2021 Chevrolet Malibu — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Malibu workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 38 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 100 cu ft (2,832 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 170 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu across 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 32 mpg (US), or 31 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/36) | 170 | $2,100 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/33) | 213 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Running Costs: 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seats (1), Seat belts (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seats — campaign 22V359000, reported 19 May 2022. Risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Seat belts — campaign 21V649000, reported 20 August 2021. Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (31), Electrical system (29), Power train (28). Complaints include 1 reported fire, 1 reported injury. That is well below the median of 316 complaints across the 16 Chevrolet Malibu model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (29 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (28 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (14 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Seats (1 recall campaign) — Check seat adjusters, head restraints and seat-mounted sensors work, and confirm seat recalls were completed.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Chevrolet models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu's 38 mpg is 9 mpg above that make average. Its 170 g/km CO₂ figure is 76 g/km lower than the 246 g/km Chevrolet average.
Of the 16 Chevrolet Malibu model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined). See every Chevrolet Malibu year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu: 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.5L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seats (1), Seat belts (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
Among the 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (31 complaints), Electrical system (29 complaints), Power train (28 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.