2017 Chevrolet Malibu Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is not recommended for towing by the manufacturer. While it has a curb weight ranging from approximately 3,086 to 3,382 pounds and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that varies by trim and engine, Chevrolet does not provide specific towing capacities for the 2017 Malibu. Attempting to tow with this vehicle can compromise its safety, performance, and potentially void your warranty.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: Not recommended for towing
• Max Payload: 850-1,000 lbs (varies by trim and configuration)
• GVWR: 4,079 - 4,321 lbs (varies by trim and engine)
• GCWR: Not applicable
• Curb Weight: 3,086 - 3,382 lbs
• Hitch Class: Not applicable (aftermarket hitches may be available but not recommended for towing capacity purposes)

Tow ratings by engine & trim

Since Chevrolet does not recommend towing with the 2017 Malibu, there are no official tow ratings by engine and trim. The vehicle was not designed or tested for towing.

Max Payload Details

Payload capacity for the 2017 Malibu generally ranges from 850 to 1,000 pounds. This includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and any aftermarket accessories. Always check your specific vehicle's door jamb sticker for the exact payload capacity, as it can vary based on factory options and trim level.

Tow package contents

There is no factory towing package available for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. As a passenger car, it was not designed to accommodate towing equipment such as a transmission cooler, integrated brake controller, or specialized trailer sway control systems typically found in trucks or SUVs intended for towing.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

Fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing are exclusively for heavy-duty trucks and are not applicable to the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

Since towing is not recommended for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, discussions regarding weight distribution hitches (WDH) and their requirements are not applicable.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

Given that the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is not recommended for towing, the best real-world towing tip is to avoid towing altogether with this vehicle. If you need to transport items that exceed the vehicle's cargo capacity, consider alternate solutions such as a roof rack (within load limits), using a larger vehicle designed for towing, or renting a truck or van.

Driving with an attached trailer when your vehicle is not designed for it can lead to several dangerous situations:

• Reduced Braking Performance: The Malibu's braking system is not designed to handle the additional weight of a trailer, leading to significantly longer stopping distances and potential brake fade.
• Overheating: The engine and transmission can overheat under the strain of towing, particularly on inclines or during hot weather, leading to costly damage.
• Poor Handling and Stability: The vehicle's suspension and chassis are not equipped to maintain stability with a trailer, increasing the risk of sway, loss of control, and accidents.
• Accelerated Wear and Tear: Components like the transmission, engine, tires, and suspension will experience greatly increased wear, leading to premature failure.
• Insurance and Warranty Issues: Towing against manufacturer recommendations may void your vehicle's warranty and could lead to issues with insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

Common towing-related issues

For a vehicle not designed for towing like the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, common "towing-related" issues would primarily stem from attempting to tow in the first place:

• Transmission failure: The automatic transmission can easily overheat and fail when subjected to the stress of towing.
• Engine damage: Overheating and excessive strain on the engine can lead to premature wear or catastrophic failure.
• Brake system damage: Overworked brakes can wear out quickly, leading to reduced stopping power and potential failure.
• Suspension damage: The suspension components can be overstressed, leading to sagging, poor handling, and component failure.
• Tire blowouts: Overloading the vehicle and stressing the tires can lead to blowouts.

Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific vehicle's capabilities.

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