Photo: Chevrolet Malibu by Benespit, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. It shows the model, not always this exact version.
Chevrolet · model year 2025
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
Midsize · Front-Wheel Drive · Gas · EPA class: Midsize Cars
Where it places
- 39 Fuel-efficient midsize cars
Ordered by combined MPG #39 of 105 - 82 Fuel-efficient cars
Ordered by combined MPG #82 of 401 - 279 2025 cars and trucks
Every car of that year, A to Z #279 of 1,273 - 224 Gas and hybrid cars by fuel cost
Ordered by fuel a year #224 of 2,158 - 129 Chevrolet cars
Every model year, newest first #129 of 4,600
Against fuel-efficient midsize cars
The CarCody take
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is a gasoline midsize car with front-wheel drive, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a variable-ratio automatic transmission. Its EPA rating is 31 MPG combined, with 28 MPG in city driving and 36 MPG on the highway. EPA estimates annual fuel spending at $2,150, with tailpipe emissions of 283 grams per mile.
Good to know
- 36 MPG highway rating
- 31 MPG combined rating
- Front-wheel drive
- Midsize car body and class
Watch for
- 28 MPG city rating
- EPA annual fuel cost of $2,150
- Gasoline-only powertrain
- 283 grams of CO2 per mile
Who it suits. Drivers mixing city and highway miles Buyers seeking a gasoline midsize sedan Shoppers comparing Chevrolet cars
The Malibu is a straightforward midsize gasoline car for drivers who divide time between city streets and highways. Its 31 MPG combined rating gives a usable middle ground, and highway mileage reaches 36 MPG. The EPA's $2,150 annual fuel estimate is the key budget number. Front-wheel drive, a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, and a variable-ratio automatic define the setup. It suits buyers comfortable with gasoline costs and a conventional sedan layout.
What it is
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car powered by gasoline. It uses front-wheel drive and a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
An automatic transmission with variable gear ratios sends the engine's power to the front wheels. The figure that defines this Malibu is 31 MPG combined.
The numbers
The EPA rates the Malibu at 28 MPG in city driving and 36 MPG on the highway. The combined figure of 31 MPG blends those two situations into one everyday estimate.
That spread matters if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or mostly open road. Highway trips use less fuel per mile than city trips under the EPA ratings.
What it costs to run
EPA estimates yearly gasoline spending at $2,150. Your actual bill will change with how much you drive and the type of driving you do, but the estimate gives a practical annual reference.
Tailpipe emissions are rated at 283 grams of CO2 per mile.
How it compares
The Malibu is listed in the EPA's Midsize Cars class. Its 31 MPG combined rating is the number to place alongside other cars in that class, rather than looking only at city or highway mileage.
You can browse fuel-efficient midsize cars for other entries in the same class, or see fuel-efficient cars across classes. Chevrolet models are collected in Chevrolet cars.
Who it suits
This Malibu fits a driver who wants a gasoline midsize car and expects a mix of city streets and highway miles. The 36 MPG highway rating favors regular road trips, while 28 MPG city suits a routine that includes urban driving.
Front-wheel drive keeps the layout straightforward for someone shopping among midsize sedans.
Trade-offs
City mileage is eight MPG lower than highway mileage, so heavy urban use will not match the car's highway figure. Gasoline running costs are estimated at $2,150 a year.
The 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder and variable-ratio automatic are the only powertrain combination listed here. Tailpipe output is 283 grams of CO2 per mile.
Verdict
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu makes sense for a buyer who wants a conventional midsize sedan with front-wheel drive and a clear fuel target. Its 31 MPG combined rating balances 28 MPG city and 36 MPG highway use, while the EPA's $2,150 yearly fuel estimate sets expectations for ownership. Choose it when those gasoline costs and the midsize-car format fit your driving. Look elsewhere if your priority is minimizing annual fuel spending or emissions beyond these figures.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 31 MPG
- City MPG
- 28 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,150
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 283 g per mile
- Model year
- 2025
- Body
- Car
- EPA size class
- Midsize Cars
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 1.5 L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu's combined MPG?
The EPA rates the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu at 31 MPG combined.
How many MPG does the Malibu get in the city and on the highway?
It is rated at 28 MPG in city driving and 36 MPG on the highway.
How much does the Malibu cost to fuel each year?
The EPA estimates annual gasoline costs at $2,150.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission with variable gear ratios.
Is the 2025 Malibu front-wheel drive?
Yes. The listed drivetrain is front-wheel drive.
What class is the Chevrolet Malibu?
The EPA classifies it as a Midsize Car.
How much CO2 does it emit?
Its tailpipe CO2 rating is 283 grams per mile.
Cars around it
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33 MPG · $2,050 fuel a year 2027 Nissan Sentra with Normal/Eco Modes
33 MPG · $2,050 fuel a year
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
33 MPG · $2,050 fuel a year 2026 Nissan Sentra SL/SR
32 MPG · $2,100 fuel a year 2027 Nissan Sentra SR
32 MPG · $2,100 fuel a year
2026 Honda Civic 4Dr
31 MPG · $2,650 fuel a year
2026 Honda Accord SE
31 MPG · $2,150 fuel a year