What does a Chevy Malibu top out at?
The Malibu’s top speed varies by engine and trim, but you can expect about 125 mph on the base 1.5-liter turbo and roughly 150–155 mph with the available 2.0-liter turbo. Chevrolet discontinued the Malibu in the United States after the 2023 model year.
To understand the numbers, it helps to look at the generation that ran from 2016 through 2023, how Chevrolet tuned the two turbo engines, and how different trims and transmissions affect gearing and electronic limits. The following sections break down the typical top speeds by powertrain and explain how model year and trim can influence those figures.
Engine options and top speeds
Below is a quick breakdown of top speeds by engine configuration. Figures are approximate and reflect common configurations in North American market cars; actual speeds can vary with equipment, tires, aerodynamics, and software limits.
- 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4: about 125 mph. Paired with a 6-speed automatic in most trims, this is the baseline performance configuration.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4: approximately 150–155 mph. This higher-output option uses a 9-speed automatic and is available on higher trims like LT and Premier.
Note that many Malibu models employ electronic speed governors, and real-world top speeds can differ slightly from these figures depending on year, trim, and testing conditions.
Model-year and trim influences
The Malibu’s top speed can shift with different model years and calibration tweaks. The 2.0L turbo typically delivers the higher ceiling, while the 1.5L turbo is tuned more for efficiency and everyday use. The transmission type (6-speed vs. 9-speed) and software settings can also affect gearing, acceleration, and the maximum attainable speed on highway stretches.
Discontinuation and data context
Chevrolet ended production of the Malibu after the 2023 model year in the U.S. market, reflecting a broader shift toward SUVs and trucks. As a result, there are no new official top-speed figures beyond 2023, and most performance data comes from historical reviews, manufacturer specs, and archived documentation for used models.
Summary
In summary, the Chevy Malibu’s top speed generally ranges from about 125 mph with the base 1.5-liter turbo to around 150–155 mph with the 2.0-liter turbo. Real-world numbers depend on year, trim, gearing, and electronic limits, and the model line is no longer in production as of 2023.
