What car is replacing the Chevy Malibu?
There is no direct replacement for the Chevy Malibu in Chevrolet’s current lineup. GM retired the mid-size sedan after the 2023 model year as part of a broader shift toward SUVs and trucks.
The Malibu has long served as Chevrolet’s benchmark mid-size sedan, offering a traditional sedan footprint with a focus on passenger comfort and balanced ride. In recent years, however, GM has prioritized utility vehicles, and the market’s drift toward crossovers has accelerated the decision to discontinue the model. As a result, buyers looking for a Chevy sedan won’t find a one-for-one replacement in the current catalog.
Context: The end of a sedan era at Chevrolet
Automotive industry trends in the 2020s have pushed consumers toward sport-utility vehicles and pickups, a shift that has left traditional passenger cars with shrinking sales. Chevrolet formally ended Malibu production after the 2023 model year, joining a broader strategy within General Motors to consolidate its car lineup in favor of more profitable and versatile crossovers and trucks.
What fills the gap in Chevrolet's lineup?
The following options are the closest fits within Chevrolet’s current lineup to the role the Malibu once played as a mid-size, family-friendly sedan. They offer similar practicality and a modern feature set, but they come in SUV form factors rather than conventional sedans.
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Traverse
These vehicles provide ample interior space and a comfortable ride, but they differ from the Malibu in body style and driving dynamics. The company’s emphasis remains on SUVs and trucks, with no direct sedan successor in the lineup.
For buyers who specifically want a sedan, the lack of a Chevy mid-size option means considering alternatives outside Chevrolet, including used Malibu models or new sedans from rival brands. GM’s strategy suggests that any replacement for the Malibu would come from a broader market shift rather than a single new Chevrolet sedan.
If you specifically want a sedan
Chevrolet no longer sells a current mid-size sedan in the United States. Prospective buyers seeking a sedan might explore used Malibu examples, or evaluate competing sedans from other brands such as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, or Nissan Altima, depending on their preferences for size, efficiency, and features. For those who prioritize cargo and passenger space with a traditional SUV-like footprint, the Blazer, Equinox, or Traverse offer viable alternatives within the Chevrolet family.
Summary
Summary: The Chevy Malibu has not been replaced by a direct successor. GM’s shift toward SUVs and trucks means there is no one-for-one Malibu replacement in Chevrolet’s current lineup. The closest Chevrolet options are the Blazer, Equinox, and Traverse, all SUVs rather than sedans. Shoppers seeking a traditional Malibu-like sedan may need to look at used models or consider sedans from other brands.
What will replace the Chevy Malibu in 2026?
The Focus Is Now on EVs
At the factory where the Malibu is built, Chevy is stopping sedan work to get ready for EVs. In its place, they will build the new Bolt EV and Cadillac XT4.
What is the Chevy Malibu being replaced with?
The Chevy Bolt Electric Car Will Replace the Chevy Malibu
The Chevy Bolt EV comes in several striking trim options and offers fast charging times along with hundreds of miles of driving range so you can never miss a beat on your next adventure.
Why is Chevy Malibu being discontinued?
The Chevy Malibu is being discontinued to focus on General Motors' shift to electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting a broader industry trend away from sedans in favor of SUVs and trucks. The Fairfax Assembly plant is being retooled to produce more EVs, such as the Chevrolet Bolt, and production of the Malibu ended in November 2024.
- Shift to EVs: General Motors is investing heavily in electric vehicles and needs to retool its factories to produce them, including the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas, which will be converted for EV production.
- Decline of sedans: Consumer demand has moved toward larger, more spacious vehicles like SUVs and trucks, causing sales for traditional sedans to decline.
- Market competition: The automotive market is changing, and with many brands offering competitive sedans, maintaining and updating the Malibu was becoming a challenge.
- Production timeline: The final 2025 model year was produced before the plant ceased Malibu production in November 2024.
Is there going to be a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes, a 2025 Chevy Malibu is available, though it is the final model year for the sedan, with production ending in 2025. It is offered in four trim levels (LS, RS, 1LT, and 2LT) and is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
- Trim levels: The 2025 Malibu is available in four trims: LS, RS, 1LT, and 2LT.
- Engine: All models feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- Final model year: The 2025 model year will be the last for the Chevy Malibu, which will be discontinued after its long run.
- Production: Production of the 2025 Malibu began in July 2024 and is expected to conclude around July 2025, with all North American models being produced at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, USA.
