DecodedCars2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan, Premier 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 29 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,126–3,223 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2020 midsize car (27.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints199 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 18 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,126 lb (L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 36 highway), 16% better than the 2020 midsize car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
- No hybrid version any more
- Engine dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 46 to 32
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Malibu →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Kansas City, Kansas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Malibu configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L/Ls/Lt 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,126 lb | 59/41 |
| Premier 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,223 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 36 / 32 | +16% | $2,100 | 298 |
| Malibu | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -6% | $3,150 | 344 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.3% |
Similar 2020 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Mazda 3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Passat | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Buick Regal | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 20, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V649000 · 402 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
- Risk
- An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Not every 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 59 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 57 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 55 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Malibu years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2024 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 44 |
| 2023 Malibu | 30 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 72 |
| 2022 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 99 |
| 2021 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 90 |
| 2019 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 195 |
| 2018 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 711 |
| 2017 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 726 |
| 2016 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 865 |
| 2015 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 267 |
| 2014 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 330 |
| 2013 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 811 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →