Chevrolet Malibu

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Chevrolet Malibu appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline and hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 26 to 46 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $1,400 to $3,050 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

How it compares

Against the average midsize cars in this dataset (about 32 MPG), the Malibu sits roughly 4 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Malibu for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $7,000 to $15,250, averaging about $11,125 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the Malibu varies by about 20 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline and hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Malibu check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the Malibu's average combined economy slipped from about 36 to 29 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2019 Malibu has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 35 MPG, while the 2020 is the lowest at about 29 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 Malibu at a glance

Use the comparison tool to set the Malibu against a rival, or go back to all Chevrolet models.