The Chevrolet Malibu is the last of the breed at Chevrolet, with the model not only being the last four-door sedan in the brand’s lineup but also one of only three sedans remaining across GM’s entire portfolio, with the Cadillac CT4 and CT5 bringing up the rear. GM’s push towards an SUV-dominated future has caused many of its other sedan models to bite the dust. However, the Malibu continues to hang on, and GM revealed that small pricing updates will define the 2024 Malibu when it makes its way to dealerships.
2024 Malibu Gets Light Touchup Work, And That’s Just Fine
On the surface, the Malibu’s exterior styling is largely identical to the outgoing 2023 model. The front fascia still looks like it got its inspiration from a catfish, and the taillights are sprinkled with Camaro DNA. Changes here are subtle, with GM’s tradition of axing paint colors signaling the end of Dark Ash Metallic and Riverside Blue Metallic. In exchange, buyers get a choice of four no-cost optional colors: Lakeshore Blue Metallic is the new kid on the block, and it will join Mineral Gray Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Sterling Gray, and Summit White in the color roster.
All of these colors will be available at no extra charge, but the lone exception will continue to be Radiant Red Tintcoat which is $495 extra and will force buyers to go into the RS trim to have a chance at obtaining it. Colors aside, LS-grade models also get body-colored mirrors for the first time (they were only part of the $545 Driver’s Confidence package.) However, in exchange, the compact spare tire and the emergency tool kit will no longer be standard, with the LS now only getting a tire inflator kit. The old setup will now be newly optional and will also be standard on RS and up trims.
Model Is Also Clawing Back Sales Ground
The Malibu’s updates come on the heels of a sales increase that the model has experienced recently. While dealers managed to sell 39,376 units in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, that all changed in 2022 when dealers managed to move 115,468 units due to a resurgence in inventory and buyers. The leap into 2023 saw Chevy sell 37,438 units, but it appears that the company is willing to play into this by increasing prices only $100 versus last year’s figures. We have the full pricing ladder below.
- LS: $26,195
- RS: $27,095
- 1LT: $29,195
- 2LT: $32,595
The Malibu’s reversal in its sales fortunes will perhaps force GM to reconsider plans for a tenth-generation model. Prior to COVID-19, the Bu’s future looked bleak, and there were rampant rumors that the model was going to be axed from the Chevy lineup. That could still be the case, but this recent surge in demand and sales might help build a stronger case for at least one final model generation. In the meantime, Chevrolet will be shedding one other car-based model, with the Chevrolet Camaro biting the dust to make room for more utility vehicles.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.