2023 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT

Is the Malibu still relevant in today’s market? Cancelling the Premier trim for 2023 could be a big mistake. Let me know your thoughts. Thank you to Ciocca Chevrolet of Princeton for allowing the channel access to this vehicle for review.
Ciocca Chevrolet of Princeton
200 Renaissance Blvd.
Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
[phone]
Ask for Eric Gomez

[@malik1678]

That little slot before the center console is a wireless charging spot 💀

[@29namnori]

It kinda blows for me in my wife's Malibu because our phones don't fit!☹️

[@malik1678]

@@29namnori it’s a magnet you gotta find the connection and it’s mostly for iPhone (I THINK) but if you have android it might not fit cuz the magnet might be in a different area

[@rockford8915]

Good, thorough review. GM does absolutely nothing to promote the Malibu. If properly marketed the Malibu would easily sell 150,000 to 200,000 units per year. Real shame.

[@MrTomengle]

Especially since it is the last American made sedan you can buy new.

[@onlyyuknow1]

So true! GM had dropped the Malibu from production a few years ago & I'm so happy to see it back especially since they're no longer making Impalas. Malibu is now their only sedan & is one heck of a car. Love my '23!

[@karlmoore3651]

I totally agree with you they only push the trucks and suv.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Cause they're satisfied with having it be the darling of the rental market.

[@kurtledesma5993]

Got my LT in October and it has plenty of power for my taste,it's an affordable very good looking machine and it's not a piece of overseas crap

[@andrewshort1431]

The wireless charging station is in the center console behind the shifter with the front screen facing to the back of the vehicle . I just bought a 2022 Malibu Premier with the 2.0 with 240 hp and with the enhanced confidence package if you don't mind using premium gas just around the same price but way worth it .

[@coastintv5609]

Thanks 😊

[@mikemcnamara9878]

I bought a 2022 Premier a few months ago. The 2.0 engine is smooth, refined and powerful. The 9 speed automatic is a dream, with ultra smooth shifts and is very responsive. The car is smooth, refined and powerful. A joy to drive. On the other hand I had an opportunity to drive a 2022 LT as a rental car for a week. The engine is buzzy and the CVT doesn't do it any favors. The gas mileage was no better than what I have been getting on the Premier, and the driving experience left much to be desired. If the 1.5T/CVT is the only power train available for the Malibu here on out then I don't expect the Malibu to last much longer.

[@MrTomengle]

I think I would look for a 2022 Premier if I was ready to buy.

[@jeremiahspillman4382]

I got me a 22 premier also I got the cherry red tint coat

[@shaynec1389]

2020 premier here

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I have driven 3 diff CVT equipped cars and I would never buy any of them.

[@lisamccray9079]

Why do g.m discontinue pretty colors?

[@paulhubbs217]

Will not even consider the 2023 model year Malibu.... If I can't find a 2022 Premier 2.0 then I will move on to one of the other competitor models.....You are correct sir that Chevy did hurt the Malibu by doing what they did....

[@NoLimit_Legaxy]

The Premier is actually really easy to find. I’ve found various over the country at pretty good prices too.

[@cheungyingtsoi6870]

My thoughts are the same as yours, and I hope to restore the 2.0 turbo engine and 9AT gearbox, and the color is not only black

[@jchummel0502]

One huge item with the Malibu 2LT is that is has 8 way passenger power seats WITH lumbar! The competition does not have that - Another reason why so few Malibus are sold, I believe, is that most are built with Jet Black leather. We just bought the only Black with wheat leather 2LT within 400 miles - it is a beautiful package - but hard to find.

[@jchummel0502]

Meant to also thank you, Chabby, for the excellent review.

[@chabbysrides]

Thanks so much for watching. Enjoy the car. I’m glad you got what you wanted.

[@xghost2522]

1. I love the LED taillights. 2. I’d replace all the halogen bulbs to LED. Including the front turn signal.

[@rogerdavis931]

They left us no choice but to go to the competition. However I order the 2024 2-Lt because they will stop building this car. However I did buy a 2020 Honda accord brand new. So this is the only reason I order the top of the line chevy Malibu 2 -Lt model. Will kept the Malibu & the honda for permanent.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I wonder who builds the CVT they use for this car?

[@cupito1]

You do a great job. I enjoy your honest opinions and that it what sets you apart from some other reviewers. Keep up the good work!

[@chabbysrides]

Thanks so much for the support. Much appreciated.

[@VNavale]

I'm renting one on my USA trip. Outside looks good but the interior looks dated compared to European cars. Never driven a CVT, looking forward to drive a CVT.

[@DavAllen-fm8rm]

Great review, I love Chevrolet cars, I'm very disappointed that its the current only sedan that their making which is very dangerous for the American brand right now.

[@chabbysrides]

Thanks! Thanks for watching. Much appreciated.

[@paulhubbs217]

And btw a great video and honest comments..... Thanks...

