What Chevy Malibu has 250 horsepower?
The Chevrolet Malibu that delivers 250 horsepower uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
That engine produces 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and has been offered in the Malibu’s higher trims since the mid-2010s, typically paired with a 9-speed automatic. Trims commonly associated with this powerplant include LT, LTZ, and Premier across several model years.
Power under the hood: the 2.0L Turbo engine
The 2.0L turbocharged inline-four is the Malibu’s performance engine capable of reaching the 250-horsepower mark. It uses turbocharging and direct injection to deliver strong acceleration and steady torque across a wide RPM range.
Model years and trims that deliver 250 hp
Below is a quick reference of model years and trims that offered 250 hp from the factory.
- 2016–2018 Chevrolet Malibu: 2.0L turbo engine, 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; usually paired with a 9-speed automatic; available on LT and LTZ trims.
- 2019–2023 Chevrolet Malibu: 2.0L turbo engine, 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; continued with a 9-speed automatic; available on LT, LTZ, and Premier trims.
Note: Variation can occur by market or mid-cycle updates; always verify horsepower on the window sticker or official brochure for a given vehicle.
Performance and driving notes
With 250 horsepower, the Malibu 2.0L Turbo delivers brisk acceleration for a mid-size sedan, especially when paired with the nine-speed automatic. Torque is readily available across a broad range, supporting confident merging and passing. Fuel economy typically trails the smaller 1.5L turbo, but actual efficiency depends on driving style and configuration.
What to check when shopping
When buying used, confirm the 2.0L turbo is present (not all model years used the turbo). Look for the engine code in service records, and review the window sticker to confirm horsepower and torque for that year and trim.
Summary
The Chevy Malibu that produces 250 horsepower is the 2.0L turbocharged variant, available in LT, LTZ, and Premier trims from the 2016 refresh onward. If you’re shopping for this power level, verify the presence of the 2.0L turbo engine and the nine-speed automatic transmission, and check the window sticker for the exact specs of the specific year and trim.
Which Malibu has the most horsepower?
Chevrolet Malibu Premier: Top-of-the-Line Luxury
- Performance: 2.0L turbocharged engine that generates 250 horsepower for exhilarating acceleration and highway driving.
- Premium Interior: Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a premium audio system for a luxurious ride.
What's better, Malibu LS or LT?
The main differences are that the Malibu LT is a step up from the LS trim, offering more comfort and convenience features like heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a larger infotainment screen, while the LS is the more budget-friendly base model. The LS is a basic, reliable option, whereas the LT adds a balance of premium features without the high cost of the top trims.
| Feature | Malibu LS | Malibu LT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Base model, more affordable | Higher starting price than LS |
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder (same as LT) | 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder (same as LS) |
| Comfort | Standard cloth seats | Heated front seats, 8-way power driver's seat |
| Climate Control | Standard manual climate control | Dual-zone automatic climate control |
| Infotainment | Standard infotainment system | Larger 8-inch touchscreen with navigation |
| Wheels | 16-inch wheels | 17-inch aluminum wheels |
| Safety | Standard Chevy Safety Assist | Includes rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring |
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Malibu LS
- Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a basic, reliable sedan.
- Key features: Standard features like Chevy Safety Assist and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Malibu LT
- Best for: Buyers who want more comfort and technology without the price of the highest trim level.
- Key features: Includes all LS features plus heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a larger infotainment screen with navigation. It also adds LED daytime running lights.
How much horsepower does a Chevy 250 have?
The Chevy 250 cubic inch (4.1L) inline-six engine typically produced between 105 and 155 horsepower, varying based on the year, carburetor, and emissions tuning. While it didn't have high peak horsepower, its strength was its low-end torque, making it a reliable and practical workhorse for vehicles like the Camaro, Nova, and C10 trucks. Modern upgrades like performance heads, cams, and headers can significantly increase its horsepower.
This video explains the history and performance of the Chevy 250 engine: 58sEpic MotorsYouTube · Sep 4, 2025
Stock horsepower and torque
- Peak horsepower: Typically ranged from 105 to 155 hp, depending on the specific year and configuration.
- Peak torque: Was a strong point of the engine, often rated between 185 and 235 lb-ft, delivered at low RPMs.
How horsepower varied
- Initial models: Early versions, like the 1966 model, were rated higher, sometimes as high as 155 hp.
- Later models: As emissions standards became stricter, the horsepower output decreased. For example, by 1972 the rating was around 110 hp.
- California emissions: Some California-specific models saw further reductions in power due to stricter regulations.
Upgrading the engine
- For more power: Enthusiasts can achieve significantly higher horsepower by making modifications.
- Common upgrades: These include adding a performance-oriented cylinder head (especially for later models with integrated heads), a mild camshaft, headers, and a multi-carburetor intake manifold.
- Potential gains: With the right modifications, it's possible to push the horsepower of a Chevy 250 well beyond its original ratings.
What Chevy Malibu has 250 hp?
Malibu Premier
If you want the greatest possible power and acceleration, opt for the Malibu Premier. This top-of-the-line trim is the only one equipped with a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder dual overhead cam engine that outputs 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
