2023 Chevy Malibu – Chevrolet recently stopped building several sedans in North America, including the Cruze, Volt, and Impala. Now, it seems Malibu could also be on its way out. This year it dealt automakers a much different hand than any of them could prepare for as a coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the world. But, although car sales are still hanging around at a much lower rate than before COVID-19,
people are still buying cars. While previous reports have suggested the model could get a facelift around 2022, GM Authority reports malibu will “likely be dropped immediately after the 2023 model year.” The report is light on specifics but suggests Malibu’s future is affected by declining sales and the coronavirus pandemic. As they see it, before the pandemic, Malibu is expected to
last until the 2025 model year. You might expect this list to be full of sedans and hatchbacks, knowing Americans can’t get enough SUVs and pickup trucks. However, there are some surprises when it comes to the slowest new car sales. Although nothing official, Malibu sales have dropped significantly in recent years. Chevrolet sold 227,881 units in the United States in 2016, but sales fell to 185,857 units in 2017 and 144,542 units in 2018. Last year, U.S. sales fell to 131,917 units
less than the Ford Fusion already had a date with the undertaker. In response to declining sales, Chevrolet downgraded the Malibu Hybrid for 2020. Now, it seems that the decline could also accelerate the exit of the model.New 2023 Chevy Malibu USA Rumors, Redesign
2023 Chevy Malibu Model
The news may not be all bad as previous reports have suggested the Malibu could be replaced by an electric vehicle. GM may have hinted at this possibility in February when it unveiled an updated electric vehicle roadmap that includes a “Low Roof Car” that promises to be “efficient.”
Needless to say, malibu’s demise would eliminate one of Chevrolet’s last remaining sedans. The only other Chevy sedan currently offered in the United States is the Sonic which is also rumored to be living with borrowed time.
The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu is heading toward an uncertain future. Now in its seventh year after a 2016 redesign, it’s one of the oldest cars on the market. It’s also the last midsize domestic car standing as Ford,
Stellantis, and even other GM brands move away from the segment. But while the midsize car market has dwindled, most of the remaining players are at the top of their game. Cars like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry offer a lot for buyers and leave the Malibu with very stiff competition.
Yet it can compete with its low price. Leave the options off, and you can get a decently equipped car for less money than its competitors. The problem comes when you add features and safety equipment, some of which are standard on other cars. Check a few boxes for option packages, and Malibu’s price advantage is eliminated.
Does Chevrolet Make a 2023 Malibu?
According to Chevrolet, the Malibu could be on its way to being discontinued, but it is available as a 2023 model on Chevrolet’s website. This year Chevrolet dropped the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, making the 160 hp 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder the only engine. Four trim levels are available, starting with the entry-level LS, mid-level RS and LT, and the top-level LT2.
The 2023 Malibu LT starts at just under $24,000. You get a well-equipped car with a good list of standard equipment for that price, but safety features like automatic emergency braking or blind-spot monitoring are not available. To get those items, you have to tack on option packages.
The mid-level Malibu LT builds off the LS model and begins at about $27,000 and adds things like satellite radio, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and remote start.
Topping the range is the Malibu 2LT. Here’s where you get leather seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, wireless charging, and a Bose audio system. It’s not cheap at $34,000, the starting point of many well-equipped entry-level premium cars.
2023 Chevrolet Malibu Specs and Performance
Edmunds recorded the following specs for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, which should be unchanged for 2023:
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 111.4 in
- Length: 194.2 in
- Width: 73.0 in
- Height: 57.9 in
Engine/Drivetrain Specs:
- 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Horsepower: 160 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Transmission: Front-wheel drive CVT automatic
- Fuel Economy: 29/36 MPG
Is a Chevrolet Malibu Worth Buying?
U.S. News summed up its 2022 review with, “The Chevrolet Malibu sits near the back of our midsize car rankings. It has an outdated interior design, and it struggles to match the power and comfort that you’ll find with class rivals.” The company has not bothered to review the 2023 Malibu, which would likely sink further in its rankings.
However, U.S. News isn’t the only company that hasn’t covered the 2023 Malibu. Edmunds said much of the same things in 2022, adding, “the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is the only new family car that still wears a bow-tie badge, and it’s now a 7-year-old design with no direct replacement in sight. The 2022 Malibu is also the only midsize sedan made by a traditional domestic automaker, though numerous rivals are also built in the United States.”
From my standpoint, there are three things the Chevy Malibu has going for it: It’s got a cheap base price. It’s got a storied name that goes back 50 years. And it’s the last midsize car sold by an American company. It’s not a bad car. But compared to the Kia K5 or Hyundai Sonata, both of which are newer, have more features, and are comparably priced, the Malibu is not a good car either. That said, if you are set on buying a brand new Chevrolet Malibu, check out the 2022 model. Dealers have plenty of inventory and should be looking to deal.
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