2019 Chevrolet Malibu — Towing Capacity & Payload

Quick answer

• Max tow capacity: 0 lb (Chevrolet does not rate the 2019 Malibu for towing in North America; no SAE J2807 tow rating)
• Max payload: See the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s doorjamb (varies by trim/options)
• GVWR: See the certification label on the driver’s doorjamb (varies by trim/options)
• GCWR: Not published (no tow rating)
• Curb weight: Approximately 3,100–3,400 lb depending on engine/trim (verify in the owner’s manual or by trim specification)
• Hitch class: No factory receiver; aftermarket accessory-only Class I/II receivers are available. Tongue weight for towing is 0 lb because towing is not approved.

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu can tow 0 pounds; Chevrolet did not assign a tow rating for this sedan in the U.S. market, and there is no SAE J2807 tow certification for it.

Tow ratings by engine & trim

Note on ratings methodology: Chevrolet does not publish an SAE J2807 tow rating for the Malibu. Some non‑U.S. markets may list small tow capacities using different local standards; those do not apply to North American–spec vehicles.

Tow package contents

• Factory tow package: Not offered on the 2019 Malibu.
• Transmission cooler: No dedicated trailer-tow cooler package is offered. Powertrain cooling is designed for normal passenger-car duty cycles, not towing.
• Integrated trailer brake controller: Not available.
• Trailer sway control: The Malibu includes StabiliTrak electronic stability control, but it is not paired with a trailer-sway function because Chevrolet does not intend the vehicle for trailer use.
• Trailer wiring (4-pin/7-pin): Not available from the factory. Aftermarket harnesses exist but are intended for lighting on accessory carriers, not sanctioned trailer towing.

If you install an aftermarket receiver for accessories (bike rack or cargo tray), follow the hitch manufacturer’s instructions and never exceed the hitch’s label ratings or the vehicle’s tongue weight limits. Because Malibu is not rated to tow, any “tow” capacity shown on an accessory hitch label does not override Chevrolet’s guidance.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

This section applies to HD trucks only. As a midsize FWD sedan, the 2019 Malibu is not compatible with fifth‑wheel or gooseneck towing under any circumstances.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

Because the Malibu carries a 0 lb tow rating, weight-distribution hitches (WDH) are not applicable. If you use a receiver for an accessory cargo carrier:

• Keep total tongue load within the lower of: hitch rating, vehicle vertical load limits, and the payload shown on your Tire and Loading label.
• Distribute cargo weight as close to the vehicle centerline as possible to reduce rear suspension sag.
• Recheck rear tire pressures and ensure they are set to the door-jamb placard values before loading.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

Chevrolet’s guidance is clear: do not tow a trailer with a 2019 Malibu. If you must move items, consider these alternatives:

• Use a rooftop box or hitch-mounted cargo tray for small items, staying within tongue/payload limits.
• Rent a small pickup/SUV or use a professional towing/hauling service for trailers.
• If you absolutely must maneuver a very light utility trailer on private property at walking speed, do so with extreme caution to avoid drivetrain damage; however, this is outside Chevrolet’s recommendations and may affect warranty/insurance.

Powertrain notes specific to 2019 Malibu:

• 1.5L turbo models use a CVT for 2019; CVTs are particularly sensitive to heat and shock loads from trailers.
• The 2.0L turbo uses a 9-speed automatic and the Hybrid uses an eCVT; neither is engineered or rated for trailer duty on Malibu.

Common towing-related issues

Owners who tow against manufacturer guidance commonly report:

• Transmission overheating or premature wear, particularly with CVTs.
• Brake fade and extended stopping distances due to added load.
• Rear suspension sag and bottoming, leading to accelerated tire/strut wear.
• Electrical issues from improvised trailer wiring splices into lighting circuits.
• Warranty and liability complications if a collision or mechanical failure occurs while towing.

To keep your Malibu reliable, adhere to the 0 lb tow rating, stay within the payload shown on your door-jamb label, and limit hitch use to approved accessories only. If you need to tow even occasionally, a vehicle with a certified SAE J2807 tow rating is the safer choice.

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