2023 Chevrolet Malibu 1.5L Fuel Economy: What to Expect

The 2023 Chevrolet Malibu with the 1.5L turbocharged engine gets 30 MPG combined, which is decent fuel economy in a segment that increasingly focuses on being efficient. This number balances a reasonably spacious and comfortable mid-size sedan with value and ease of use. The Malibu’s fuel economy figures are acceptable to drivers who want affordability, reliability, and overall low ownership costs, not necessarily the highest MPG.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu at 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. These figures show the engine’s strengths and weaknesses. The 27 MPG city rating is decent, thanks to the automatic transmission’s variable gear ratios that help it stay in the most efficient part of the torque curve at lower speeds and the 35 MPG highway rating is respectable and attainable on long road trips when you use consistent throttle inputs. Keep in mind that aggressive acceleration or high speeds will lower that number. The 1.5L turbo engine is designed for relaxed cruising and efficient commuting; it doesn’t do well when pushed hard.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 1.5L is $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and current national average fuel prices. The EPA assumes a consistent mix of city and highway driving to arrive at this estimate. Your individual driving habits and local fuel prices will influence the actual amount spent on fuel. $1,450 gives you a benchmark for assessing the Malibu’s running costs. Buyers considering the MALIBU MPG across all years should also know about slight variations in EPA estimates depending on the specific model year and trim level.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates give you a standardized yardstick, real-world MPG often differs. Owners can expect to see figures within a couple of MPG of the EPA’s combined rating, as long as they aren’t constantly driving aggressively. If you consistently drive on the highway at moderate speeds, you’ll likely get results closer to the 35 MPG estimate. But if you primarily drive in the city with frequent stops and starts, you’ll likely see figures closer to the 27 MPG mark. Factors such as tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and cargo weight also affect fuel economy. Very cold or hot weather can negatively affect the engine’s efficiency, reducing observed MPG.

How it compares

The Malibu’s fuel economy is competitive in the mid-size sedan class. For example, the Toyota Camry LE with its 2.5L engine achieves an EPA-rated 28 MPG combined, while the Honda Accord LX with its 1.5L turbo boasts 33 MPG combined. The Nissan Altima S, another competitor, achieves a combined 32 MPG with its 2.5L engine. The Malibu offers a blend of space, features, and price that could sway buyers who aren’t focused on squeezing every last mile from a gallon. If you want maximum MPG in the segment, you might prefer the Accord or hybrid versions of the Camry and Sonata. The Malibu’s lower purchase price can offset some of the differences in fuel costs over the long term. See all Chevrolet fuel economy data for a broader perspective on GM’s efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently and avoid hard braking to get better fuel economy in any vehicle, especially the Malibu with its small displacement turbo engine. The engine management system is designed to prioritize fuel efficiency during normal driving, so avoid excessive throttle inputs that make the engine consume more fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and make sure they match the recommended levels listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a small difference in tire pressure can noticeably affect fuel economy over time.

Reduce the amount of weight inside the vehicle. If you carry extra cargo in the trunk or backseat, the engine has to work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency. Remove any items that aren’t essential for your daily driving needs to improve MPG.

On the highway, cruise control can help. Maintaining a constant speed helps the engine operate more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption compared to frequently accelerating and decelerating. Don’t use cruise control in hilly areas because it can cause the transmission to downshift aggressively, which hurts fuel economy.

Avoid idling for too long. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and the fuel saved by avoiding idling can add up over time.