition, GM Korea’s plant already has a history of manufacturing malibu for Europe and Asia. So… it would be easier to produce in Korea if the new malibu goes through the ‘heavy refresh’ update basically.
Yes keep with a refreshed version. It is a good car
With changing the name to Chevelle, GM has a history of dumping/changing names or reusing names on something that is different from the original model (ex Trailblazer) which leads to confusion, folks don’t know what the vehicle is. Everyone knows what a Camry/Accord or Corolla/Civic is – when was the last time Toyota or Honda toyed around with names? There is a reason for that, it’s called brand recognition that you lose with changing names. There is 60 years of product (vehicle) recognition with Malibu that goes out the window changing it to Chevelle.
Don’t get me wrong, GM has a long list of great names associated with some classic vehicles and I would advocate to reusing those classic names instead of coming up with something like Verano or CT4.
tmw: Very well said. This is a huge problem with GM by not sticking with anything including names. Brand recognition is extremely important. I’ve said this exact same thing many times on here. This reminds me of the article yesterday on GMA about the Cadillac XT4 dropping the base Luxury trim of the “Y” trim strategy. GM and Cadillac just made a huge deal about all that just 2 or 3 years ago. And now?
My wife switched from Tahoe to Malibu 4 or 5 cars ago. She loves her 2022 Premier with the 2.0 turbo. Her lease is coming up and there really isn’t a Chevy that she is excited about.
I think a front wheel drive Hybrid with the electric going to the rear wheels (we live in MI) so u can have all wheel drive would be a nice car. Also bring back the 2.0 turbo.
The 2.0 Turbo engine is amazing!!!!
Keep the Bu and take the RS rename it Chevelle, bring back the 2.4 or 2.5 with a turbo call it the Chevelle SS 46k all day.
Well, it’s not that other car companies hasn’t done the same and toyed with their models. Unless you don’t know what a Corolla Cross is, or the Honda Accord Crosstour of 2010s, current Mitsubishi Mirage, Outlander Sport, Ford Taurus X, Ford Mustang Mach-e, Dodge Dart, In the case of the Chevelle, that and Malibu are considered more of a regular cars. Yes, the Chevelle got an aura of musclecar but so is considered now the Malibu name from that era. People has accepted the nameplate Malibu (front drive, 4 cyl) as the bread and butter for modern families so it makes more sense to keep a recognized nameplate than trying something remembered only by enthusiasts, unless is more faithful to what they remember (powerful rear drive V8) which sadly, it’s not going to happen. And I do believe GM should build a new one and price it competitively.
I was one of those who preferred complete redesign because I believe the current Epsilon platform is reaching the end of its technology limits. A new modular skateboard platform designed for efficient Ultium battery system packaging should be contemplated, as this is very important for multimode PHEV/EV/hybrid powertrains along with FWD and AWD with RWD bias for a performance model. This new platform would be more spacious for the PHEV and hybrid variants without severe battery intrusion into the cabin/trunk space like what pertains with the old Volts and Malibu hybrids. To amortize this new platform probable LWB and SWB variants could be had for well known Chevrolet nameplates and other GM brands, including possible sub brands.
Then there is also the FNR-XE concept which shows the way forward for Chevrolet styling, this concept modified and engineered for production would be the perfect visual candidate for a new Chevrolet Malibu midsized sedan with its sharp ultra modern lines and curves. Dimensions would be more or less the same as the current Malibu maybe with an inch more wheelbase length to increase cabin space. A Chevelle variant would be welcomed but as a performance AWD only model, powertrains for a new Chevelle is up for serious debate as a V8 engine maybe out of the question with this set of gm leadership.
I think GM should go all in with a complete redesign to push the technological envelope forward with Ultium systems with range extenders and Super Cruise driver assistance.
Introduce a refreshed Malibu called the “Heritage”. Current car, RS exterior trim, Premier interior trim. Yank the weak turbo 4 and give the 3.6L V6 another lease on life as the only available powerplant. Bolt that to an updated 8 or 9 speed automatic and you’ve effectively bridged the gap between the current Malibu, the much missed Impala and given buyers a unique alternative to a Camry or Accord. All the parts are there, GM just needs to put it together.
I think you should design the body to look like the 68-72 Malibu with different packages like SS. Also bring back the 2 door coupe with rear wheel drive and different engine options just like back in the day. People still want performance with good looks. (Like challengers, Mustangs,Camaro etc)And keep the price reasonable. It’s only made of steel and aluminum just like a smaller regular car.
All this is good, but the reality is that they won’t bring out a fully redesigned Malibu with ICE as the investment wouldn’t be worth the short lived time. For now, the best we could hope for would be a refreshing of the car to give it some new life for a couple years.
