Dave Gill Chevrolet · Columbus, Ohio
The Chevy Malibu Was Discontinued.
Here's What to Drive Instead.
2026 Chevy Trax vs. Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Nissan Kicks

Production of the Chevrolet Malibu ended in November 2024. If the Malibu was on your list — or if you owned one and are ready for your next vehicle — this guide covers what changed, what Chevrolet recommends now, and how the 2026 Trax stacks up against its closest competitors.

2026 Chevy Trax exterior at Dave Gill Chevrolet Columbus Ohio
What Happened to the Malibu
The Chevy Malibu Is Officially Gone
Production ended: November 2024. The final model year was 2025. There is no 2026 Chevy Malibu. General Motors has not announced a replacement sedan. The Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas where the Malibu was built has been retooled for Chevrolet Bolt EV production.

The Malibu ran for nearly 60 years across nine generations, selling over 10 million units. For Columbus commuters it was a reliable, affordable midsize sedan with strong fuel economy — 27 MPG city, 35 MPG highway on the final 1.5L turbo models — and a practical trunk. Its departure is part of a broader industry shift: sedan sales have declined sharply as buyers move toward crossovers and SUVs, and GM prioritized EV and truck investment over keeping a low-volume sedan in production.

If you owned a Malibu and are shopping for what comes next, there are two honest paths at Dave Gill: a used Malibu from pre-owned inventory if you want to stay in that car specifically, or the 2026 Chevy Trax — Chevrolet's recommendation for buyers who prioritized the Malibu's affordability and efficiency.

Used Malibu at Dave Gill

Our pre-owned inventory regularly includes Malibu models from 2016 through 2024. If you want to stay in a Malibu, check current used inventory — certified pre-owned Malibus can still be found at competitive prices.

Search Used Malibus
Chevrolet's Recommended Next Step

The 2026 Chevy Trax is the vehicle Chevrolet points Malibu owners toward. It starts at $21,700 — less than the Malibu's final entry price — delivers 30 MPG combined, and fits the same urban Columbus commuter profile the Malibu served.

View 2026 Trax Inventory
The 2026 Chevy Trax
Why the Trax Is the Right Next Step for Most Malibu Buyers

The Trax and the Malibu served the same Columbus buyer: someone who wanted an affordable, fuel-efficient Chevrolet with real interior space, a proper infotainment setup, and a monthly payment that didn't require stretching a budget. The Trax delivers all of that in a crossover body that's more practical for loading cargo, sitting higher in traffic, and handling Columbus winters than a low-slung sedan. It's not a sedan — but for most of what Malibu drivers actually used their car for, it's a better vehicle in nearly every practical category.

$21,700*
Starting MSRP
30 MPG*
Combined (EPA est.)
54 cu ft*
Max cargo
5 Trims
LS through ACTIV
11"
Screen (LT/RS/ACTIV)
2026 Chevy Trax interior dashboard at Dave Gill Chevrolet Columbus Ohio
One honest caveat: The Trax is front-wheel drive only — no AWD is available on any trim. For a Chevrolet with AWD, the 2026 Trailblazer starts at $25,095 and offers AWD across all four trims. If Columbus winter traction matters to you, that's the conversation to have.
Head to Head
2026 Trax vs. the Competition

These are the three vehicles most commonly cross-shopped against the Trax by buyers who previously owned or considered the Malibu. Each comparison is honest about where the Trax wins and where it doesn't.

