How many miles can you get out of a 2010 Malibu?
On a full tank, a 2010 Malibu typically travels roughly 400 to 550 miles, depending on the engine and driving conditions.
Here’s a closer look at how fuel economy varies by engine, the typical tank sizes, and what you can expect in real-world driving to estimate or maximize your range.
Engine options and efficiency
2.4-liter four-cylinder
The base engine in many 2010 Malibus is a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder. EPA estimates for this setup are about 22 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined figure around the mid-20s. The typical fuel tank for this configuration is roughly 16 gallons. With a full tank, you can expect roughly 350 miles in city driving, about 520 miles on the highway, and around 430–450 miles under a mixed city/highway pattern.
3.6-liter V6
The V6 option is less fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings near 17 miles per gallon in the city and around 26 miles per gallon on the highway, giving a combined figure in the low 20s. The V6 generally uses a larger 18-gallon tank. With a full tank, city driving is typically around 300 miles, highway driving about 470 miles, and mixed driving roughly 390–420 miles.
Range on a full tank: quick estimates
Below are the illustrative ranges based on the two common engine configurations and typical tank sizes. These figures use EPA-style estimates as a baseline and assume a full tank with standard maintenance and normal driving conditions.
- 2.4L I4, ~16-gallon tank: City ~352 miles; Highway ~528 miles; Combined ~430–450 miles.
- 3.6L V6, ~18-gallon tank: City ~306 miles; Highway ~468 miles; Combined ~390–420 miles.
Actual range will vary with driving habits, terrain, load, tire condition, air temperature, and maintenance. Your specific model and year may have slight variations in tank size and efficiency.
Maximizing range: practical tips
To stretch the miles per tank, consider these driving and maintenance practices that reflect real-world behavior rather than laboratory figures.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for optimal rolling resistance.
- Avoid hard acceleration and excessive speed; smooth, steady driving improves fuel economy.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and unnecessary detours; combine errands when possible.
- Use cruise control on highways where appropriate to maintain a steady speed.
- Maintain the vehicle: timely oil changes, clean air filters, and spark plugs in good condition can improve efficiency.
With mindful driving and regular maintenance, you can maximize the Malibu’s range within the typical values described above.
Summary
The 2010 Malibu’s range depends largely on the engine and driving conditions. A 2.4-liter model with a 16-gallon tank commonly reaches about 350 miles in city driving, around 520 miles on highways, and roughly 430–450 miles in mixed conditions. The 3.6-liter V6, with an 18-gallon tank, typically yields about 300 miles in city driving, 470 miles on highways, and roughly 390–420 miles in mixed driving. Real-world results vary, but the numbers provide a reasonable framework for planning trips and monitoring fuel efficiency.
