2021 Chevrolet Malibu
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Specifications
Engine
Gas
Horsepower
160 - 250 hp
MPG
26 - 32 combined
Seating
5
Cargo Capacity
15.7 ft³
Basic Warranty
3 years / 36k miles
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Specs & Features
Trims
2021 Chevrolet Malibu trim comparison
* Additional Options Available
* Additional Options Available
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
MPG
Engine
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating
Drive Type
Seating Capacity
Automatic Emergency Braking
Basic Warranty
Horsepower
Blind Spot System
Surround View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Remote Engine Start
Parking Sensors
MPG
MPG
MPG
MPG
MPG
Engine
Engine
Engine
Engine
Engine
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating
Drive Type
Drive Type
Drive Type
Drive Type
Drive Type
Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking
Basic Warranty
Basic Warranty
Basic Warranty
Basic Warranty
Basic Warranty
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower
Blind Spot System
Blind Spot System
Blind Spot System
Blind Spot System
Blind Spot System
Surround View Camera
Surround View Camera
Surround View Camera
Surround View Camera
Surround View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Remote Engine Start
Remote Engine Start
Remote Engine Start
Remote Engine Start
Remote Engine Start
Parking Sensors
Parking Sensors
Parking Sensors
Parking Sensors
Parking Sensors
OEM Engine Code
Engine Type
Fuel Type
Horsepower
Horsepower RPM
Torque
Torque RPM
Engine Displacement
Engine Configuration
Cylinders
Aspiration
Variable Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Number of Valves
Compression Ratio
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
Start/Stop System
OEM Engine Code
OEM Engine Code
OEM Engine Code
OEM Engine Code
OEM Engine Code
Engine Type
Engine Type
Engine Type
Engine Type
Engine Type
Fuel Type
Fuel Type
Fuel Type
Fuel Type
Fuel Type
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower RPM
Horsepower RPM
Horsepower RPM
Horsepower RPM
Horsepower RPM
Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque RPM
Torque RPM
Torque RPM
Torque RPM
Torque RPM
Engine Displacement
Engine Displacement
Engine Displacement
Engine Displacement
Engine Displacement
Engine Configuration
Engine Configuration
Engine Configuration
Engine Configuration
Engine Configuration
Cylinders
Cylinders
Cylinders
Cylinders
Cylinders
Aspiration
Aspiration
Aspiration
Aspiration
Aspiration
Variable Valvetrain
Variable Valvetrain
Variable Valvetrain
Variable Valvetrain
Variable Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Number of Valves
Number of Valves
Number of Valves
Number of Valves
Number of Valves
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
Start/Stop System
Start/Stop System
Start/Stop System
Start/Stop System
Start/Stop System
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Review

Overview
Spacious, comfortable interior with a quiet ride; Useful available Teen Driver technology; Premier trim is packed with fancy amenities; Smooth and efficient base powertrain
Desirable driver safety features aren't standard; Cabin styling is starting to look outdated
With the long-running Impala's departure, the Chevrolet Malibu is now the largest car made by the famed American automaker. A fuel-efficient powertrain and comfortable interior make the stylish midsize sedan an excellent choice for many buyers. Available teen-driver technology allows parents to set a speed limit or monitor route history. Though it is starting to show its age, the Malibu remains a competitive choice in its class.
What's New for 2021
Trims and Pricing
The Malibu is offered in five trim levels: L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier. All come in the same four-door body style. Front-wheel-drive is standard; all-wheel-drive is not available.
At around $23,500, the Malibu L comes with notable features like a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, an engine start-stop system, alloy wheels, an acoustic laminated windshield, automatic on/off headlights, daytime running lights, power side mirrors, a six-speaker audio system, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, manual air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry/start, LATCH child seat anchors, OnStar, power controls, a backup camera, and cloth upholstery. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
The family-focused LS retails for around $24,500, adding Teen Driver technology like Buckle-to-Drive, which requires drivers to buckle their seat belts before shifting out of park. Parents can also set other parameters like limits on speed and audio volume. Other amenities include a WiFi hotspot and an outside temperature display.
Stepping up to the RS adds sleek styling and additional features for around $25,500. It gets 18-inch wheels, body-color mirror caps, an eight-way power driver's seat, a second-row armrest, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Perhaps the best value is the LT trim, which includes many desirable additions for its reasonable $28,000 estimated starting price. It comes with heated front seats, remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, heated side mirrors, and LED taillights.
For leather upholstery and heated/cooled front seats, shoppers should opt for the Malibu Premier, which comes with those features for around $34,500. It also has 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, memory side mirrors, a power moonroof, driver's seat memory, a six-way power passenger seat, heated rear seats, a heated leather steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, navigation, wireless phone charging, and a Bose premium sound system.
Chevrolet offers customers a few options with the Malibu, like sport pedals, a garage door opener, and rear side-window sunshades. The Enhanced Driver Confidence Package includes driver safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams.
Engine and Performance
Most Malibus are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It has ample acceleration and passing speed for everyday driving, and the turbocharger operates smoothly. Fuel economy is quite good; the EPA estimates it will return 29/36/32 mpg city/highway/combined. Those are competitive figures for the midsize sedan class. One flaw is the engine start-stop system, which can be abrupt when reactivating the engine at a red light.
That engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission, which uses a single gear to mimic an automatic's operation. Power is sent to a front-wheel drivetrain. Unlike some rivals, all-wheel-drive is not available, nor is a hybrid engine.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo comes on the Premier, making 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. That engine gets its own nine-speed automatic transmission. Together, this powertrain is much more potent, giving the Malibu satisfying acceleration. Gas mileage takes a hit, though, with the EPA predicting 22/33/26 mpg.
Interior
The Malibu has distinctive interior styling that feels similar to other cars and SUVs recently made by the brand. There is excellent cabin space for passengers in both rows, with a sleek dashboard and straightforward driver controls. The interior style is warm and welcoming, though it is starting to look outdated compared to more modern rivals.
The standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen works well. Among the features are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which can be operated without messy cables. The Malibu's base audio system will work well enough for many customers, but the available Bose system is a clear improvement in sound quality and bass tones.
Interior storage is adequate. There is a covered center console, a couple of small-item trays, and shallow door bins. The back seats are comfortable enough for long trips, and the Premier comes with heated leather throughout.
Owner Reviews
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Ratings & Reviews
9th Generation Chevrolet Malibu
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