Chevrolet Malibu
31 MPG The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is EPA-rated at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 36 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 484 gallons, $1548 a year in fuel, or $0.103 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1997–2025 run it averages 25.2 MPG, improving by 10 MPG over 29 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.081 | $806 | $1210 | $1613 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.097 | $968 | $1452 | $1935 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.103 | $1032 | $1548 | $2065 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.113 | $1129 | $1694 | $2258 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.129 | $1290 | $1935 | $2581 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.145 | $1452 | $2177 | $2903 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.161 | $1613 | $2419 | $3226 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $2000 | 283 | 1 |
| 2024 | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $2000 | 282 | 1 |
| 2023 | 30 MPG | 27 | 35 | $2100 | 292 | 1 |
| 2022 | 29 MPG | 25.5 | 34.5 | $2450 | 309 | 2 |
| 2021 | 29 MPG | 25.5 | 34.5 | $2175 | 308 | 2 |
| 2020 | 29 MPG | 25.5 | 34 | $2450 | 321 | 2 |
| 2019 | 29 MPG | 25.5 | 34 | $2450 | 313 | 2 |
| 2018 | 28 MPG | 24.5 | 34 | $2525 | 318 | 2 |
| 2017 | 28 MPG | 24.5 | 34.5 | $2525 | 318 | 2 |
| 2016 | 28 MPG | 24.5 | 34 | $2250 | 318 | 2 |
| 2015 | 26.5 MPG | 23 | 32.5 | $2375 | 341 | 2 |
| 2014 | 26.5 MPG | 23 | 32.5 | $2375 | 342 | 2 |
| 2013 | 25 MPG | 21.5 | 31 | $2500 | 357 | 2 |
| 2012 | 24 MPG | 20.3 | 30 | $2633 | 376 | 3 |
| 2011 | 24 MPG | 20.3 | 29.7 | $2633 | 376 | 3 |
| 2010 | 23.9 MPG | 20.3 | 30 | $2636 | 376 | 7 |
| 2009 | 23.2 MPG | 19.6 | 29.4 | $2710 | 386 | 5 |
| 2008 | 23 MPG | 19.8 | 29.3 | $2738 | 390 | 4 |
| 2007 | 22.3 MPG | 18.7 | 28 | $2833 | 403 | 3 |
| 2006 | 22 MPG | 19.3 | 27.3 | $2867 | 408 | 3 |
| 2005 | 24 MPG | 20.5 | 30.5 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 2004 | 24 MPG | 20.5 | 30 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 2003 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2002 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2001 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2000 | 22 MPG | 18.5 | 27.5 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1999 | 22 MPG | 18 | 27 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1998 | 22.5 MPG | 18.5 | 28.5 | $2775 | 397 | 2 |
| 1997 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Chevrolet Malibu ranks 39 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda Accord (32), Toyota Camry LE/SE (32), Nissan Altima Hybrid (33), Nissan Sentra FE (33), Nissan Sentra SR (33).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 283 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Malibu get?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is rated at 31 MPG combined by the EPA — 28 city and 36 highway. Across all 29 model years in the database it averages 25.2 MPG, ranging from 19 to 32 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Malibu cost in fuel per year?
At 31 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 484 gallons — roughly $1548 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.103 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2025 model is $2000.
Has the Chevrolet Malibu become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 1997 to 31 in 2025 — an improvement of 10 MPG, or 48% across 29 model years.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu efficient for its class?
It ranks 39 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 3.8 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.