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2020 Chevrolet Malibu towing capacity

Max tow rating

1,000lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 800 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
1,000 lb
80% rule
Up to 800 lb
Margin
200 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
I, up to 2,000 lb
Share of curb weight
26% of 3,135 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 19-26 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 800 lbRating: 1,000 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 800 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating
1,000 lb
80% of the rating
800 lb
Hitch class at max
I, up to 2,000 lb
What it can pull at 800 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbNo
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbNo
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbNo
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbNo
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbNo
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 1,000 lb: L FWD, $22,095.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingCurb weightMSRP
L FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,135 lb$22,095
4dr Sdn L FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,126 lb$22,140
LS FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,135 lb$23,270
LS Fleet FWDN/AFWD1,000 lb3,135 lb$23,270
4dr Sdn LS w/1LS FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,135 lb$23,270
RS FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,135 lb$24,270
4dr Sdn RS FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,135 lb$24,270
LT FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,135 lb$26,670
4dr Sdn LT FWD1.5L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,159 lb$26,670
Premier FWD2.0L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,223 lb$33,370
4dr Sdn Premier FWD2.0L 4cylFWD1,000 lb3,223 lb$33,370

Max rating by year

02004006008001,000200920122015201820212024
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2024. Pounds.

Same max rating from 2009 to 2024: 1,000 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2020 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Subaru Legacy3,000 lbLimited XT AWD$34,195
Ford Fusion2,000 lbSE AWD$27,885
Chevrolet Malibu (this car)1,000 lbL FWD$22,095
Volkswagen Passat1,000 lbS FWD$22,995

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked