2020 Chevy Malibu Horsepower vs the Competition

Chevy-Malibu-Horsepower-vs-the-Competition

2020 Chevy Malibu Horsepower & Specs Compared to the Rest

At your local Valley Chevy dealership, we know that our customers are looking for the perfect combination of style, comfort, performance, and affordability. The 2020 Chevy Malibu delivers all of that and more, which is why we recommend it over any other vehicle in its class.

Don't just take our word for it. J.D. Power named the Chevy Malibu as the vehicle with the lowest rate of reported problems among midsize cars in the 2019 U.S. Initial Quality Study.


2020 Chevy Malibu Horsepower & Specs

Owners love their Chevy Malibus. The favorite features they report in this midsize sedan are the style of the exterior, driving dynamics, design of the interior, engine, and transmission, seating and visibility and safety.

If you still need more validation that the 2020 Malibu is the car for you, here are some additional details to review. Compare the 2020 Chevy Malibu specs to those of the 2020 Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Buick Regal, and the Hyundai Sonata.


Malibu Highlights

A few of the spec highlights of the Chevy Malibu sedan include the front headroom at a spacious 39.10 inches, as well as the front legroom at a roomy 41.5 inches. The front shoulder room measures 58.5 inches. The body length comes in at 194.2 inches and the height is 57.9 inches.


Malibu Models and MSRP

Prices will vary depending on options selected. The base suggested prices are listed with the model.

  • L: $22,095 - The L model has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), McPherson strut front suspension and 10 airbags
  • LS: $24,095 - All the features of the L plus compass and outside temperature display, vanity mirrors, an acoustic laminated windshield, and Teen Driver Technology
  • RS: $25,095 - All the features of the LS plus black badging and bowties, chrome grille with black inserts, 18" aluminum wheels, and dual exhaust
  • LT: $27,495 -Ā  All the features of the RS plus LED outside running lamps, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, heated cloth seats and body-colored antennae
  • Premier: $34,195 - All the features of the LT plus chrome door handles with body-colored inserts, 19" aluminum wheels and bright sill plates


Chevy Malibu Engine / Transmission / Performance

The Chevy Malibu horsepower is still impressive on the L through LT models, although the Premier model really shines with 250-hp.

  • A 163-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 lb-ft of torque on the L, LS, RS and LT models
  • A 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 260 lb-ft of torque only on the Premier model


Fuel economy based on a Car and Driver 200-mile test drive showed an impressive 34 mpg, although US News reports 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The powerful performance combined with class-leading fuel efficiency makes this sedan a pleasure to drive on long road trips as well as daily commuting. The Premier engine also gets a 9-speed automatic transmission, making highway maneuvers effortless.


Malibu Interior Seating and Storage

The interior of the 2020 Chevy Malibu is ergonomically designed with good passenger seating and legroom. The front cabin feels spacious with excellent leg support and plenty of headroom. The seats are cushioned well and, though all passengers have manual seat settings, the driver has an 8-way power seat adjuster. The rear seats are nicely sculpted and boast 38 inches of legroom and 53.4 inches of hip room. Overall, the interior space comfortably fits 4 adult passengers and a driver.

There is a spacious opening in the console and a roomy glove compartment. There are several trays and cubbies scattered throughout the cabin and a 15.7 cubic foot trunk. You can achieve even greater cargo room by taking advantage of the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. You can have all the elegance of a sleek sedan with the cargo capacity of a much larger vehicle.


Malibu Infotainment System

The infotainment system really wows with its user-friendly 8" touchscreen. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System is a high-end feature that is standard in the Malibu. It provides Bluetooth 2 audio streaming for 2 active devices with voice command, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible phones. The connectivity technology makes it easy to stay connected while staying safe as you drive.


Malibu Exterior

The exterior of the 2020 Malibu is impressive, particularly with the sporty RS. The imposing blacked-out grille combined with 18-inch aluminum wheels, a rear spoiler and dual-exhausts make the RS a head-turner. Colors offered are Cajun Red Tint, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Mosaic Black Metallic, Shadow Gray Metallic, and Black Cherry Metallic. The sleek lines and sporty options impress even the most discerning car lover.