But like it or not, EV is here and it’s the future. Not ICE, Hydrogen, PHEV or hybrid. I know that’s not a popular thing with many on here, but I also feel those same people are not well informed or have they truly experienced an EV. So “IF” the Malibu has a chance of living on, it will need to be EV and hopefully they would offer a PHEV along side to help “transition” the many naysayers along the way. But GM isn’t going to give us a fully redesigned, more powerful ICE version of the Malibu. Heck, we probably will never see another one after this very short 2025 model year ends.
Sorry beg to differ on the “EV is here and the future”. EV’s don’t make sense for everyone and for those it doesn’t make sense there needs to be an ICE vehicle. As I’ve said a kazillion times, there are millions of vehicles that park on city streets or apartment parking lots that don’t have easy access to a charger. And there is the range anxiety factor for traveling long distances.
And EV sales is slowing and companies are back pedaling on “all EV by 20xx” https://gmauthority.com/blog/2024/05/cadillac-changes-course-on-all-electric-by-2030-plan/
GM ‘s long-term planning should have included invested in green technology for ICE instead of all in on EV’s. I read somewhere recently that Toyota is now investing billions into new ICE engines to meet strict greenhouse emissions and better fuel economy.
tmw: You are buying into a narrative put out by those who do not wish to see EV win. Like I said above, this is not a popular thing to say on here (just look at the dislikes to confirm). But EV is here and it’s the future. ICE and Hydrogen is not. And don’t take my word for it, go look it up in the sales. EV sales are growing, not going down. Just because Ford and GM are having issues doesn’t mean that the EV market is in trouble or will go away. Go look at real sales numbers.
And if you read what I said, I agree that they need to offer a PHEV along side the EV to help transition those who think they need that gas powered pacifier. I’m all for that and I’m one who screamed the loudest when GM killed the Volt. I’ve said it over and over that killing the Volt was a huge mistake. But sticking our heads in the sand while holding up a sign saying EV’s are bad will get us nowhere. By 2030 you will have more EV’s being offered with 300+ miles of range and fast charging that will allow an 8 to 15 minute stop to charge than we have EV’s on the market today. Clean energy from wind and solar is growing substantially and as more naysayers actually give EV a chance, they will convert. It’s reality. Not my opinion.
FACT! The future is now & it’s here. The only thing permanent in life is change. Just like 🎶 music…thank God I made my money during CD SALES! Kenny Nash ABE ENTERTAINMENT KNOWS ~
SO, you think we should go from being dependent on OPEC to being dependent on Chinese Lithium? If you think that 300 mpc is good for an EV, I can show you many who don’t even get 250 in there vehicle at the end of the day. I get a nice 450 miles per tank in both our BMW and Mercedes. EV’s won’t come close to that with L-ion batteries, so that’s not the FUTURE! More work needs to be done to get EV’s to a point where they require Chinese Dependencies…. We all know, but nobody wants to talk about it, because it doesn’t fit in their narrative. It’s far too early to mandate EV’s for everyone.
Where they DON’T require Chinese Dependencies….
Art: You are purposely putting things into my comments that I didn’t say. For one, I didn’t say anything about lithium or the lithium-ion bettery. What you are totally failing to accept is that the technology within the EV market is moving quite fast. Before you realize it, we will have 500+ miles of range on the average EV. Is that today? No. But in the same sense, you and I both know that there’s no way you are getting 450 miles per tank on your BMW/MB unless you are driving 100% at 55 MPH without any stop/go and without A/C. If we take an average fuel tank of 16 gal, that means you are getting about 28 MPG all the time. So I’m sorry, but I don’t believe that. My 2021 Chevy Malibu was very efficient and I drive for the best MPG I can get (not aggressive). That car had just under 16 gal capacity, and with the best driving on average per day, I was lucky to get 300 miles. Of course, if I was driving constant highway in mild weather, I would certainly get your 450 or more. My point being that the average EV today isn’t much different. And no, the EV is not a perfect thing and neither is any ICE vehicle. But to deny that EV is the future is nothing more than sticking your head in the sand.
Damn you are an amazing writer! I give you the journalism award for this article calling the BULL SHT! AMAZING ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! This is A BIG EVENT ENTERTAINMENT! IM KENNY NASH AND KNOW ABE ENTERTAINMENT when I see it!
