Is a 2012 Chevy Malibu a 4 or 6 cylinder?
The short answer: a 2012 Malibu could be either a four-cylinder or a six-cylinder, depending on the model. The base model used a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while a 3.6-liter V6 was available on higher trims.
In more detail, GM offered two engines for the 2012 Malibu. The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder prioritizes fuel economy, while the 3.6L V6 delivers stronger acceleration. You can confirm which engine yours has by checking under the hood for the displacement badge, reviewing the vehicle’s window sticker, or consulting the VIN and trim information.
Engine options in the 2012 Malibu
2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder
The 2.4L Ecotec I-4 produces about 169 horsepower and roughly 160 lb-ft of torque. It is typically paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering better fuel economy. EPA estimates for this configuration generally place efficiency in the low 20s mpg city and the mid-30s mpg highway, depending on driving conditions and specific configuration.
3.6L V6
The 3.6L V6 delivers around 252 horsepower and about 251 lb-ft of torque, providing significantly stronger acceleration. Like the four-cylinder, it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine option typically yields lower fuel economy than the four-cylinder, reflecting its higher power output.
Verifying which engine your Malibu has
To confirm the exact engine in a given 2012 Malibu, check the engine bay for a displacement badge, review the vehicle’s VIN and corresponding build code, inspect the window sticker or owner's manual, and note the trim level. LT and LTZ trims were commonly equipped with the V6 option, while the base configurations tended toward the four-cylinder.
Summary
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu was offered with two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder for efficiency and a 3.6-liter V6 for power. Determining which engine your specific car has is straightforward through a quick check of the engine bay, VIN, or window sticker. Either configuration reflects a mid-size sedan designed for comfortable everyday driving, with the V6 providing more punch when needed.
