From behind the wheel of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, the first thing you notice is how familiar everything feels. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. In an era where automakers are rushing to electrify and reinvent, Chevy has let the Malibu evolve slowly. For the 2025 model year, the changes are minimal: a new exterior color option, some reshuffled standard features, and a small price increase. But the core of the car—a comfortable, front-wheel-drive midsize sedan with a turbo four-cylinder and a 9-speed automatic—remains untouched. Is that enough to keep the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu relevant against a wave of crossovers and increasingly competitive sedans from Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai? I spent a week with one to find out.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu carries over with few surprises. The biggest news is the addition of a new color, Radiant Red Tintcoat, and the deletion of the LT trim’s available Driver Confidence Package—some of those features are now standard. The lineup still consists of LS, RS, and Premier trims, all powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel drive (which is only available on the Premier trim) gets a 9-speed automatic. Given that the Malibu has been essentially unchanged since its 2016 redesign, you could argue it’s overdue for a full overhaul. But Chevrolet seems content to let it run on autopilot.
Exterior Design: Familiar but Handsome
The 2025 Malibu remains a clean, conservative shape. It doesn’t have the angry creases of a Honda Accord or the coupe-like roofline of a Hyundai Sonata. Instead, it’s a traditional three-box sedan with a chrome grille, swept-back headlights, and a gentle shoulder line. The RS trim adds black wheels and dark accents for a sportier look, while the Premier gets LED lighting and chrome touches. From the right angle, the Malibu still looks contemporary, but it’s clear the design is aging. The wheel options (16-, 18-, and 19-inch) are well-proportioned, and the overall stance is planted. It won’t turn heads, but it won’t offend anyone either.
Interior and Tech: Comfortable, but Showing Its Age
Step inside the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, and you’re greeted by a cabin that prioritizes comfort over flash. The front seats are generously padded, with available heating and ventilation on Premier models. Rear legroom is generous for a midsize sedan—adults can sit comfortably in the back without knees touching the front seats. The materials are a mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics; it’s not luxury, but it’s durable. The infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which works seamlessly. However, the graphics are dated, and there’s no digital instrument cluster—even the Premier trim uses analog gauges with a small TFT screen between them. The available Bose premium audio system sounds crisp, but the lack of a panoramic sunroof or ambient lighting makes the cabin feel less upscale than rivals.
Engine and Performance: Adequate, Not Exciting
Under the hood, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu’s 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 163 horsepower—the lowest output in its class. The Honda Accord starts at 192 hp; the Toyota Camry at 203 hp. On the road, the Malibu feels adequate around town but struggles on highway merges and steep grades. The CVT on front-drive models drones under hard acceleration, and the 0-60 mph time is likely around 8.0 seconds. The all-wheel-drive Premier, with its 9-speed automatic, feels a bit more responsive, but it’s still not quick. Fuel economy is a bright spot: the EPA rates the Malibu at 29 mpg city and 36 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, which is competitive. Ride quality is good—the suspension absorbs bumps well, and highway cruising is quiet. The steering is light and accurate but delivers little feedback.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Solid but Not Class-Leading
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on LS and RS but standard on Premier. The system works unobtrusively, but it lacks adaptive cruise control that can come to a full stop—a common feature in competitors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Malibu a five-star overall safety rating, which is reassuring. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn’t tested the 2025 model yet; the 2024 earned top scores in most categories.
Pricing and Trims: A Good Value, Depending on How You Spec It
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts at around $26,000 for the LS, including destination. The RS adds sporty touches (and a standard sunroof) for about $28,000. The Premier, which is the only way to get all-wheel drive and leather seats, starts near $33,000. That’s a competitive price point, especially considering that similarly equipped Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys can cost $2,000–$3,000 more. However, the Malibu’s resale value is lower, so you’ll lose more over time. If you’re buying and plan to keep the car for a long time, the Malibu is a solid value.
Verdict: Pros, Cons, and Bottom Line
**Pros:**
- Spacious interior with comfortable seats
- Smooth ride and quiet highway cruising
- Good fuel economy (29/36 mpg FWD)
- Competitive pricing
**Cons:**
- Underpowered engine compared to rivals
- Dated interior design and technology
- No hybrid option (unlike Camry, Accord, Sonata)
- Lower resale value
**Bottom Line:** The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is a competent, comfortable sedan that gets the basics right but doesn’t excel in any area. It’s ideal for buyers who prioritize a soft ride, low price, and traditional sedan shape over modern tech or performance. If you’re not bothered by the aging design and just need a reliable daily driver, the 2025 Chevy Malibu deserves a test drive. But if you want a more engaging or technologically up-to-date midsize sedan, the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry is a better investment.
**Score: 7.0/10**