27 MPG combined is good for the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited with its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, especially if you’re thinking about who usually buys this car and why. This isn’t trying to be a sports sedan. It’s basic transportation for people or families who want something affordable and dependable. For them, predictable fuel stops are worth more than a thrilling ride.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the 2016 Malibu Limited 2.5L gets 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. This difference comes from how the engine is tuned and the automatic transmission is programmed. The 2.5L engine puts low-end torque first, so it responds well enough in stop-and-go traffic, even though it doesn’t rev high easily. On the highway, the six-speed automatic transmission helps keep engine speeds low, which saves gas when you’re cruising. The Malibu is best on the highway. It’s a good choice for commuting and road trips, where careful drivers often get better mileage than the official numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says it costs $1,600 per year to fuel the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited 2.5L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using average national gas prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive and what gas prices are in your area, but this gives you a standard to compare the Malibu to other cars. Remember that driving hard, idling a lot, and skipping maintenance can all hurt your fuel economy and make that $1,600 number higher.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates give you a starting point, but real-world fuel economy depends on how you drive, the terrain, and the weather. Drivers who mostly travel on the highway and accelerate smoothly can often hit or even beat the EPA’s 33 MPG highway number. On the other hand, if you’re always stuck in stop-and-go city traffic, you’ll probably see fuel economy closer to the 23 MPG city estimate, or even lower. Extra weight in the car or using the air conditioning often can also lower fuel efficiency.

How it compares

In 2016, the mid-size sedan group had lots of options, and some competitors had similar gas mileage. The Toyota Camry LE with its 2.5L engine got 28 MPG combined, making it a slightly better choice. The Honda Accord LX with its 2.4L engine also got 27 MPG combined. The Nissan Altima 2.5 S got 31 MPG combined, making it one of the best for fuel economy in its class. The Ford Fusion S, also with a 2.5L engine, got 26 MPG combined. If you’re thinking about buying the 2016 Malibu Limited, these comparisons are important. Even one MPG can add up over the years and change how much you spend on gas. See the MALIBU MPG across all years for more detailed model information. Also see all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to get the best gas mileage in the 2016 Malibu Limited. Don’t accelerate hard from a stop. Try to keep a steady speed when you can. This helps the engine run better and saves gas.

Keep your tires inflated. Check your tire pressure often and inflate your tires to what the owner’s manual says. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel efficiency.

Don’t idle if you can avoid it. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines can restart quickly and easily, and idling wastes gas. This matters most in cities where you stop frequently.

Regular maintenance can help your gas mileage. Keep your engine tuned, change the oil and air filter as recommended, and make sure your tires are aligned. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and saves gas.

Take out extra weight from your car. Carrying things in your trunk or passenger area uses more energy to accelerate and stay at speed, which hurts fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need regularly to lighten the load and improve efficiency.