Chevrolet Malibu Will Have a 10th Generation

The popularity of SUVs has taken its toll on sedans, particularly from American brands. Just 15 years ago, 12 of the 14 brands from GM, Ford, and Chrysler each had multiple sedan model lines. Now American-brand sedans can be counted on a single hand. GM has currently limited itself to two Cadillac sedans and the Chevrolet Malibu. Rumors have been flying that this generation of Malibu would be the last and that the model would be shown the door after 2024. Fortunately, those rumors were wrong, as inside sources confirm that Chevrolet will produce a next-generation Malibu with its first model year being in either 2025 or 2026.

A 60-Year-Old History

Our team at Chevrolet of Spring Valley are grateful to see the Malibu soldier on beyond its 60th year.  Yes, the Malibu dates back to 1964 when it was introduced as the top sub-series of the Chevelle model line and was available in a full range of body styles.  Convertibles and station wagons dropped off over time but the Malibu carried on and eventually replaced the Chevelle name to become its own model line from 1978 through 1983.  The name then went on hiatus when it was replaced by the front-wheel-drive Celebrity, which was then replaced by the larger Lumina.  The latter had grown to a full-size sedan, creating space for the Malibu to return as a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan in the 1997 model year.  It has since remained for four subsequent redesigns while bigger and smaller sedans disappeared around it leaving the Malibu as the last sedan standing in the showroom.

A Surprise Sales Success in 2022

Sales numbers may tell the story of why Chevrolet is sticking with its venerable nameplate. 115,468 Malibus were sold in 2022, which is over three times what the model sold in 2021.  Those sales also marked the Malibu as Chevrolet’s 3rd best-selling model, trailing only the Silverado and Equinox.  That makes it a higher-seller than Chevrolet SUVs like Traverse, Blazer, and Trailblazer; the very models that were expected to squeeze the Malibu out of the market.

Details are Scant

At this point, little is known about the 10th Generation Malibu. It will be based on the larger variant of the GM VSS-F platform, which could make it either a mid-size or full-size sedan. It will likely remain mid-sized as the full-size sedan has almost disappeared entirely outside a few European luxury brands.  The next Malibu is expected to continue to be produced at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas. 

As we await further information on drivetrains and the potential for a hybrid variant, the current generation may extend to the 2025 model year as the new model is expected to begin in CY 2025 and last until CY 2031.  It is still early though, and that timeline may change.

For further information on what has made the current Malibu such a sales success contact us at Chevrolet of Spring Valley.  Our expert Chevy Parts and Service professionals are available to help keep your maintenance on schedule.  Visit our southeastern Minnesota location today to embark on your new Chevy Experience.