Does the Chevy Malibu have cruise control?
The Chevy Malibu does have cruise control. In modern models, traditional cruise control is standard across many trims, while adaptive cruise control (ACC) is available on higher trims or through safety packages. Note that Chevrolet discontinued the Malibu after the 2023 model year in the U.S.; new inventory is no longer produced, though used examples remain common.
This article explains how cruise control appears across the Malibu’s generations and what buyers should check for a specific year and trim. For precise confirmation, refer to the vehicle’s window sticker or owner's manual.
Cruise control availability by Malibu generation
The following overview highlights general availability of traditional cruise control across Malibu generations and how ACC entered the lineup.
- 1997–2003: Cruise control was available as an option on some trims; not all configurations included it by default.
- 2004–2012: Cruise control became widely available and was standard on mid- to high-level trims; base models could be without it depending on the exact spec.
- 2013–2015: Traditional cruise control was common on most trims; adaptive cruise control began appearing as part of optional safety packages on higher trims.
- 2016–2023: Cruise control is standard across most trims; adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims or as part of Safety/Driver Confidence packages, depending on the year and market.
In summary, traditional cruise control has long been a staple of the Malibu, especially in later years, while ACC was gradually added as an option on higher trims and with specific safety packages.
Adaptive cruise control and safety packages
The following notes explain ACC availability and how it’s typically packaged for Malibu models. ACC uses radar or sensors to maintain a set distance from the car ahead and is not universally standard on every trim.
- Adaptive cruise control was introduced in the Malibu in the mid-2010s as part of optional Safety or Driver Confidence packages on higher trims; it was not commonly standard on the base LS in earlier years.
- In more recent years (roughly 2016–2023), ACC could be included with Safety or Driver Assist packages on LT and Premier trims; availability varies by year and market.
- Even with ACC, some features (such as stop-and-go functionality) may depend on the generation and the specific package; verify the exact feature set for the model you’re considering.
Bottom line: If you want adaptive cruise control, look for a Malibu LT or Premier with the appropriate safety package or check the exact equipment list for the specific year you’re evaluating.
How to verify in your Malibu
These quick checks help confirm whether your Malibu has traditional cruise control or ACC, and which features are active for your specific model and year.
- Inspect the steering wheel controls for a "Cruise" button (on/off, set, resume) or an "ACC" button indicating adaptive cruise control.
- Consult the owner’s manual sections titled "Cruise Control" or "Driver Assist" for a definitive feature list.
- Review the window sticker or build sheet to see if packages like Safety, Driver Confidence, or equivalent include ACC.
- Ask the dealer or a former owner for the original equipment list if you’re unsure about the car’s configuration.
Verifying these details will help you determine whether your Malibu has traditional cruise control, adaptive cruise control, or neither, and what limitations might apply depending on the year and trim.
Summary
Across the Malibu’s lifespan, traditional cruise control has been a common and often standard feature, while adaptive cruise control was gradually added to higher trims via safety packages. With the model year ending in 2023 for U.S. production, buyers today should verify exact specifications on used vehicles through window stickers, manuals, or dealer documentation to confirm the presence and capabilities of cruise control or ACC.
