The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake wear and engine sensor issues reported. At $17,575 to $25,998, it’s cheaper than most other midsize sedans, making it a good choice for shoppers on a budget.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Chevy Malibu, although it still isn’t as nice as some other midsize sedans giving it an average score. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, nice stereo system, along with the low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a midsize sedan, the front seats are supportive on long trips, cargo space is also great in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems reported with the 2020 Malibu. Avoid models from 2016–2017 since they have more issues, while 2018–2022 are more dependable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – The base four cylinder engine is relatively weak, while the turbocharged motor is a bit better, although neither are very fast.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2020 Malibu is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, along with forward collision warning.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 32 MPG, giving 505 miles of range from the 15.8 gallon tank, gas costs are $48 cheaper than average at $136 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 Chevy Malibu is cheaper than other sedans, although it depreciates rapidly, giving it a lower value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Malibu?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu offers much more luxury than other sedans in the same price range, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Malibu at 3.4/5, praising the touchscreen stereo interface, but doesn’t like the weak base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Malibu a 4/5, enjoying the roomy interior, but owners don’t like how quickly it depreciates.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Chevy Malibu include rapid brake wear, the engine stalling, along with some issues with the fuel pump. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize sedans, leading to average repair costs as the Malibu ages.
Rapid brake wear is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Malibu owners at around 30,000 miles. The stock brakes on the car tend to wear out quicker than other cars. Replacing the brake pads costs around $350, while a new set of rotors is roughly $600. Some people install aftermarket brake pads which last longer, costing around $400.
The engine stalling is another issue reported by Malibu owners in the first 2,500 miles. There are some issues with the mass air flow sensor on the intake, which can cause the engine to shut down while driving. Replacing the sensor is a pretty easy process, costing around $150, although when it happens so early into the ownership experience it’s usually covered under warranty.
Issues with the fuel pump also show up on some Malibu models in the first 5,000 miles. Owners have reported the fuel pump just simply failing in some models, leading to a loss of power. Replacing the fuel pump is usually covered under warranty when it happens with so few miles, although out of warranty it’s an $800 replacement.
There’s only one recall on the 2020 Chevy Malibu which is better than many other midsize sedans. It covers the seat belt retractors which were not secured properly. Chevrolet will re-install the retractors for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Chevrolet Malibu can last around 200,000 miles, which is roughly 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $503 per year.
As a used 2020 Chevy Malibu reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the ignition switch for $150, suspension ball joint costing $300, along with the turbocharger boost sensor which costs $350.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent in the 2020 Chevy Malibu with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Bluetooth. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is worse than other sedans, only offering a rearview camera on all models.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Rear cross traffic Alert
- Lane change alert
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Teen driver mode
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other midsize sedans on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,575 to $25,998, making it less than a Honda Accord or Mazda6. When new, the price range was $22,140 to $33,370. Depreciation is worse than some other sedans, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Malibu?
There are five versions of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu offered, from the base L model, all the way up to the more luxurious Premier model. The Malibu is only offered with front-wheel drive.
L is the entry-level model with:
- Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Rearview Camera
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Sound System
LS is a step up, adding:
- Noise-Reducing Glass
- OnStar Connectivity
- Optional Remote Start
RS is next in the lineup with:
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Black Exterior Accents
- Rear Spoiler
- Larger Wheels
- Unique Front Grille
LT adds features such as:
- Satellite Radio
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Sunroof
Premier is the flagship model which adds:
- Leather Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Seats
- 120-Volt Household Outlet
- 8-Inch Driver Display
- Wireless Device Charging
- Nine-Speaker Sound System
What Engines Come In the Chevy Malibu?
- The base engine is a weak 1.5L 4-cylinder which makes 163 horsepower while getting up to 32 MPG. It comes standard with a continuously available automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, which is good for 250 horsepower and gets up to 26 MPG. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy Malibu Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Malibu?
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is a comfortable sedan, according to many drivers and passengers. The front seats are well-padded and offer a good amount of support, making them suitable for long drives. The rear seats also provide good comfort and legroom, making the Malibu a good choice for families or groups of friends.
Additionally, the Malibu offers a lot of features that contribute to its overall comfort level, such as automatic climate control, available heated and ventilated front seats, and an available 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Malibu also offers a quiet and smooth ride, thanks to its well-isolated cabin and refined suspension system.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Malibu Have?
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan that offers ample space for both passengers and cargo. The trunk is one of the largest storage areas in the vehicle, with a capacity of 15.8 cubic feet. This is plenty of room for a set of golf clubs, several pieces of luggage, or a few grocery bags.
For even more storage options, the Malibu has a number of smaller compartments and pockets throughout the interior. The front and rear door pockets provide a convenient place to store water bottles, snacks, or other small items. The center console storage area, which is located between the front seats, is another great place to store items such as a phone, wallet, or sunglasses. Additionally, the front armrest opens up to reveal a large storage compartment that can be used to store items such as a tablet or a purse.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The ninth generation of the Chevy Malibu came out for the 2016 model year.
2015: 4G connectivity with WiFi hotspot added to all models.
2016: Fully redesigned for the ninth generation with new technology, engines, and styling.
2017: 2LT model renamed to Premier.
2018: Redline Edition package offered, larger fuel tank on L, LS, and LT models.
2019: New transmission for 1.5L engine, minor exterior styling changes, upgraded stereo.
2020: Hybrid model removed from the lineup, options packages were renamed.
2021: New sport edition package with black exterior trim, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added.
How Does the Chevy Malibu Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is only an average midsize sedan compared to some of the competition on the market. It’s a good choice for shoppers on a budget, but you have to find higher-end models to get the available safety technology.
The Toyota Camry is another midsize sedan, which is about $4,500 more. Ownership costs are lower in the Toyota Camry, while the Chevrolet Malibu offers more passenger room in the back seats. We recommend the Toyota Camry since it has a lot more standard features paired with better long-term reliability ratings.
The Ford Fusion is a sedan which is available for about $2,000 more. Standard technology is better in the Ford Fusion, while the Chevy Malibu has a more comfortable suspension at highway speeds. We recommend the Ford Fusion, although both cars are very similar to each other, making it worth a test drive to see which you prefer.
