Are Chevy Malibus good on gas?

For most drivers in the midsize sedan class, the Malibu offers competitive fuel economy, especially with the smaller 1.5-liter turbo engine. Chevrolet, however, discontinued the Malibu for the U.S. market after the 2023 model year, so buyers today would be looking at used examples rather than new cars.

How gas mileage varies by model and year

The Malibu was offered with a few gasoline engines across its production run. The most fuel-efficient option is typically the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which has historically delivered better highway efficiency and solid overall fuel economy. The 2.0-liter turbo, while stronger in performance, tends to consume more fuel in mixed driving. Most US-market Malibus are front-wheel drive, which also helps maximize efficiency. With the model now discontinued in the U.S., current shopping centers on the used market and depend on year, trim, and maintenance history.

Engine options and estimated efficiency

Below is a snapshot of typical EPA estimates for common Malibu powertrains. Actual efficiency varies with driving style, condition, and year. Use EPA labels for the precise numbers on any specific used vehicle you’re considering.

• 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (common base and mid-range): approximately 30-32 mpg combined, with highway mpg often in the mid-to-upper 30s and city mpg in the high 20s to low 30s.


• 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (higher-performance trims): roughly 26-29 mpg combined, with city mpg around the low 20s to upper 20s and highway mpg in the low 30s.


• Hybrid: Not routinely offered in the later Malibu generations; most late-model Malibus relied on gasoline engines. If you find a used Malibu with hybrid setup, expectations would be notably higher mpg, but availability is limited and depends on year.

Concluding thought: The 1.5L turbo models are the most economical option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency, but remember the Malibu is no longer sold new in the United States, so fuel economy figures you see on a used car will reflect older configurations and wear. When comparing to rivals, consider how the specific engine and drivetrain in a given year stacks up against peers in the segment.

Real-world performance and comparison

Real-world mileage depends on how you drive, cargo load, and maintenance. Owners commonly report satisfactory highway efficiency but city driving can lower mpg, especially with frequent stops and stops. In direct comparisons, the Malibu’s efficiency holds up well against many mid-size sedans with similar engines, but it often sits behind class leaders that offer more aggressive hybrid options or lighter curb weight. The absence of new Malibu models in the U.S. market means ongoing updates to efficiency technology are limited to older generations rather than fresh engineering.

Tips for getting the best mileage in a Malibu (used or current)

To maximize fuel economy, keep tires properly inflated, follow regular maintenance schedules, and adopt efficient driving habits such as smooth acceleration, steady speeds on highways, and planning trips to minimize idling. For used purchases, review maintenance records, verify service history, and compare the advertised MPG with EPA figures for the specific year and trim to set realistic expectations.

What to know if you're shopping today

Because the Malibu is no longer produced for the U.S. market, any purchase would be a used model from prior years. Availability varies by region, and newer used examples can carry premium pricing. If fuel economy is a key factor, compare the Malibu’s mpg with that of other midsize sedans in the used market and weigh maintenance history, potential repair costs, and overall condition alongside price.

Summary

The Chevy Malibu delivers respectable fuel economy for a midsize sedan, particularly with the 1.5-liter turbo engine. However, it was discontinued for the U.S. market after the 2023 model year, so buyers must rely on used examples. Real-world mpg varies by engine, year, and driving style, and when evaluating options, it’s wise to weigh the Malibu against contemporary rivals and consider overall cost of ownership, not just miles per gallon.

Is Chevy good on gas?

Yes, many Chevrolet models are good on gas, with fuel efficiency varying by model, engine, and powertrain. For example, the 2025 Chevy Malibu offers up to 36 highway mpg, and the 2025 Chevy Trax gets up to 32 mpg highway, while the Trailblazer, Trax, and Equinox are among the most efficient SUVs. Electric vehicles like the Blazer EV and Silverado EV offer even greater efficiency with no gas use.
 
Gas-powered vehicles

• Malibu: Offers up to 36 highway mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans. 
• Trailblazer: Achieves up to 29 city / 33 highway mpg. 
• Trax: Gets an EPA-estimated 24 city / 32 highway mpg. 
• Equinox: An efficient SUV with ratings up to 26 city / 31 highway mpg. 
• Silverado 1500: A competitive option for a truck, with the 2024 model getting up to 23 city / 29 highway mpg. 

Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Blazer EV: Gets up to 96 MPGe combined, with a range of up to 324 miles. 
• Silverado EV: Achieves up to 67 MPGe combined. 
• Bolt EV: Gets 131 MPGe city / 109 MPGe highway, with a 259-mile range. 
• Bolt EUV: Gets 125 MPGe city / 104 MPGe highway, with a 250-mile range. 
• Equinox EV: More efficient than its gas-powered counterpart. 

Is the Chevy Malibu good on gas?

Yes, the Chevy Malibu is generally considered good on gas, especially the models with the 1.5L turbocharged engine which achieve an EPA-estimated 29 city/36 highway MPG (32 combined). For the 2024 model year, the 1.5L turbocharged engine is standard, providing 28 city/36 highway MPG. The optional 2.0L engine in previous models had lower MPG ratings (22 city/33 highway). 
This video reviews the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, highlighting its features and performance: 58sGold PonyYouTube · Jan 1, 2025
Fuel efficiency by engine and year 
This video demonstrates the real-world fuel economy of the Chevy Malibu: 48sDIY Life TechYouTube · May 7, 2024

• 1.5L Turbocharged Engine:
  • 2024: 28 city/36 highway MPG 
  • 2023: 27 city/35 highway MPG (30 combined) 
  • 2022: 29 city/36 highway MPG (32 combined) 
• 2.0L Turbocharged Engine (older models, standard on Premier trim):
  • 2022: 22 city/33 highway MPG (26 combined) 
• Hybrid (no longer available after 2020):
  • The 2019 Malibu hybrid model had a combined MPG of 49 city/43 highway MPG. 

Other factors for fuel efficiency

• Driving habits: Your own driving habits can affect your Malibu's fuel economy. 
• Maintenance: Following the recommended maintenance schedule helps keep your vehicle running efficiently. 
• Fuel tank size: The 15.8-gallon fuel tank on recent models provides a good driving range, with some models reaching up to approximately 474-568 miles on a full tank on the highway. 

How far can a Chevy Malibu go on a full tank?

A Chevy Malibu gets between 350 and 550 miles on a full tank, depending on the model year, engine, and driving conditions. For a recent model like the 2024, the range is up to about 553 miles on the highway and roughly 427 miles in the city. Older models may have slightly different ranges depending on the engine. 
Range by model year

• 2024 Chevy Malibu: Up to 553 miles on the highway and 426.6 miles in the city with the standard 1.5L engine. 
• 2022 Chevy Malibu: Up to 568.8 miles on the highway and 458.2 miles in the city with the standard 1.5L engine. The 2.0L engine has a shorter range, up to 521.4 miles on the highway and 347.6 miles in the city. 

Factors that affect range

• Engine: The standard 1.5L turbocharged engine is more fuel-efficient than the optional 2.0L engine. 
• Driving conditions: You will get more miles on the highway (highway MPG) than in the city (city MPG). 
• Driving habits: Speed, acceleration, and other factors will impact the actual range you achieve. 

What are the cons to a Chevy Malibu?

Some Chevy Malibu models are known to have engine problems, like oil leaks, whistling, low idling, extreme vibration and even fires.