Chevrolet offers four editions of the 2025 Malibu: LS, RS, 1LT, and 2LT. Their heart and soul is a 163-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that transmits power to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA has estimated fuel economy at 28 mpg around town and 36 mpg on the highway. The Malibu’s spacious trunk offers up to 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
The LS trim starts the Malibu range with fabric upholstery, proximity keyless entry, automatic halogen headlights, power side mirrors, push-button start, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, remote start, cruise control, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Chevy gives the RS special black-themed exterior treatments, an eight-way power driver seat with lumbar controls, a rear spoiler, a wrapped steering wheel, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
The 1LT builds on the RS’s equipment (minus the sporty accents) by adding heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED daytime running lights, heated power exterior mirrors, a rear console vent, a rear-seat armrest, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Upscale accommodations are the hallmarks of the top-tier 2LT, which gets leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a driver’s position memory system, a six-way power front passenger seat with lumbar controls, an 8-inch configurable driver information display, ambient cabin lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rear USB port, a 120-volt center console outlet, wireless device charging, full LED exterior lighting, and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The 1LT and 2LT are eligible for a power sunroof.
Chevy Safety Assist comes standard on the 2025 Malibu. This driver-assistive technology suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, lane keep assist with lane departure, following distance indicator, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. All trims are available with blind-spot monitoring with lane change alert and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is an exclusive option for the 2LT. All trims receive ten airbags (with units for the rear outboard seating positions), anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a rearview monitor.
All versions of the 2025 Malibu have Chevrolet Infotainment 3, an advanced system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio is added to the 1LT and 2LT. Most trims have a six-speaker audio system, but the 2LT gets a nine-speaker Bose arrangement along with navigation and cloud-connected services. Access to a Wi-Fi hotspot and OnStar services is standard across the board.