The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L’s 26 MPG combined won’t break any records, but it’s a decent trade-off for those who want more space and power instead of maximum fuel efficiency. This Malibu is for drivers who want a clear performance upgrade from the base engine without burning too much gas. It’s a smart choice for those who enjoy driving.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates of 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway reflect how the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine performs. The city MPG shows that the engine has to work harder at slower speeds, especially when accelerating. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its best power range, but turbo lag and the engine’s size mean it still uses more fuel in stop-and-go traffic than smaller engines that don’t use a turbocharger. On the highway, the Malibu 2.0L is more efficient when cruising, thanks to the transmission’s higher gears. Getting 32 MPG on the highway is realistic if you drive at consistent speeds and don’t pass aggressively. This highway MPG makes it a good choice for long commutes or road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L will cost $1,700 in fuel each year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the EPA’s national average fuel price. How much you actually spend on fuel will change based on local fuel prices, how you drive, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. However, the $1,700 figure gives you something to compare the Malibu 2.0L to other cars. If you drive a lot more than 15,000 miles per year or fuel prices are high where you live, expect your actual costs to be higher. Shorter commutes and lower fuel prices will result in lower fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Malibu 2.0L owners report different numbers depending on how they drive and the conditions they drive in. Accelerating hard, braking often, and driving at high speeds will all hurt fuel efficiency. Driving carefully, accelerating gently, and sticking to speed limits can help you get close to or even beat the EPA estimates.

The kinds of roads you drive on are also important. Driving on hills requires more engine power, which lowers MPG. Flat, well-maintained highways are the best for getting good fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The 2016 Malibu 2.0L is in the middle of the pack compared to its competitors. For example, the Honda Accord 2.4L (non-hybrid) got around 27 MPG combined. While that’s better than the Malibu, it didn’t have as much readily available torque from its engine. A Toyota Camry with its 2.5L engine could get around 28 MPG. The Ford Fusion’s 2.0L EcoBoost engine had similar power to the Malibu’s but got around 25 MPG combined.

This comparison is important to someone considering the Malibu 2.0L because they’re probably comparing these vehicles, weighing gas mileage, performance, and overall cost. Someone who will trade a little MPG for quicker acceleration might want to consider the Malibu.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Malibu’s eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to get the best fuel economy, and you can help it do even better. Avoid accelerating hard from a stop. Gradually increasing your speed will save fuel. Let the transmission shift smoothly through the gears without forcing it to downshift; downshifting turns on the turbocharger, which burns more fuel.

Regular maintenance is important for getting the best gas mileage. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Checking your tire pressure is a simple thing that can make a difference over time.

Don’t idle. Idling uses fuel without going anywhere, so don’t let the engine run if you don’t have to. If you’re going to wait for more than a minute, it’s usually better to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go.

Plan your routes carefully. Avoiding traffic and choosing routes with fewer stops can greatly improve fuel efficiency. Using navigation apps to find the best route can save you time and fuel.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed helps reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which improves MPG. Turn on cruise control on relatively flat stretches of highway, but don’t use it in hilly areas, where it can sometimes cause the transmission to shift inefficiently.

For all Chevrolet fuel economy data, including other Malibu trims and model years, visit FuelEconomyHub.com. You can also research MALIBU MPG across all years to see how this model has evolved.