[@chabbysrides]

Thanks for the support. Much appreciated.

[@Curty_YT]

I'm buying one of these. 2LT Redline! I didn't realize it doesn't come with wireless charging. Good catch.

[@Rooster1982]

Yes it dose guy doesn’t know he’s looking right at it when he said that I own 2023 2lt

[@ndogg20]

How to phase out a model line in three easy steps. 1) Discontinue affordable entry model. 2) Discontinue popular transmission and engine. 3) Discontinue model at this point due to low sales.

[@cliffterrell5785]

Fantastic ride! I have a 2022.

[@lisamccray9079]

Why g.m didn't put in the wireless charger?

[@markjou9799]

This would actually be the perfect car for me. I’m just looking for a car to get me from point A to B. I’m not looking for performance. I also prefer CVT transmissions over harsh shifting automatics . I just wish this car was a bit smaller.

[@MrTomengle]

We had a Chevy Cruze a few years ago. Very reliable car and a bit smaller than the Malibu. If you could find a newer low mileage one it might work for you. I dont know if they are still in production or not. So hard these days to find an American sedan.....good luck.

[@markjou9799]

@@MrTomengle Yes I actually have a 2018 Cruze LS that I bought brand new back in 2018. Never had an issue with it and I am getting 45 mpg. The transmission does shift kinda harsh but otherwise I am happy with the car. I am approaching 50k and would like to find something else. GM stopped making the Cruze in 2019. I wish they still made a small car like the Cruze.

[@onlyyuknow1]

I purchased a '23 in November and am thrilled with the car & its overall comfort & performance. I'm not, however, a fan of CVT transmissions. That's my only gripe.

[@karlmoore3651]

Personally I think that the roof is a bit over kill, I have a 2020 L.T. and love it so far.

[@walterrezendes5716]

Looking for one for my wife now,but most likely used 22 lt with low miles,but 35k with a 1.5,cvt Trans seems weak,I know we're making cars/trucks with smaller engines but man,wife's car currently 18 impala lt with the v6,car flies if it needs to.

[@lisamccray9079]

Love the black 🖤 out bow ties

[@lisamccray9079]

I like the woodgrain

[@Seventizz]

The Cadillac CT5 is actually the other mid size of the big 3. And Dodge Charger? And the Malibu is reported to get a next gen in 2025.

[@jasonbutt7199]

Yes

[@MrTomengle]

I hope it is because American Made sedans are getting hard to come by.

[@terryhenry62]

❤

[@lisamccray9079]

Wood trim is nice

[@joshuawilliams8486]

Correction that is a phone charger behind the shift not a compartment for your keys, I have a LT trim 2017, and thats a slot to charger your phone.

[@onlyyuknow1]

That is correct; unlike the previous comment about a charging pad bring inside the console which I understood to be the compartment beneath the center armrest.

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

Is there no longer a 1LT?

[@Barrie562]

So the instrument panel is quite different than the one on the 1LT model. I actually prefer the analog dials on the speedometer, as it also has digital as well. Is this just for the American version or is the Canadian version the same? As for dropping the 2.0L engine I think for normal driving the 1.5L is more than sufficient for this car and far more economical than the 2.0L would be for normal speed limit driving.

[@raider4394]

The 2.0L is the perfect amount of power for a midsize sedan, and a 9 speed automatic is much better than a CVT

[@Barrie562]

@@raider4394 I totally agree, and if I had the choice I would go with that, but there is no choice, but with the way I drive and as often as I drive I'm sure what I'm getting with the 1.5L and CVT transmission will be sufficient enough.

[@raider4394]

@@Barrie562 Fair enough. I have a 2014 Malibu LS with a 2.5L and a 6 speed auto and it’s the perfect mix of power and economy.

[@Barrie562]

@@raider4394 In 2007 I was looking to buy a new car and test drove the 2007 Malibu, 4 cylinder and it had no power whatsoever, could barely climb a 6 degree hill, so I settled with the 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with the V6 3800 Series 3 and what a difference. I still have that car and compared it with the 2022 Malibu with the turbocharged engine and could feel no difference in either pickup or power only because it has a turbocharger, so that's what makes the difference, the fuel economy is important with the Pontiac burning twice the fuel for the same distance driven, I did the test when I had the rental Malibu. So that's the trade-off in having the smaller engine and CVT transmission. I will keep the Pontiac, its still like new, traded too many good cars in the past for nothing but that's not going to happen with this one. The new Malibu is just another toy I guess, one with all the bells and whistles that the Pontiac doesn't have.

[@raider4394]

@@Barrie562 I had a 2003 Impala LS with that engine and while the engine was phenomenal, the rest of the car fell apart around it (I had it for 2 months in 2021 lol) Then I had a Nissan Sentra that was at damn near 4,000rpms climbing hills. Luckily the 2.5L is entirely different than the 2.4L the 2007 Malibu has. I wish it had more low end torque but it makes the same power that 3.8L does and gets about 25mpg.

