What kind of gas does a 2012 Chevy Malibu take?
The 2012 Chevy Malibu runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 (AKI) or higher. Premium fuel is not required.
In more detail, the Malibu for that model year was offered with different engines, but both are configured to use standard gasoline. It accepts gasoline containing ethanol up to 10 percent (E10). Do not use diesel or other fuels, and always follow the octane and fuel content guidance in the owner's manual for your exact engine and trim.
Fuel requirements for the 2012 Malibu
Key specifications you should know about fueling the 2012 Malibu are summarized below.
- Fuel type: Regular unleaded gasoline.
- Minimum octane: 87 (AKI); higher octane is acceptable, but premium is not required for typical driving.
- Ethanol content: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is supported; avoid higher-ethanol blends unless specifically approved.
- Fuel not approved: Do not use diesel, biodiesel blends above what the manual allows, or other non-recommended fuels.
In practice, this means you can fill with regular 87 octane fuel or higher, and modest ethanol blends (E10) are compatible with the Malibu’s engines. Always verify with the official manual for your exact engine configuration and regional fuel standards.
Engine options and fuel considerations
Although the Malibu was offered with more than one engine option in 2012, the official guidance covers both commonly used powertrains. The engines share the same basic fuel requirements: regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane of 87 and support for up to 10% ethanol. Using higher-octane fuel does not typically provide a meaningful performance increase for these engines, but consult the owner’s manual for any model-specific notes.
- Engine options: 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder and 3.6L V6; both are designed to run on regular 87-octane gasoline.
- Gasoline content: Accepts up to E10; avoid higher-ethanol blends unless approved by GM documentation for your exact vehicle.
- Practical guidance: Premium fuel is not required for typical daily driving; follow the octane recommendation in your manual for optimal results.
Whether you drive a four-cylinder or a V6, the safe and recommended fuel choice remains regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher, with up to 10% ethanol. Always refer to the owner's manual for any engine-specific notes or regional fuel advisories.
Summary
The 2012 Chevy Malibu takes regular unleaded gasoline (87 AKI or higher). It supports up to 10% ethanol (E10); premium gasoline is not required. Always consult your owner's manual for your exact engine configuration and any regional fuel guidelines to ensure compatibility and performance.
