Is Chevy Malibu a V-6 or 4 cylinder?
The Chevy Malibu today uses four-cylinder engines only; there is no V-6 option in the current lineup, and the model was discontinued after the 2023 model year.
To understand what this means, it helps to review how the Malibu’s powertrain has evolved across generations—from early models that offered V6 options to the recent years when GM pursued turbocharged four-cylinders for efficiency and performance.
Current engine options
In the most recent generations, the Malibu was powered exclusively by turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The final years offered two choices, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission:
Here are the final engines used in the Malibu lineup:
- 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine (Ecotec)
- 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine (Ecotec)
Both options provided improved fuel efficiency compared with older V6 setups, while still offering competitive power for a mid-size sedan. There is no V-6 engine in the final Malibu generation.
How to identify your Malibu's engine
To confirm which engine powers a specific Malibu you’re inspecting, check the window sticker or owner's manual for the exact engine designation (for example, 1.5L Turbo or 2.0L Turbo). You can also look at the engine bay badge or ask a dealer with the vehicle identification number (VIN) in hand. Note that production ended after the 2023 model year, so new Malibu models are no longer in production.
Historical context: V-6 options in earlier generations
In earlier Malibu generations, a V-6 engine was available as an upgrade on certain trims. These V-6 options varied over the years and were part of a broader GM mid-size sedan strategy before GM shifted toward turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains in the 2010s and 2020s. The shift toward smaller, efficient engines coincided with the Malibu’s eventual discontinuation after the 2023 model year.
Summary
Across its history, the Malibu has included both four-cylinder and V-6 options, but in its final years it moved to turbocharged four-cylinder engines exclusively (1.5L and 2.0L). Chevrolet ended Malibu production after the 2023 model year, signaling a pivot toward SUVs and crossovers in the brand’s lineup. For buyers seeking a GM midsize sedan today, the Malibu is not available with a V-6 engine, and the model itself has exited the market.
