What size rims does a Chevy Malibu have?
The rim size on a Chevy Malibu isn’t fixed across all years and trims; it varies by model year and configuration. In general, Malibus have used rims ranging from 16 inches up to 19 inches, with 17- and 18-inch wheels being the most common in recent generations. To be sure of the exact size for a specific car, check the door placard or the owner's manual.
Rim size ranges across Malibu generations
The following overview outlines typical wheel diameters you may encounter, noting that exact sizes can differ by market, trim level, and year. For precise specifications, always verify the vehicle’s documentation or a manufacturer spec sheet.
- Older models (roughly 2008–2012) often used 16-inch wheels on base trims, with 17-inch options available on higher trims and 18-inch wheels offered on some configurations.
- Mid-generation updates (roughly 2013–2016) commonly featured 17-inch wheels as a standard size on several trims, with 18-inch wheels increasingly available or standard on higher trims and some special editions.
- Later generations (roughly 2016–2023) predominantly used 17- or 18-inch wheels on most trims, with 19-inch wheels offered on top-tier trims in certain model years.
The exact wheel diameter for any given Malibu should be confirmed on the vehicle’s door jamb sticker, the tire sidewall (where the number following the P-tire size indicates the wheel diameter), or the official Chevrolet specification for that year and trim.
How to confirm your exact Malibu rim size
Use these steps to determine the precise wheel diameter for your specific car, especially if you’re buying wheels or tires as replacements or planning a upgrade.
- Check the driver’s door jamb sticker. It lists the recommended tire size, which includes the wheel diameter (for example, a tire size like P215/60R17 indicates a 17-inch wheel).
- Inspect the tire sidewall. The size printed on the tire includes the diameter; match this diameter to the corresponding wheel size your car uses.
- Consult the owner’s manual or a Chevrolet spec sheet for your model year and trim to confirm factory wheel options.
- If in doubt, contact a Chevrolet dealer or use the VIN to retrieve the original build sheet, which lists the exact wheel and tire specification.
Knowing the exact rim size helps ensure proper tire fitment, alignment with the vehicle’s speedometer, and compatibility with brake clearance and suspension components.
Rim size and its practical impact
Rim diameter affects several aspects of the Malibu’s performance and usability. Smaller or larger wheels change ride quality, handling feel, and tire options. They can also influence ride height, brake clearance, and speedometer accuracy. When changing wheel sizes, it’s important to consider tire width, aspect ratio, and overall diameter to maintain proper performance characteristics and avoid interference with body work or brake components.
Summary
The Chevy Malibu’s rim sizes are not uniform across all years and trims. Typical diameters range from 16 to 19 inches, with 17- and 18-inch wheels most common on recent models and 19-inch wheels appearing on some top trims. To know the exact size for a specific Malibu, check the door sticker, tire sidewall, owner's manual, or Chevrolet’s official specifications for that year and trim. Note that the Malibu was discontinued after the 2023 model year, so current rosters no longer include a new Malibu model in the U.S. market.
How can I know my car rim size?
If you currently have tires, there's no need to measure your rims. Simply look for the tire size code and go from there. If you just have empty rims that you need to measure, you may be able to find the dimensions somewhere along a back spoke along with the factory numbers or engraved into the inside of the barrel.
What bolt pattern is a Chevy Malibu?
5x115
Late generations of Chevy Malibu have a 5x115 bolt pattern, although they had a 5x110 bolt pattern from 1999 – 2012 and a 5x120 bolt pattern from 2013 – 2015. No matter what year model you drive or what bolt pattern you have, we've got wheels in every Chevy Malibu bolt pattern ready and waiting for you.
What size wheels are on a 2015 Chevy Malibu?
Chevrolet Malibu VIII 2.0D
| Tire | Rim | bar |
|---|---|---|
| OE 225/50R17 94V | 7Jx17 ET41 | 2.5 |
| OE 225/45R18 95V | 8Jx18 ET42 | 2.5 |
| OE 245/45ZR18 96W | 8Jx18 ET42 | 2.3 |
| OE 245/40ZR19 98Y | 8.5Jx19 ET45 | 2.5 |
What size are the rims on a Chevy Malibu?
What size are Chevy Malibu rims? The Chevy Malibu has a range of stock rim sizes, including 16-inch rims, 17-inch rims, 18-inch rims and 19-inch rims, depending on its year model and trim level.
