2021 Chevrolet Malibu MPG and Fuel Cost
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is rated 26 to 32 mpg combined across 2 EPA-tested gas versions; the best is the 1.5L turbo 4-cyl · FWD · CVT.
EPA fuel economy
2021 Chevrolet Malibu · 2 EPA-tested versionsBest EPA rating
32MPG combined
29 city 36 highway
$1,950 a year to fuel
1.5L turbo 4-cyl · FWD · CVT
Best version saves $1,250 in fuel over 5 years vs the average new vehicle (EPA)
Fuel cost: 15,000 miles a year at EPA's $4.00 a gallon (regular gas).
At EPA's price assumptions, fuel costs $1,950 to $2,400 a year. Ratings for the best versions are unchanged from 2020.
One of the best Malibu years by owner complaints
The 2021 drew 13 owner complaints in its first three years, against 43 for a typical Malibu year since 2016. No open NHTSA investigation names it, and it has no recall telling owners not to drive or to park outside.
Years to avoid: 2013 and 2016 to 2018; best years: 2021, 2022, and 2023. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Every Malibu year rankedThe 2021 Malibu's recalls and problems
Every 2021 Malibu version
EPA's ratings for each version it tested. Fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current prices.
| Version | Combined | City / Hwy | Fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
1.5L turbo 4-cyl · FWD · CVT Best
EPA listing: Malibu |
32 mpg | 29 / 36 | $1,950 |
2.0L turbo 4-cyl · FWD · 9-speed automatic
EPA listing: Malibu |
26 mpg | 22 / 33 | $2,400 |
Fuel cost at your prices
EPA's annual cost uses 15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving and its current prices: $4.00 a gallon for regular gas. Change the numbers to match your driving.
| Version | Per year | 5 years |
|---|---|---|
1.5L turbo 4-cyl · FWD · CVT | $1,875 | $9,375 |
2.0L turbo 4-cyl · FWD · 9-speed automatic | $2,308 | $11,538 |
At the default settings the results match EPA's annual cost before EPA rounds it to the nearest $50.
Chevrolet Malibu MPG by model year
The best-rated version in each model year; the highlighted year is this page. Gas: 26 to 32 mpg (every year from 2010 to 2025); highest in 2019. Hybrid: 46 mpg (2016 to 2019).
- Best gas version
- Best hybrid version
2021: gas 32 mpg · hybrid not offeredTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
| Model year | Best gas version | Best hybrid version |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 29 | – |
| 2011 | 26 | – |
| 2012 | 26 | – |
| 2013 | 29 | – |
| 2014 | 29 | – |
| 2015 | 29 | – |
| 2016 | 30 | 46 |
| 2017 | 30 | 46 |
| 2018 | 30 | 46 |
| 2019 | 32 | 46 |
| 2020 | 32 | – |
| 2021 | 32 | – |
| 2022 | 32 | – |
| 2023 | 30 | – |
| 2024 | 31 | – |
| 2025 | 31 | – |
Every Malibu year's ratings in one table
How the 2021 Malibu compares
2021 midsize sedans covered on this site, ranked by their best combined rating. Fuel cost is for each model's cheapest version to run, at EPA's prices.
| 2021 model | Best combined | Best gas | Fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
Best: hybrid |
52 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,200 |
Best: hybrid |
52 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,200 |
Best: hybrid |
48 mpg | 33 mpg | $1,300 |
Best: gas |
32 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,950 |
Best: gas |
32 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,950 |
Chevrolet Malibu This page Best: gas |
32 mpg | 32 mpg | $1,950 |
2021 Malibu recalls and complaints
Questions
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu need premium gas?
No. EPA lists every 2021 Chevrolet Malibu version on regular gasoline.
How does the 2021 Malibu's MPG compare with the 2020?
For 2021, the best gas version is rated 32 mpg, the same as the year before.
Sources and method
- US EPA and Department of Energy fuel economy data (fueleconomy.gov), file dated Nov 4, 2026.
- EPA fuel price assumptions: regular $4.00, midgrade $4.61, premium $5.01, diesel $6.13 a gallon; electricity $0.15 per kWh.
- Recall and complaint counts: NHTSA recall file dated Nov 12, 2026 and complaint file dated Nov 11, 2026.
Ratings are EPA estimates. Real-world mileage depends on how, where and in what weather you drive. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.