The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT’s 32 MPG combined rating is a good balance for mid-size sedan shoppers. It offers reasonable operating costs without sacrificing passenger space, comfort, or modern features. This is a mainstream, gasoline-powered family car, not a hybrid or diesel, and that 32 MPG is a real advantage in a competitive market.

City and highway performance

The 2016 Malibu LT gets its 28 MPG city and 38 MPG highway ratings from a well-tuned 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharger gives it good low-end torque, for quick acceleration around town. The 38 MPG highway rating is particularly appealing to commuters and families who take road trips often. This engine isn’t sluggish like some base-model engines in this class. Instead, it performs confidently when merging onto the interstate or in stop-and-go traffic.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT at $1,641. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on local fuel prices, driving habits, and how much you drive each year. The $1,641 figure is a useful way to compare the Malibu LT’s running costs to other vehicles in its class. If you drive fewer miles, you’ll pay less. If you drive aggressively, expect to pay a little more. But the EPA estimate reflects the experience of a typical driver.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard, but real-world fuel economy can change. Some 2016 Malibu LT owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates, but things like aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy loads can lower fuel efficiency. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and regular maintenance can help you match or beat the EPA ratings. Tire pressure is also very important. Underinflated tires increase drag and reduce efficiency. Before assuming your car has bad fuel economy, check the easy things first.

How it compares

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT compares favorably to its competitors in fuel economy. A 2016 Honda Accord LX with its 2.4-liter engine gets 27 MPG combined. The 2016 Toyota Camry LE, another popular choice, gets 28 MPG combined. The Ford Fusion SE with its 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is rated at 29 MPG combined. The Toyota Prius gets much higher numbers for those who want even better efficiency, but it is a very different kind of car. The Malibu LT offers a good mix of fuel economy, comfort, and features that appeals to buyers looking for a practical and efficient mid-size sedan. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE gets 29 MPG combined, so the Malibu LT does better. To see all Chevrolet fuel economy data, visit our hub.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu LT accelerates quickly, but try not to accelerate hard. The 1.5L turbo makes peak torque at relatively low RPMs, so you don’t need to floor it. Drive smoothly and you’ll see better fuel economy. Use cruise control whenever you can on the highway. Staying at a constant speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which saves fuel on long trips.

Regular maintenance is critical for good fuel economy. Keep your tires inflated, and make sure your engine air filter is clean. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Also, get oil changes regularly. Fresh oil makes the engine run smoother and more efficiently.

Don’t idle for too long. Idling wastes fuel without going anywhere. If you expect to wait for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines start quickly and reliably, so it won’t hurt anything.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Stop-and-go conditions waste fuel because of all the accelerating and braking. Choose routes with fewer traffic lights and less traffic, even if it’s a little farther. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find traffic jams and change your route. For more MALIBU MPG across all years, view our model page.