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How many seats are in the Chevy Malibu?

The Chevy Malibu seats five passengers. In modern and more recent versions, the layout is two front seats and a rear bench for three, for a total of five seats. Note that production patterns have varied across generations, but today’s Malibu has a five-seat configuration.


Current Malibu seating configuration


Here's how the seating is typically arranged in the latest Malibu models, highlighting comfort and cargo flexibility.



  • Seating capacity: five passengers

  • Front row: two bucket seats with a center console

  • Rear row: three-passenger bench, 60/40 split folding to expand cargo space


In practical terms, this setup suits everyday use—families, carpools, and individuals needing a balance of passenger space and trunk practicality.


Historical seating variations by generation


Over its long run, the Malibu saw variations in seating, reflecting shifts in design and market preferences. Some older generations offered configurations that could accommodate more than five people, while most later models settled on five seats.



  • 1960s–early 1970s: selected trims offered a front bench seat, which could allow six occupants (three in front, three in back)

  • Late 1970s–1990s: a mix of front-row options existed, but five-passenger layouts were common in many trims

  • 2000s–2023: standard five-seat layout (two in front, three in rear) with rear 60/40 split folding on many trims


For a specific model year, verify the exact seating arrangement in the official specifications or owner's manual, since trim and market can affect configurations.


Summary


Across its modern iterations, the Chevy Malibu is a five-seat sedan, with two front seats and a rear bench for three passengers. While early generations sometimes offered different arrangements, the contemporary and widely available Malibu seats five people, balancing passenger comfort with cargo flexibility.

How big is the backseat of a Chevy Malibu?


With this much space, you can stretch out your legs and stay limber for the drive ahead. The back seat doesn't skimp on space, either. Adults and kids alike can appreciate the spaciousness of the rear cabin, where you'll find 37.5 inches of headroom and 38.1 inches of legroom.



How many people can fit in a Chevy Malibu?


The two-row Malibu seats five people.



Can 6 people fit in a Chevy Malibu?


The Chevy Malibu seats up to five passengers comfortably with plenty of room for everyone to stretch out and relax.



Is a Malibu bigger than a Camry?


Compare the Malibu vs. Camry size using our chart above, and you'll see that the Chevrolet Malibu is slightly longer and wider than its Toyota rival. The Malibu also has more standard cargo space, front headroom, and passenger volume.


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Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.