How big is the trunk of a Chevy Malibu?
The trunk holds about 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space in most Malibu models, enough for several suitcases or groceries. Exact figures can vary slightly by year and trim, and folding rear seats can expand usable space for longer items.
Trunk capacity in recent Malibu generations
For the mid-2010s through the 2023 model year, Chevrolet cites a trunk volume of 15.8 cubic feet for the Malibu. This figure has been fairly consistent across trims, with minor variances due to design changes and optional features. In practical terms, 15.8 cu ft translates to room for about two to three large suitcases plus groceries depending on packing.
Expanding cargo with folded rear seats
Most Malibu variants offer a 60/40-split folding rear seat, allowing you to fold part of the bench to accommodate longer items while still carrying a passenger in the back. This can effectively increase usable cargo space beyond the 15.8 cubic feet when needed.
Availability and context
Chevrolet ended Malibu production after the 2023 model year. As of 2024 and beyond, buyers looking for a Malibu will rely on remaining new-old stock at dealers or the used market, rather than a new model from the factory. The trunk size question remains helpful for prospective buyers comparing midsize sedans.
Summary
The Chevy Malibu generally offers about 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space in its recent generations, with folding rear seats increasing flexibility for larger items. With the model no longer in production after 2023, shoppers should focus on used examples or rival midsize sedans for new purchases.
What are the dimensions of the Chevy Malibu?
The dimensions for the Chevy Malibu (2021-2025 models) are approximately 194.2 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 57.3 inches high, with a 111.0 to 111.4-inch wheelbase. It has an interior passenger volume of about 102.9102.9102.9 cubic feet and a trunk cargo volume of 15.715.715.7 cubic feet.
Exterior dimensions
- Length: 194.2194.2194.2 inches
- Width: 73.073.073.0 inches
- Height: 57.357.357.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 111.0−111.4111.0 minus 111.4111.0−111.4 inches
- Front Track: 62.662.662.6 inches
- Rear Track: 62.562.562.5 inches
Interior and cargo dimensions
- Passenger Volume: 102.9102.9102.9 cubic feet
- Trunk Volume: 15.715.715.7 cubic feet
- Front Headroom: 39.139.139.1 inches
- Front Legroom: 41.541.541.5 inches
- Front Shoulder Room: 58.558.558.5 inches
- Front Hip Room: 54.154.154.1 inches
- Rear Headroom: 37.537.537.5 inches
- Rear Legroom: 38.138.138.1 inches
- Rear Shoulder Room: 57.157.157.1 inches
- Rear Hip Room: 53.453.453.4 inches
Can a 65 inch TV fit in a Chevy Malibu?
A 65-inch TV might fit in a Chevy Malibu, but it will be a very tight squeeze, likely requiring the rear seats to be folded down. For the safest transport, the TV should be kept in its original box and stood upright, not laid flat. It is highly recommended to measure both the TV box and the car's interior before attempting to transport it.
Factors to consider
This video shows how a 65-inch TV fits in a 2020 Chevy Malibu: 59sRoy Y. ChanYouTube · Dec 9, 2020
- Dimensions: A 65-inch TV box can be up to 65 inches wide, which is longer than the trunk's depth without the seats down.
- Seating: You will likely need to fold down the rear seats to create enough length.
- Safety: Transporting the TV upright in the original box is the safest method, as laying it flat can cause the screen to bend and crack from road vibrations.
- Storage: Even with the seats down, the TV might not fit perfectly. You may need to lean it against a seat and be careful with driving, especially with sharp turns or braking.
Before you go
- Measure: Measure the dimensions of the TV's box and the length of your Malibu's interior with the seats folded down to ensure a proper fit before you buy the TV.
- Unbox: It's best to transport the TV in its original box to protect it, but you will need to have the box with you to do the measurements.
- Ask for help: If the TV is too big for your car, ask a friend to help you move it, or rent a vehicle with more space.
How wide is the back of a Chevy Malibu?
With 53.4 inches of rear hip room and 57.1 inches of shoulder room, the back row is wide enough to accommodate three fully-grown adults sitting side by side. No one will be bumping elbows inside the 2021 Malibu, so you can all enjoy the ride!
Why is Malibu being discontinued?
Chevy is discontinuing the Malibu primarily because of a company-wide shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and the declining popularity of sedans in favor of SUVs and trucks. The production plant where the Malibu is built will be retooled to produce more EVs, like the next version of the Bolt.
- Shift to EVs: Chevrolet's and other sources indicate a strategic move to focus on electric vehicles. The Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas is being retooled to prepare for the return of the Bolt EV.
- Declining sedan demand: There has been a significant decline in consumer demand for sedans as many buyers have moved toward larger, more profitable vehicles like SUVs and trucks.
- Increased focus on trucks and SUVs: As consumer preferences have changed, Chevy has prioritized the production of SUVs and trucks, which have become more profitable and popular.
