2021 Chevy Malibu Review
Price Range: $8,995 - $19,990
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Price & Payment
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Average price: $16,324
$
to$
Price
Pros
- Spacious interior with lots of front-seat headroom
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration from the base 1.5-liter engine
- Limited outward visibility
- Interior looks dated compared to rivals
- Many advanced driver safety aids don't come standard
What's new
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
- New Sport Edition package with blackout exterior trim
- Part of the ninth Malibu generation introduced for 2016
Overview
The Chevrolet Malibu has been around in various forms, as well as various levels of success, since 1964. The 2021 Malibu, somewhat surprisingly, is now Chevy's only sedan. Everything else, from the smaller Cruze to the bigger Impala, has been put out to pasture.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
29 listings
- $8,995great price
- 136,712 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 29 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (1,205 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Houston, TX
Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Remote Start,Satellite Radio,Turbo/Supercharged,WiFi Hotspot,4 Cylinder...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
32 Combined MPG (29 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G1ZD5ST5MF066779
Stock: MF066779A
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $12,799great price$3,370 below market
- 55,452 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 29 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- Car Cloud Auto Group (44 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Stafford, VA
Please visit *** https://www.carcloudautogroup.com/inventory/Chevrolet/Malibu/073108/ *** for more information on this vehicle. This 2021 Chevrolet Ma...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
32 Combined MPG (29 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G1ZD5ST4MF073108
Stock: 073108
Certified Pre-Owned: No
A well-equipped Malibu Premier with the upgraded turbocharged engine is likable enough. The problem is that any other Malibu trim — which would be most of them you find on a dealer lot — isn't going to be competitive against other midsize sedans. The base engine lacks power, and Chevy doesn't add the latest advanced driver safety aids as standard equipment as most automakers do these days. The Malibu's interior design and materials could also use a thorough redo.
Unless you can get a great deal on a Malibu, we'd suggest going with a more appealing rival sedan such as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Mazda 6 or Toyota Camry.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu trim level differences
The Malibu midsize sedan available in five trim levels: L, LS, RS, LT and Premier. Two engines are available. Most Malibus come with a turbocharged 160-hp four-cylinder connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission. For the Premier trim, Chevy fits a bigger turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's good for 250 hp. It's connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All Malibus are front-wheel-drive. Highlight features include: Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu trim levels in-depth.
Which Malibu trim does Edmunds recommend?
We don't usually recommend the most expensive trim, but when it comes to the Malibu, we feel the top-of-the-line Premier is far and away the best option. It's the only trim that gets the powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine as well as many other desirable features that are simply unavailable on lower trim levels.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$107/mo for Malibu L
Malibu L
vs
$148/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #10 out of 28 among Midsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#10 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$446/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
0.8x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
11.4%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
2 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 22V359000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N212356050
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 221
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- An improperly welded seat frame may not adequately restrain the driver in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- 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 customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212356050.
- Recall Number:
- 21V649000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N212333380
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 402
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- 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 customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 1 years / unlimited miles
Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(50%)
4(6%)
3(11%)
2(9%)
1(24%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Surprisingly Nice!
4 out of 5 starsCory, 09/09/2019
2020 Chevrolet Malibu LT 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
I rented a 2020 Malibu with the base 1.5L engine and the CVT transmission which I had initially expected to perform horribly on the highway. I was wrong and this car was a pleasant surprise in almost every regard. I averaged 37 MPG in mixed city/highway driving, the car rode very smoothly and handled better than expected. The seats were comfortable, even on a 5 hour drive and there was … enough space for 4 adults to be comfortable the whole time. The android auto worked flawlessly and the heated seats were quick to warm up and the settings allowed for optimal comfort. Overall, I was highly impressed with this car, particularly because I expected to be disappointed. My lease on my Terrain ends in a few months and I may replace it with a new Malibu. The Malibu handles better, gets better MPG and overall was more fun to drive.
Sticking with the Malibu
4 out of 5 starsRick katai, 01/31/2021
2020 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I am a car guy. I absolutely do not like, or need an SUV. It is getting more and more difficult to find a car made by an American manufacturer. That being said, I am very pleased with my Chevy Malibu with the top of the line Premier trim package. It basically loads up the car with all the goodies. I chose the black cherry metallic color with a black and gray interior that garners … many compliments. The 4 cylinder turbo along with the 9 speed transmission gives good performance along with about 30mpg combined city/highway mileage. It is a very comfortable long distance road car. The Bose sound system is very good.
My only complaint and warning to new car buyers is the totally worthless spare tire inflater system instead of an actual spare tire. It does NOT work. My dealer quickly got me an actual tire and jack at no charge.
A real and honest review
5 out of 5 starsMalibuIsLife, 08/01/2021
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Premier 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I own a 2021 Malibu Premier and have also owned a 2019 Malibu LT. In my experience, this vehicle is very reliable if standard maintenance is performed routinely (as should any vehicle). I prefer the Premier model for the power and 9-speed auto transmission. The LT is good for economy driving. The handling is very good as well. The Premier recommends/requires using 93 octane fuel, which i … stick to and recommend using that. So gas is more expensive. The LT has the CVT transmission, which is slow to shift and does not like cold weather! Must let warm up and go easy on transmission for first few miles. The one negative I have is that the interior could feel more premium, but its good for what you pay for.
Love my Malibu
5 out of 5 starsBarry Cantor, 02/05/2021
2020 Chevrolet Malibu RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
Bought a 2020 RS, the gas mileage is amazing (37 on the highway), the 1.5L engine has plenty of power and the cvt tranny is very smooth. The black bow ties, grill, and spoiler are a great addition to this model. This car looks sharp. The Apple CarPlay is great for all iPhone users. I would recommend this to anyone as a daily commuter.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, so we've included reviews for other years of the Malibu since its last redesign.
2021 Malibu Highlights
L
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,140 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $107/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.7 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Malibu models:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Warns the driver of potential obstacles ahead. (Automatic braking is available as an optional extra.)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Informs the driver of vehicles in perpendicular motion behind the car when reversing.
- Pedestrian Detection
- Warns the driver of pedestrians in the roadway and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not take action.
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedPoor
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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