Everything There Is to Love About the 2023 Chevy Malibu

Parting is such sweet sorrow. The 2023 Chevy Malibu promises to be the best year ever, but the model arrives just a few months after Chevy’s announcement that the model was slated to be discontinued. While the 2023 model year may be the last time you can find a new Chevy Malibu for sale, the Malibu’s legacy lives on, not just in the pre-owned car lots, but within the heart of the drivers who have relied upon the Malibu for safe, dependable transportation over the years.

As we prepare for the Malibu’s last year of production, it seems fitting to stop and reflect on the life of this Chevy icon. Many vehicles change personalities over their lives, and while the current Chevy Malibu has no resemblance to the 1964 Chevelle trim from which it borrowed its name, it is fair to say that the sedan we have known and loved since then is an icon in its own right.

Looking at the specs for the final Malibu model, it’s easy to see why this particular vehicle has managed to hang on through the SUV era to become one of the longest continually-produced sedans in the Chevy stable. It turns out that everything we’ve ever loved about this economical, practical, and enjoyable sedan is reflected in the newest model, demonstrating that the Malibu has always been iconic.

The Economical Chevy Malibu

The third-generation Chevy Malibu, which existed between 1973 to 1977, is a NASCAR legend, with 25 appearances in the winner’s circle throughout the generation. However, just after this generation, fuel consumption became a sticking point for American car manufacturers. The oil crisis triggered a new wave of innovation in the automotive industry, which generations of drivers would later appreciate, given the relentless increase in fuel prices. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a world where economical sedans like the Chevy Malibu didn’t set the standard for fuel consumption.

Economy has been a priority for the Malibu for many years. In fact, in 2013, Chevy offered the Malibu Eco with a light hybrid system. The Malibu Eco was powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and General Motors’ eAssist system, a 15-horsepower electric motor that added extra power and miles. All told, the Malibu Eco provided 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque while carefully sipping gasoline at the rate of 25 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.

Things haven’t changed much. Though the eAssist system has been discontinued in the past decade, the 2023 Malibu is equipped with a modest yet confident 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that thoughtfully provides drivers with an EPA-estimated 35 MPG on the highway and is good for 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. While these figures pale in comparison to its legendary racing ancestors, they provide plenty of power for cruising the highways and running errands in the city.

The Practical Chevy Malibu

If there is one word that accurately captures the essence of the modern sedan, it is “practical.” Sure, automotive trends have left us with some pretty sizeable land yachts over the years. Still, the overall size and shape of the Malibu has changed only to provide drivers with a safer, stronger exterior and more interior space for its five passengers. The 2023 Chevy Malibu has great proportions. Rear seat passengers, who traditionally enjoy the least amount of room to stretch out in a sedan, are treated to 38.1 inches of legroom. The trunk provides 15.7 cu.ft. of space for luggage, groceries, backpacks, and the rest of the necessities of everyday life. Additionally, the rear seat offers a 60/40 split to allow for more cargo.

Ten years ago, the Malibu was not as accommodating to its rear-seat passengers. A bulkier, cozier design for the driver and front seat passenger worked out nicely for those fortunate individuals, but the rear seat provided only 36.8 inches of legroom. Additionally, the eAssist battery pack reduced the usable trunk space in the Eco models. However, the non-Eco models included a spacious 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space and folding rear seats to accommodate a variety of cargo. Perhaps best of all for the urban driver, the overall length of the Malibu has remained relatively similar. In 2013, parallel parking your Malibu meant finding a space at least 191.5 inches; today’s Malibu is slightly longer at 194.2 inches from bumper to bumper.

The Enjoyable Chevy Malibu

For many, driving is an unavoidable task. The morning commute, carpooling to school, and heading out to visit the family are important parts of our driving lives. The Chevy Malibu is designed to take as much tedium out of the behind-the-wheel experience as possible. In 2013, technology wasn’t quite where it is today. Bluetooth connectivity existed, and the Chevy MyLink infotainment system was still in its first generation. Power adjustable front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment interface, and a premium 9-speaker audio system from Pioneer were among some of the higher trims’ offerings.

The 2023 Malibu’s standard fare includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Bluetooth, voice command, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Keyless opening and start/stop are standard today, along with remote start. While some drivers may not consider driver assistance features fun, per se, the peace of mind that comes with plenty of standard safety features is enjoyable for all of us.

Each 2023 Malibu includes Chevy Safety Assist, which adds a forward collision alert with following distance indicator, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. Lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams are also part of this package. Unfortunately, these technologies were not available a decade ago. However, the 2013 Malibu was highly lauded for its ten standard and available airbags; a tradition it continues to this day.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

As Robert Frost noted in his iconic poem, gold is indeed the hardest hue to hold. While the Chevy Malibu has come in many exterior colors over the years, it is time for the Malibu to hand over its sedan crown to another worthy member of the Chevy family. With the Trax due for a complete refresh for the 2024 model year, many have an idea that the economical, practical, and enjoyable crossover will stand to inherit.

Still, as we prepare to enter a world where only used Chevy Malibu models can be found for sale, it’s nice to reflect on where this model has been. Much of what we love about the 2023 Malibu is exactly what we loved about the 2013 Malibu. Sometimes cars don’t need to be exciting, or spacious, or have specialized abilities like towing or off-roading. Sometimes a car just needs to be affordable, offering everyone a more comfortable way of traveling with just enough gadgets and gizmos to enjoy our time behind the wheel. For many years and many drivers, the Chevy Malibu has been exactly that car. For those looking for an affordable sedan with an array of great features, we here at DePaula Chevrolet enthusiastically recommend the 2023 Chevy Malibu. Come in today to get behind the wheel of this great vehicle before it says its final goodbye to the automotive world.