[@onlyyuknow1]

Why was GM so cheap on the other trim models by having a seat back pocket ONLY on the passenger seat?

[@onlyyuknow1]

@None That's truly sad. With the volatility of gas prices, which, BTW, was my incentive for choosing a sedan over my first choice of another SUV. Not everyone can afford driving a gas guzzler.

[@lisamccray9079]

I have the 2021malibu lt also and I don't have the wireless charger either.

[@alissayonash4142]

The wireless charging setup he was looking for would be that pocket in front of the cwnter console Im pretty sure. I think thats what another Malibu 2LT reviewer stated.

[@raider4394]

Why do people want wireless charging in cars so bad, it doesn’t work very well and cables charge way faster 💀

[@lisamccray9079]

Toyota Kia and cars is really doing well, come on g.m lots of competition out there 👏 👍

[@alexb4302]

Don’t really think Chrysler can be called an automaker at this point anymore lol

[@42luke93]

Yeah I only really think of the Pacifica or 300, all they make are 2 vehicles a part of Stellauntis now.

[@danielfaflik4545]

If they have a 3.6L V6 AWD option im SOLD! A turbo 1.5L is asking for issues and adding insult to injury a CVT lmao hell NOOOO

[@onlyyuknow1]

They're ALL CVT 🙄 & not a good decision as they're well known for problems. The '23 Malibu I bought was a necessity & due to "supply chain" issues the only one available in my area. Wish I could have waited a year or two to see if GM would smarten up & do away with CVTs. Other than that I do love this car & performance from the 1.5L turbo.

[@lisamccray9079]

Bring back the turbo engine hate 😤 to see the malibu go come on g.m don't discontinue the malibu

[@OGGuy-xb1yk]

I don’t understand why Chevy interior fit and finish is so sub-par compared to Asian automakers. There are so many gaps and non-continuous lines in that center console area, I’d be weary buying any vehicle from that company. If they can’t screw together a console precisely then how good will the engine or transmission be constructed? Just look at Toyota, Honda, Kia, etc, they use cheap interior materials but the pieces fit together with no gaps and everything lines up. Also, the back seat console area near the floor, notice the pealing apart of the seam in the foot area-not good! Good luck selling these, I looked at my local dealer and they have about 11 in a tiny city of 15k.

[@mikemcnamara9878]

It feels like Chevrolet is preparing to discontinue the Malibu. Eliminating the Premier and the 2.0T/9 speed is the handwriting on the wall. The '23 comes off as mediocre compared to the competition. It's like Chevrolet lost interest in this model. Such a shame.

[@kingjay239]

They are. He even says it at the beginning

[@lisamccray9079]

I agree 👍 💯 g.m don't try to promote the malibu either what a shame 😕

[@winters4805]

yea trax just killed it

[@lisamccray9079]

Trax is nice well done 👏 g.m

[@lisamccray9079]

With the price of cars 🚗 going up in the past 10years g.m could have kept the c.d player miss the c.d player 😢😢

[@terryhenry62]

I love the new 2-23 Malibu No it’s certainly not a fast engine But it’s fine for me I have had a Hyundai sonata for years &it could not compare to the smooth ride &easy turn as this Malibu I don’t find the black inside to be stale II love mine I just wish the gas mileage was as good as the sonata&it had a larger engine 2.4. If you like the Malibu buy one No it’s not A race car.

[@lisamccray9079]

They should have kept the cruze and the impala.

[@karlmoore3651]

Nah, the chevy Cruz develpo way too many problems down road. I this because I know many people who have purchase one and regretted it a few years later.

[@Rooster1982]

The impala will come back as an electric

[@MrTomengle]

Not a fan of Asian made cars so to me it has very little competition.

[@KiNeTiC...]

Chevrolet missed the mark for the midsized sedan class

[@Nucleus281]

35K dollar Pos its rival midsize sedans from japan and korea make better vehicles for 25K. Its so not relevant only someone not educated on the current market would buy it.

[@lisamccray9079]

Kia have sharp cars 🚗 come on g.m you have to do better

[@nrfnrd]

Too much grill

[@karlmoore3651]

To add to this, the woodgran I do't like.

[@karlmoore3651]

Neither do I.

[@SloppyMouthJoey]

For those who want a simple Chevrolet sedan, The malibu RS is the car. 1.5 2.0 makes no difference to me. If i want to go fast ill just jump in my 500hp hotrod. Oh, and never buy a new car, just lease them for a couple years then give them back👍

[@michaelkorbobo8460]

Don't buy these cars are junk . They will cost you thousands in repairs Do your research google malibu consumer reports .Dont waste your hard earned money money.

[@rocketrodlover]

Overpriced. Unreliable small turbo engine, made in Mexico, why even bother? Stick to Toyota

[@CloroxGodThe1st]

Imagine not knowing much but making the most noise