2021 Chevrolet Malibu
US · Midsize Cars
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI)
- Transmission
- 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI) | |
| Displacement | 1.5 L to 2.0 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 9 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) to 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.
22V359000: SEATS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the cushion frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac…
Reported May 19, 2022. View on NHTSA
21V649000: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac…
Reported August 20, 2021. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 11, 2026 · US Government public data
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 4, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 4, 2026
Data verified: November 4, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI) · FWD
32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) - 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI) · FWD
32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have?
Varies by configuration: 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
Combined fuel economy is 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.