2025 Chevrolet Malibu: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among 28 budget Sedans, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu scores well across safety and fuel cost. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $24,700 - $31,500
- EPA Combined MPG
- 31 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,950 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $1,000 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 5 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $992 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- United States
Priced from $24,700 to $31,500, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is one of 28 budget Sedans. The data below covers what it costs to fuel, insure, and maintain over the miles you will actually drive.
- Fuel cost $227 per year above budget Sedans average
- Avg repair cost $105 per year below Sedan average
2025 Chevrolet Malibu at a Glance
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost, with lower estimated ownership costs for its vehicle class. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- safety
- fuel cost
- ownership cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest Sedans 2025 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,950. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2025 →
- AAA estimates $9,956 per year in non-fuel ownership costs for the Medium Sedan class, including insurance ($1,572), maintenance ($1,786), and depreciation ($3,462).
Cautions in the data
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $2,194 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu earned the highest possible 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Among Sedans, 99% have earned this top score. Ratings are based on frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests on production vehicles. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 10.3%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard & Optional |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard & Optional |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard & Optional |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard & Optional |
NHTSA crash tests use full-width frontal and side impacts. IIHS tests include offset frontal impacts and intersection-type side crashes, which are common in real-world driving. Both results are shown below.
How Did the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. A vehicle can still perform well in most categories without earning the overall award. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | P Poor |
| Headlights | M Marginal |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | P Poor |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | M Marginal |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize cars
Crash test scores reflect the vehicle at its best. Recalls reflect issues discovered after manufacturing. Both are part of the full safety picture.
Does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, affecting BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. This is typical for Sedans, which average 1 recall campaign. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Most recent: April 2026
What Do 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. This is below the average of 16 complaints for 2025 Sedans. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
2 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-04-09
Most-reported problem areas
- ADAS / Safety Tech2
- Electrical2
- Powertrain1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Commuting miles add up. The EPA fuel data below shows what you can expect to spend annually on the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, broken down by trim.
What Is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu achieves up to 31 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,950. That is $227 more per year than the $1,723 average for budget Sedans. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS Fleet | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $1,950 per year |
| LS | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $1,950 per year |
| RS | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $1,950 per year |
| 1LT | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $1,950 per year |
| 2LT | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $1,950 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $9,750 based on EPA data.
Commuters put the most predictable miles on a vehicle. That makes the full ownership cost, not just fuel, the number that matters most. AAA breaks it down below.
What Does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $65,800 to $72,600 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
Commuters benefit most from the trim that balances fuel economy and features at the lowest total cost. The table below puts all 5 options side by side.
How Do the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Trims Compare?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is available in 5 trims, with base prices ranging from $24,700 to $31,500. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS Fleet | $24,700 | 3,135 lbs | $65,800 |
| LS | $25,800 | 3,135 lbs | $66,900 |
| RS | $26,800 | 3,135 lbs | $67,900 |
| 1LT | $28,100 | 3,159 lbs | $69,200 |
| 2LT | $31,500 | 3,159 lbs | $72,600 |
Price changes since 2024
- RS $26,000 (2024) → $26,800 (2025) +$800
- LS $25,100 (2024) → $25,800 (2025) +$700
View full trim timeline (2024–2025)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| LS Fleet | $24,700 31 MPG | $24,700 31 MPG |
| LS | $25,100 31 MPG | $25,800 31 MPG |
| RS | $26,000 31 MPG | $26,800 31 MPG |
| 1LT | $28,100 31 MPG | $28,100 31 MPG |
| 2LT | $31,500 31 MPG | $31,500 31 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
A lower-priced trim saves money now. A reliable vehicle saves money for years. The RepairPal rating below measures how often the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu needs unscheduled repairs.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
RepairPal rates the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for budget Sedans. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
A high reliability score means fewer trips to the shop. Warranty coverage ensures that if something does fail early, Chevrolet handles the bill. Here are the current terms.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Chevrolet's published coverage for the 2025 Malibu. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1yr/1visit |
What Are the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size car
| Engine | 1.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 163 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 104.0 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $152 - $193 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 15.8 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 490 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 194.2 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 73.0 in |
| Height | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,135 - 3,159 lbs |
What Changed for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. For a vehicle driven every day, the fuel and reliability data above matters most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2025 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
Which 2025 Chevrolet Malibu trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 5 available trims, the LS Fleet has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $65,800, starting at $24,700 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $72,600. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu competes with 2025 Honda Civic, 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, and 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2025 Sedans.
How much does a 2025 Chevrolet Malibu cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $163 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $993 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Chevrolet based?
Chevrolet's headquarters are in United States. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our United States-brand cars 2025 list.
What other Chevrolet models are available for 2025?
Each 2025 Chevrolet model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Chevrolet models page for the full lineup.
What does the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu costs approximately 66.4 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.