Malibu Climate Control

Though there are no rear vents on the base models, the manual controls are easy to understand and use for the driver or passenger.


Malibu Visibility and Safety

The Chevy Malibu offers an impressive array of safety features you would expect to see in luxury vehicles. The options may differ with each model.

  • Available Collision Alert
  • Available Lane Change Alert with side blind zone alert
  • Available Advanced Adaptive cruise control
  • Follow Distance Indicator
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Rear Camera Mirror
  • Safety Alert Seat
  • Front and Rear Park Assist
  • Lane Keep Assist With Lane Departure Warning


One of the most appealing features to parents is Chevyā€™s industry-leading Teen Driver system. Parents can program limits for a variety of settings, including speed, sound system volume and reminders for seatbelts. There are also a variety of included teaching tools. This feature set is now standard with all new 2020 Chevy Malibus.


Malibu Driving Dynamics

The suspension is stable, smoothing the ride over bumps and stabilizing through sharp turns. Brakes are firm and easy to modulate. The Premier model offers even more impressive acceleration. Owners report to J.D. Powers that the driving dynamics are one of their top favorite features of the Chevy Malibu.


Malibu Warranty and Maintenance

Drivers value a comprehensive warranty offering. Once again, Chevrolet doesn't disappoint with the Malibu coverage:

  • The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • Corrosion limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles with rust-through covered at 6 years or 100,000 miles*
  • Roadside Assistance Program and Available Courtesy Transportation covers 5 years or 60,000 miles*
  • Complimentary maintenance is included for the first visit

*Malibu's corrosion protection and roadside assistance are longer than most of its competitors.

The Competition

When you see the new Malibu, it's hard to even think about it having real competition. However, there are several other cars in the same class as the 2020 Chevy Malibu. While each has its selling points, overall, the Malibu reigns supreme with the lowest base price on its entry-level model. When you compare the features of each competitor, it is easy to see why the Chevy Malibu is your best option.


2020 Honda Accord

The 2020 Honda Accord comes in at $23,870 MSRP for the base model. Though the fuel efficiency is impressive at 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, when compared to the Malibu, there are some noticeable absences. There are no standard front and rear all-season tires, no smart device integration, and no passthrough rear seat.

2020 Toyota Camry

Outpricing the Accord, the 2020 Toyota Camry starts at $24,425 MSRP. The fuel efficiency compares to the Malibu in the city but shows an impressive 41 mpg on the highway. However, there are several areas where the Malibu excels. When compared to the Malibu, the Camry has no standard front and rear all-season tires, no keyless start, and no passthrough rear seat.

2020 Buick Regal

The base MSRP for the Sportback model starts at $25,370, higher than all the models compared here. Though it touts a gentle ride and lots of cargo space, the fuel economy is disappointing at only 22 in the city and 32 on the highway, particularly when compared to the Malibu. The Regal lists no rear defroster or steering wheel controls as standard on the sedan.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

The base MSRP starts at $23,400, just under the Honda Accord but still higher than the Chevy Malibu. At a fuel efficiency of 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, it rivals that of the Malibu. However, the engine power leaves much to be desired compared to the Malibu, as the base model is not turbocharged on the Sonata. There is no keyless start or onboard hands-free communication on the Sonata.

2020 Kia Optima

The base MSRP for the 2020 Kia Optima is $23,190. While the Optima also seats 5 people, the backseat leaves a little to be desired, particularly for taller passengers. The fuel efficiency falls short as compared to the Malibu at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.Ā  While many specs are similar, overall, the Malibu comes out ahead of the Optima.

Why Choose the Chevy Malibu?

The beautiful, sporty and stylish 2020 Chevy Malibu should be an obvious choice for your new car wish list. It has the lowest base price of all its competitors while offering high-end technology and superior fuel economy.

The corrosion protection and roadside assistance coverage solidly place the Malibu at the forefront of the competition. With the show-stopping sportiness of the RS and the colors, options and powerful turbo-charged performance of all the models, the 2020 Chevy Malibu is a clear choice.

Finally, the superior customer service and friendly, knowledgeable sales staff at Valley Chevy will have you looking forward to coming back. Stop by one of the preferred Chevrolet dealerships in Arizona to test drive your Malibu!