I get roughly 35 mpg with my 2.0 liter turbo…. Yes, I get 450 miles per tank out of my 18 gal fuel tank. If I was driving 55-60 mph and getting 35 mpg all the time, I have a maximum range of over 600 miles per tank. 18×35=630…. however, I’m getting closer to 30 mpg avg, thus my max range would drop to 540 miles per tank. You don’t know me, or how I drive, so keep your opinion to yourself. I’ve been driving vehicles for 56 years and I know exactly what I’m talking about. I also worked in technology for over 30 years and I know the capabilities of Lithium Ion batteries. The chemical makeup of the batteries will have to change to hit targets of 450 miles or more OR you’re going to have to find somewhere to build in more battery cells to the vehicle. Neither is likely anytime soon. That’s why there continues to be research into other types of batteries. Finally, if you want Lithium to be the future of the EV auto industry, you’re putting the Country at risk because the majority of the Lithium on the planet is in China., although there are limited supply in Argentina, Australia and Chile. There is little chance that the EPA and States will allow Lithium mining in the USA at McDermitt Caldera, as that location remains controversial due to the risk to both groundwater and the environment. Until there’s another battery produced from other resources, no one can accurately claim that EV’s are the future… especially with Hydrogen research advancing, along with other technologies. The Government and the Industry is too far ahead of the actual sustainable technology. But heh, you go ahead and keep believing that the answer is already here… when it’s not close enough to actually know what the future will be. Seems like you all are the folks with your heads in the sand, and suckers to the Government miscues relative to EV viability in the long term. Come back and lecture us when you get it right, but you aren’t there yet.
You are a great writer and make so much sense with the information you shared with us.. The bs I was referring too was what they are selling us now for cars. I prefer gasoline engine anyway. I’ve heard too many fkd up stories about EVs & recharging.
Toyota says 2027 500-600 mpc will be here.
no Malibu – GM can’t compete with Toyota or Honda on value and quality in this market.
They can and should.
But GM Doesn’t or Can’t
Give me a Malibu SS option or a Nomad. Lets have some fun out there.
Chevy Nomad would be awesome!
I think General Motors must have a diferent approach for the future of the Malibu, the lack of sells is directly tie with the quality of the interior with cheap hard plastic , and plastic solutions in the engines(Ecotec I14 in the Cruze to name one) maybe is time to give the Malibu a decent interior (not leather imitation) a better powered engine 2.0 turbo, an maybe a 2.5 in a RS VERSION.
Or they can just go grab a 1.5L engine from the Cadillac Ct4 in china and study it and build one similar to it with a fwd and a optional awd
Brand recognition and quality is the most important thing to remember. Malibu is a known name to AMERICAN 🇺🇸 CARS just like myself KENNY NASH is known to country music. Keep building the AMERICAN NAME cars that drivers in their senior years know….after all they do have the money. Kenny Nash A.B.E ENTERTAINMENT
I believe GM is making a huge mistake investing and building electric vehicles, they won’t sell as well as gasoline powered vehicles.
Plus, going 4 bangers instead of 6 or 8 cylinder vehicles will cause their sales to drop dramatically.
GM will need another bail out very soon.
No bailout. Chapter 7 instead.
Keep the model. You need to have a car in the line. Not everyone likes suvs! Just update a little bit, Maybe a choice of larger engines.
I like the idea of a Malibu with a gasoline engine as well as a hybrid version and a Malibu SS with a high performance (300 HP) 4 cylinder or V-6.
We bought a 24 Malibu RS about six months ago. It’s awesome – we were not even in the market to buy one. She caught our eye. There are so many positive features on this vehicle that she’ll be around with us for quite a while.
When people turn and look 👀 – you know you got the right vehicle!
Yes a complete redesign and brought back as a Hybrid sedan, or plug in Hybrid.
Not much to say now that Ford, Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet seem intent on dumping ICE passenger sedans and coupes in favor of SUV’s and EV’s. I’ll never buy either one, so I guess that means I’ll be looking to European or Japanese alternatives. Too bad, because I owned mostly GM vehicles for the last 50 years.
A rwd CT4 with a 238hp 2.0l starts at $34k. Go buy one.
too small for me… CT5 is being redesigned, but GM also threw away CarPlay, so there’s another strike.
A real CT5 is better than your dream vehicle which will never be built.
Or you can spend more and buy an unreliable european car.
Yah but who wants a used Caddy with 50k miles- repairs will destroy a normal
Person
It doesn’t matter what we the customers say. Mary has decided the Malibu the last USA Built Chevrolet is gone! GM loves SUV’s and pickups for the money and EV’s. Not sure why in EV’s too many problems that are coming to light everyday.
We do need the Malibu. How can GM not have one sedan in their lineup? It is a nice car and what goes around. Please think about other things instead of the bottom line. You can still make $$ on the Malibu but of course, not like an overpriced truck.
Make a ice El Camino.
Damn you an amazing writer! I give the journalism award for this article calling the BULL SHT! AMAZING ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! This is A BIG EVENT ENTERTAINMENT! IM KENNY NASH AND KNOW ABE ENTERTAINMENT when I see it!
Keep the Malibu and dump Barra.
Redesign with upgrades !!!What a great idea people still want a sedan !!!!
Major refresh then keep it, with gas? I have seen more sedans lately. Too fast into EVs just like SUVs
Ross
Flint-Lansing-Tampa
GM needs a management change less flip flopping and more ongoing consistency in maintaining the GM identity. With high quality great value and performance and listening to their customers. America.