The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu receives a few minor updates, after receiving a mid-cycle refresh for the 2019 model year.
Changes, Updates, New Features
The Chevrolet Malibu received a refresh for the 2019 model year (see info on 2019 Malibu), the 2020 Malibu get a few minor changes, as follows:
- Model Line:
- Deletion of Malibu Hybrid model (model 1ZE69)
- Change of RS model code to 1ZS69
- Addition of new Midnight Edition package on LT model
- Exterior
- Colors:
- Deletion of Iridescent Pearl Tricoat exterior color
- Deletion of Pacific Blue Metallic exterior color
- Deletion of Sandy Ridge Metallic exterior color
- Addition of Stone Gray Metallic exterior color
- Addition of Black Cherry Metallic exterior color
- Deletion of 16-inch steel wheels with covers on L model
- 16-inch aluminum wheels are now the standard wheels on L
- Addition of chrome grille surround with Black grille inserts and 18″ aluminum wheels on RS model
- Addition of rear spoiler as LPO-level option
- Colors:
- Interior:
- Deletion of Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray leather-appointed interior
- Mechanical:
- Remote vehicle starter system now available on LS and RS
- Remote start kit (LPO-level) is now only available through Convenience Package 1, Convenience Package 2 or Weather Protection Package 2. It is no longer available as a free flow option.
- Other:
- 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
- LT Cloth model:
See detailed 2020 Malibu changes, updates and new features here: 2020 Chevrolet Malibu change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may differ for other markets.
Competitors
The 2020 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
Body Styles
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu continues being offered as a four-door midsize sedan.
Platform
The 2020 Chevy Malibu continues riding on the GM E2 platform.
Powertrain
The 2020 Chevy Malibu loses the hybrid model, leaving it with two gasoline engine choices in the United States.
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Powertrain Specs & Fuel Economy
Engine RPO Code | LFV | LTG |
---|---|---|
Displacement: | 1.5L | 2.0L |
Configuration: | I-4 DOHC | I-4 DOHC |
Fuel type: | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Aspiration: | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
Valves per cylinder: | 4 | 4 |
Fuel injection: | Direct Injected | Direct Injected |
Fuel-saving tech: | VVT, auto stop-start | VVT |
Power (hp / kW @ RPM): | 163 / 121.5 @ 5700 | 250 / 186 @ 5300 |
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM): | 184 / 248.4 @ 2500-3000 | 260 / 353 @ 2000-5000 |
Transmission: | continuously variable transmission (CVT) | 9-speed auto |
Transmission RPO code: | MRG | M3E |
Final drive ratio: | 5.10 | 2.89 |
Model availability: | L, LS, RS, LT | Premier |
City fuel economy (mpg): | TBD | 22 |
Highway fuel economy (mpg): | TBD | 32 |
Combined fuel economy (mpg): | TBD | 26 |
Production
The 2020 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
Prices
We expect the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu to have similar pricing to the 2019 model. We will update this section once Chevrolet prices the 2020 Malibu.
Availability
We expect the 2020 Malibu to follow the regular GM model year rollover sequence, and launch in the third quarter of the 2019 calendar year.
Beyond 2020
We expect that the ninth-generation Malibu will live on thru at least the 2022 model year, and that an all-new, future Chevy Malibu will launch around 2023, although not necessarily as a sedan.
Discussion
Discuss the 2020 Chevy Malibu in our Chevrolet forum.
News
Follow our coverage of Chevrolet Malibu news.