Verified vehicle record
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
A source-linked guide to the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu trim range, powertrain choices, drivetrain, seating and capability. Every 2025 Malibu uses the same 163-horsepower 1.5L turbo engine and CVT; the four trims separate by appearance and comfort equipment instead of powertrain. Key figures on record: Powertrain 1.5L turbo four-cylinder, Output 163 hp, Drivetrain FWD, Seating 5. RS is an appearance package (blacked-out badging, spoiler) layered on the core LS mechanicals, not a distinct performance tier: don't imply a power difference.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain1.5L turbo four-cylinder
Output163 hp
DrivetrainFWD
Seating5
Decision answers18Trim, ownership and verification
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
Every 2025 Malibu uses the same 163-horsepower 1.5L turbo engine and CVT; the four trims separate by appearance and comfort equipment instead of powertrain.
Model-year note
RS is an appearance package (blacked-out badging, spoiler) layered on the core LS mechanicals, not a distinct performance tier: don't imply a power difference.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| LS | Entry trim | 1.5L turbo engine standard, 163 hp, Base standard equipment level, CVT transmission standard |
| RS | Trim 2 of 4 | Blacked-out bowtie emblems and badges standard, Rear spoiler and polished twin tailpipes standard, Sportiest-looking Malibu appearance package |
| LT | Trim 3 of 4 | Upgraded comfort equipment over LS standard, 1.5L turbo engine standard, 163 hp, Mid-range standard equipment |
| 2LT | Top trim | Highest-appointed Malibu trim, Upgraded technology and comfort equipment over LT, 1.5L turbo engine standard, 163 hp |
01
Entry trim
LS
- 1.5L turbo engine standard, 163 hp
- Base standard equipment level
- CVT transmission standard
02
Trim 2 of 4
RS
- Blacked-out bowtie emblems and badges standard
- Rear spoiler and polished twin tailpipes standard
- Sportiest-looking Malibu appearance package
03
Trim 3 of 4
LT
- Upgraded comfort equipment over LS standard
- 1.5L turbo engine standard, 163 hp
- Mid-range standard equipment
04
Top trim
2LT
- Highest-appointed Malibu trim
- Upgraded technology and comfort equipment over LT
- 1.5L turbo engine standard, 163 hp
1 more row Kelley Blue Book lists for the 2025 Malibu
These rows are close to a page already on this site, so they are listed here with what sets each apart.
| Configuration | Engine | Power | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1LT | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 163 hp | FWD |
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu: 4 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 163 | 184 | 28 / 36 / 31 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| RS | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 163 | 184 | 28 / 36 / 31 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 1LT | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 163 | 184 | 28 / 36 / 31 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| 2LT | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, CVT | FWD | 163 | 184 | 28 / 36 / 31 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | 194.2 in | 57.3 in | 111 in | 15.8 gal | 39.1 in | 41.5 in | P205/65R16 |
| RS | 194.2 in | 57.3 in | 111 in | 15.8 gal | 39.1 in | 41.5 in | P245/45R18 |
| 1LT | 194.2 in | 57.3 in | 111 in | 15.8 gal | 39.1 in | 41.5 in | P225/55R17 |
| 2LT | 194.2 in | 57.3 in | 111 in | 15.8 gal | 39.1 in | 41.5 in | P245/40R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2025 Chevrolet Malibu trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | LS | RS | 1LT | 2LT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | – | – | – | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | – | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | – | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | – | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Std | Opt | Opt |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
1 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48015Malibu | 1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 28 | 36 | 31 | N/A |
Direct answers
18 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Malibu come in?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu (midsize sedan) comes in 4 trims: LS, RS, LT, 2LT.
Source: Chevrolet
Q02What are the 2025 Malibu trims?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu trims are LS, RS, LT, 2LT, listed from the entry LS up to the top 2LT.
Source: Chevrolet
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Malibu use?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is built around 1.5L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 163 horsepower across its midsize sedan body style.
Source: Chevrolet specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Malibu?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is offered with FWD.
Source: Chevrolet specifications
Q05What changed for the 2025 Malibu?
RS is an appearance package (blacked-out badging, spoiler) layered on the core LS mechanicals, not a distinct performance tier: don't imply a power difference.
Source: Chevrolet model-year information
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 1 recall campaign for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, covering backup camera.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07How much cargo space does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu have, per EPA measurement?
The EPA lists 16 cubic feet of measured luggage or cargo volume for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q08How did the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 10.3% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q09What engine oil does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu take?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Source: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q10What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu use?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu owner's manual names DOT 4 brake fluid. Source: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q11Is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu discontinued?
Yes. The 2025 model year is the Malibu's last: Chevrolet ended Malibu production on November 15, 2024, closing out the nameplate entirely as GM shifts its North American lineup toward SUVs, crossovers and EVs.
Source: Industry news coverage (Edmunds, GM Authority)
Q12Why did Chevrolet discontinue the Malibu?
Declining sedan demand and a strategic pivot toward SUVs, crossovers and electric vehicles drove the decision; US sedan sales fell from roughly 5.7 million units in 2014 to under 2.5 million in 2023, making sedans like the Malibu less profitable than crossovers, which now account for nearly 75% of new vehicle sales in North America.
Source: Industry news coverage (GM Authority, Gordon Chevrolet)
Q13Did the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu get more expensive in its final year?
Yes, reporting confirms the 2025 Malibu received a price increase in its final production year before the nameplate ended.
Source: CarsDirect industry news
Q14Can I still buy a new 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
Only as leftover dealer inventory. With production ended, remaining 2025 Malibus are being sold as the last of the nameplate rather than through ongoing manufacturing.
Source: Industry news coverage (Carbuzz)
Q15What replaces the Chevrolet Malibu in Chevrolet's lineup?
Chevrolet has not named a direct sedan replacement; the discontinuation is part of a broader move away from sedans toward SUVs, crossovers and electric models across the brand's North American lineup.
Source: Industry news coverage (Miami Lakes Automall)
Q16What size wheels does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu have?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu's wheel diameter is 16 inches on the LS up to 19 inches on the 2LT, across 4 trims. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q17How do the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu trims differ from one another?
All 4 trims share the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 163 hp. The RS has a power driver's seat and a rear spoiler as standard equipment over the LS. The 1LT has heated front seats, heated mirrors and satellite radio as standard equipment over the RS. The 2LT has power front seats for driver and passenger, a heated steering wheel, leather seats and 2 more as standard equipment over the 1LT.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q18What does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu cost across its trims?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu run from $26,995 for the LS to $32,695 for the 2LT, across 4 trims. Those figures include the destination charge.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Chevrolet Malibu across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Chevrolet Malibu official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.