
No, the Chevrolet Malibu is not a full-size car. It is classified as a midsize sedan by industry standards, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Full-size sedans, like the Chevrolet Impala (discontinued in 2020) or the Toyota Avalon, are a larger vehicle class offering more interior space, particularly in the back seat, and often more powerful engine options.
The confusion is understandable as the definitions of car segments have evolved. The primary factor in classification is interior passenger and cargo volume, as defined by the EPA. The Malibu's dimensions place it squarely in the competitive midsize segment alongside the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. While it's one of the larger offerings in the midsize category, it does not meet the volume thresholds for a full-size designation.
The table below illustrates how the Malibu compares to a classic full-size sedan and its key midsize rivals, based on recent model year data:
| Model | EPA Vehicle Class | Passenger Volume (cu ft) | Cargo Volume (cu ft) | Overall Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Malibu | Midsize | 102.9 | 15.7 | 193.7 |
| Toyota Camry | Midsize | 100.4 | 15.1 | 192.7 |
| Honda Accord | Midsize | 105.6 | 16.7 | 195.7 |
| Dodge Charger | Full-size | 103.7 | 16.5 | 198.4 |
| Chrysler 300 (Discontinued) | Full-size | 104.2 | 16.3 | 198.6 |
For buyers, this means the Malibu provides a comfortable and practical experience for daily commuting and small families, but those who prioritize maximum rear-seat legroom or a more substantial highway presence should look at what remains of the full-size sedan market.

Nope, it's a midsize. Think of it as competing with the Camry and Accord. Full-size sedans are a dying breed—cars like the old Impala or the Chrysler 300. They're just bigger. The Malibu is a great car for what it is, a comfortable daily driver, but it doesn't have the sprawling interior of a true full-size sedan. If you need that much space, you're probably looking at a large SUV instead these days.

Based on official EPA size classes, the Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan. The key differentiator is interior passenger volume. Full-size cars offer more generous rear-seat legroom and overall spaciousness. The Malibu fits perfectly in the segment with the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion, providing a balance of passenger comfort, trunk space, and fuel efficiency that meets most families' needs without the larger footprint and typically higher price of a full-size model.