2026 Chevy Trax vs. 2026 Honda HR-V
Trax wins on price, torque, and city MPG  ·  HR-V wins on AWD availability
Starting MSRPTrax: $21,700*HR-V: ~$26,200–$28,050*
Engine1.2L turbo 3-cyl, 137 hp, 162 lb-ft2.0L 4-cyl, 158 hp, 138 lb-ft
Fuel Economy28 city / 32 hwy / 30 combined*26 city / 32 hwy / 28 combined*
Cargo (seats up)25.6 cu ft*24.4 cu ft*
Cargo (max)54.1 cu ft*55.1 cu ft*
All-Wheel DriveNot availableAvailable on upper trims
Infotainment11" screen (LT+) · Wireless CarPlay standard9" screen · Wired CarPlay
WarrantyBoth: 3 yr/36K bumper-to-bumper · 5 yr/60K powertrain
Bottom line: The Trax is $4,500–$6,000 cheaper to start, has more low-end torque for Columbus stop-and-go traffic, and returns better city fuel economy. The HR-V counters with available AWD and slightly more max cargo with seats down. If AWD isn't a priority, the Trax is the better value by a meaningful margin.
2026 Chevy Trax vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Trax wins on price and cargo  ·  Corolla Cross wins on hp, city MPG, AWD, and hybrid option
Starting MSRPTrax: $21,700*Corolla Cross: ~$23,000+*
Engine1.2L turbo 3-cyl, 137 hp2.0L 4-cyl, 169 hp
Fuel Economy (gas)28 city / 32 hwy / 30 combined*32 city / 34 hwy / 33 combined*
Hybrid optionNot availableCorolla Cross Hybrid: 42 MPG combined*
Cargo (seats up)25.6 cu ft*~24.5 cu ft*
Cargo (max)54.1 cu ft*46.1 cu ft* (significantly less)
All-Wheel DriveNot availableAvailable on all trims
Bottom line: The Trax wins on price and has significantly more cargo capacity with seats folded. The Corolla Cross counters with more horsepower, better city fuel economy, AWD availability, and a hybrid option that delivers 42 MPG combined. Buyers who prioritize maximum efficiency or Ohio winter AWD traction should take the Corolla Cross hybrid seriously. Buyers who want the best price and most cargo for the money land on the Trax.
2026 Chevy Trax vs. 2026 Nissan Kicks
Trax wins on cargo, tech, and torque  ·  Kicks wins on highway MPG
Starting MSRPTrax: $21,700*Kicks: ~$22,000+*
Engine torque162 lb-ft~111 lb-ft
Highway MPG32 hwy*35 hwy*
Cargo (max)54.1 cu ft*~53.1 cu ft*
Infotainment11" screen (LT+) · Wireless CarPlay8" screen · Wired CarPlay
All-Wheel DriveNot availableNot available
Noise cancellationActive noise cancellation standardNot standard
Bottom line: Both are FWD only. The Kicks wins on highway MPG (35 vs 32) — meaningful for Columbus to Cleveland or I-71 commuters. The Trax counters with significantly more torque for city driving, a larger infotainment screen with wireless CarPlay, and active noise cancellation that makes the Trax noticeably quieter on the highway. Similar pricing, different priorities.
At a Glance
How the Trax Stacks Up: Summary
2026 Chevy Trax cargo area and trunk space at Dave Gill Chevrolet Columbus Ohio
2026 TraxHR-VCorolla CrossKicks
Starting MSRP*$21,700~$26,200~$23,000~$22,000
MPG combined*30283332
Max cargo (seats folded)*54.1 cu ft55.1 cu ft46.1 cu ft~53.1 cu ft
AWD availableNoYesYesNo
Wireless CarPlayStandardWired onlyWired onlyWired only
Hybrid optionNoNoYes (42 MPG*)No

*All figures EPA-estimated or manufacturer-stated. Competitor pricing approximate. Verify current pricing at time of purchase.

Need AWD?
Malibu Driver Who Wants AWD: Look at the Trailblazer

The Trax is the value-first answer. But if you're coming out of a Malibu and you want AWD for Columbus winters — or you want a slightly larger, more capable vehicle — the 2026 Trailblazer is the better fit. It starts at $25,095, offers AWD on all four trim levels, and upgrades to a more powerful 1.3L engine with AWD. The Trailblazer is the vehicle the Malibu's top trims were actually competing with toward the end of the sedan's run.

2026 Chevy Trailblazer
Starting at $25,095* (incl. destination)
AWD available on all 4 trims
1.3L turbo 155 hp with AWD (vs Trax 137 hp FWD only)
54.4 cu ft max cargo
11" screen standard all trims
RS and ACTIV styling options
Larger footprint than Trax — still city-friendly at 174"
Common Questions
Malibu & Trax FAQs

Click any question to expand.

Yes. Chevrolet officially ended Malibu production in November 2024. The 2025 model year was the last. There is no 2026 Chevy Malibu, and General Motors has not confirmed a replacement sedan. The Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas where the Malibu was built has been retooled for Bolt EV production.

For buyers who chose the Malibu for its affordability, efficiency, and low running costs, the 2026 Chevy Trax is Chevrolet's closest alternative. It starts at $21,700 — less than the Malibu's entry price — and delivers 30 MPG combined. For buyers who want more space or AWD capability, the Chevy Trailblazer starts at $25,095 and offers AWD on all trim levels.

The 2026 Chevy Trax starts at $21,700 — roughly $4,500 to $6,000 less than the Honda HR-V. The Trax also has more torque (162 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft) and better city fuel economy. The HR-V offers available all-wheel drive, which the Trax does not. For buyers who want AWD in a Chevy, the Trailblazer is the recommendation.

The 2026 Chevy Trax wins on starting price and cargo space — particularly with rear seats folded, where the Trax offers 54.1 cubic feet versus 46.1 for the Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross wins on horsepower (169 vs 137), city MPG (32 vs 28), AWD availability, and offers a hybrid option at 42 MPG combined that the Trax does not.

No. The 2026 Chevy Trax is front-wheel drive only on every trim. Buyers who want AWD in a similar size and price range should consider the 2026 Chevy Trailblazer, which starts at $25,095 and offers AWD on all four trim levels.

Dave Gill Chevrolet's pre-owned inventory regularly includes used Chevy Malibu models from prior years. Check current used inventory online or call (614) 626-7182 to ask about current availability.

Former Malibu Owner? We'll Help You Find the Right Next Step.

New Trax and Trailblazer in stock. Used Malibus in pre-owned. Dave Gill Chevrolet — Columbus's east side since 1982.

4700 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43213 · Mon-Thu 10-7 · Fri 10-6 · Sat 9-5