Chevy Malibu enthusiasts—and boy, that’s an interesting bunch—plastered social media with pomp, circumstance, and exuberance of all sorts when General Motors (GM) put the Chevy Malibu back in its production plans. A record year-over-year sales increase in 2022 must have made the C-suite executives high in Detroit’s Renaissance Center happy. And that’s what America’s favorite American-made sedan is due for, a rebirth, a reimagination, a renaissance of its own. But what can those enthusiasts and average car owners expect from a next-generation model?

Is there a 2025 Chevy Malibu?

Yes and no. Years ago, GM established a sunset date for the Chevy Malibu, with production ceasing on June 20, 2023. However, a near-200% sales increase in 2021-2022 caused the company to think otherwise. Production continued, and the 2024 Chevy Malibu will be a carryover as GM decides on at least a refresh for the next generation.

No one has heard a peep out of Detroit since the beginning of 2023. For the 2025 model year, there’s little time to waste to retool factories. Regardless, here are three things drivers-namely those enthusiasts–would like to see in the next-gen American sedan.

1. Mo’ power, baby

The ninth-generation Chevy Malibu has an impressively fuel-efficient engine. Predictably, with great gas mileage comes a lower priority for speed and power. Chevrolet’s midsize sedan has enough get-up-and-go for backroads and city driving. But unfortunately, with an engine displacing less than $3 worth of Dr. Pepper, it will disappoint with onramp acceleration.

GM plans to build the next-generation Chevy Malibu on a modular GM VSS-F D/E platform. The above engine is the largest powerplant in the crossover/sedan platform. There’s nothing in the works for an additional engine yet, but a mild EV system is a relative certainty. It would certainly make the 2025 Chevy Malibu quicker.

2. A Cabin fit for a C-suite executive

Yes, many Malibus serve their lives as fleet runabouts parked in front of municipal buildings or lots outside an airport terminal. The interior of the American sedan shows it. Instead of modular dullness, the 2025 Chevy Malibu must have the following amenities to live up to competitors.

• Available sunroof on lower trim levels
• Better rear seat legroom
• Infotainment touchscreen larger than eight inches
• More comfortable front and rear seats
• Soft touchpoints
• State-of-the-art sound system

Safety features are something the American sedan has always done well. So, expect that to continue in the 2025 Chevy Malibu.

3. The 2025 Chevy Malibu has to look cool

Let’s be honest. American trucks and SUVs have been given special treatment in terms of sporty style, even if they’ll never have their skidpad ratings challenged by the owners. American sedans, on the other hand, have taken a back seat, so much so it’s a dying segment. The ninth-generation Malibu is the best-looking yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s cool.

The American sedan gives off premium mass-transit looks, like first-class on American Airlines. However, every other example in the segment has added a fighter jet vibe with superfluous rakes, air dams, and spoilers. All offer coupe-like styling with lower rooflines, for instance, the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K5, and pretty much everything else. To stand out from the pack, the 2025 Chevy Malibu must be jaw-dropping to be a success.

When will the 2025 Chevy Malibu come out?

Unless the production date is pushed back, building the 2025 Chevy Malibu should start in the summer of 2024. Presumably, the release date will be sometime in the 2025 calendar year and could be as early as Christmas the year prior. Yet, nothing is set in stone, not even what the 2025 Chevy Malibu will look like.

Until then, there can only be speculation. After all, those eclectic Malibu enthusiasts need something to discuss.