RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
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RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
Overall Rating
The Malibu nameplate is almost as iconic as the Chevy bowtie but over the past decade, it has lost its presence. For 2021, the Chevy Malibu gets minor updates like a new grille and wheels, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a new color option. It offers a comfortable cabin for daily needs and weekend getaways but the power output from the 1.5L engine is not very enticing. The Malibu will be made available at a price range starting at $23,065 upto $34,295.
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu lives to die another year as GM has launched this sedan by pricing it just $100 more than last year's model. However, this price increase comes at the cost of a few significant changes that include a Dual-port grille and an extra color option to the color palette being the most noticeable changes. There are two engine specifications for the 2021 Chevy Malibu, a 1.5L turbocharged engine in the basic trims and a 2.0L turbocharged engine in the high-end Premier trim. With a total of five trims, the Chevy Malibu is priced in a range between $22,065 - $34,295.
The five trims include an RS trim that is inclined towards a sporty design and performance, while all the other trims get upgrades in their feature offering. The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu faces competition from rivals such as the Kia K5, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry, all priced well within $25,000 for their basic offering. The Malibu gets Chevrolet's enormous suite of driver assistance features and even Teen Assist features.
We recommend you to opt for the LS trim as it comes loaded with features and is substantially better than the base trim at the fraction of a cost. Higher trims are expensive but if your wallet permits it, go for the Premier trim for the extravaganza. The 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine gives this sedan a powerful performance. While the CVT gearbox carries the car swiftly. This car offers great pocket friendly features.
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
RS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl CVT)
The Malibu nameplate is almost as iconic as the Chevy bowtie but over the past decade, it has lost its presence. For 2021, the Chevy Malibu gets minor updates like a new grille and wheels, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a new color option. It offers a comfortable cabin for daily needs and weekend getaways but the power output from the 1.5L engine is not very enticing. The Malibu will be made available at a price range starting at $23,065 upto $34,295.
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu lives to die another year as GM has launched this sedan by pricing it just $100 more than last year's model. However, this price increase comes at the cost of a few significant changes that include a Dual-port grille and an extra color option to the color palette being the most noticeable changes. There are two engine specifications for the 2021 Chevy Malibu, a 1.5L turbocharged engine in the basic trims and a 2.0L turbocharged engine in the high-end Premier trim. With a total of five trims, the Chevy Malibu is priced in a range between $22,065 - $34,295.
The five trims include an RS trim that is inclined towards a sporty design and performance, while all the other trims get upgrades in their feature offering. The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu faces competition from rivals such as the Kia K5, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry, all priced well within $25,000 for their basic offering. The Malibu gets Chevrolet's enormous suite of driver assistance features and even Teen Assist features.
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu comes in 5 trims namely, L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier, they range between $23,065 and $34,295. The other upgrades include an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. You could also avail of 18-inch aluminum wheels, a 9-speaker Bose sound system, and much more in the Premier trim that would be available at an MSRP of $34,295.
At a more affordable price, you could add 16-inch aluminum wheels and more by opting in for the LS trim at $24,195. The RS trim offers a rear spoiler, 18-inch Chrome finished aluminum wheels, and more for a price of $25,195.
Model |
L |
LS |
RS |
LT |
Premier |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$23,065 |
$24,195 |
$25,195 |
$27,595 |
$34,295 |
Key Features |
Halogen projector-beam lamps |
16-inch Aluminum wheels |
Blacked-out grille |
LED taillights |
9-speed Automatic transmission With overdrive |
StabiliTrak electronic |
Visor vanity Mirrors for Driver and Front passenger |
Rear spoiler |
LED daytime Running lights |
18-Inch Aluminum wheels |
|
teen driver technology |
Compass and outside temperature display |
Black Chevy Bowtie emblem |
Outside heated Body-color mirrors |
Wireless charging |
|
Stability Control system |
Acoustic-Laminated windshield |
18-inch black Chrome finish Aluminum wheels |
17-inch Aluminum wheels |
9-Speaker Bose sound system |
|
Tire pressure monitoring |
8-way power Driver seats |
Remote start |
8-inch diagonal color touchscreen |
||
Rear vision camera |
Leather Wrapped Steering wheel |
Dual-zone Automatic Climate control |
Heated and Ventilated Driver and Front passenger seats |
At an MSRP of $24,195, you could avail of the LS trim that offers the basic features and standard 16-inch Aluminum wheels. The offering would also include a compass and exterior temperature display along with Visor vanity mirrors for the driver and front passenger. The interiors are simplistic but are equipped with the necessary features. Being priced at par with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry makes it a competitive bid.
If you are willing to spend a couple of thousand dollars more on the Chevy Malibu, then you could go in for the Premier trim that would come with 18-inch wheels, a 2.0 L engine that generates 250hp and is mated to a 9-speed transmission, a 9-speaker Bose sound system, and there are several other exterior and interior features that would be at your disposal. However, all of this would set you back by $34,295.
"Pop for the Malibu Premier and you’ll be rewarded for spoiling yourself with good acceleration all around. " - Thecarconnection
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 engine which generates 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for four of its trims. For a performance orientation, one could also opt for the 2.0L engine that delivers 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, however, this is made available only in the Premier trim that would cost you as much as $34,295. Both the engine specifications deliver the same 0-60 mph and quarter-mile timings of 7.8 seconds and 16 seconds respectively.
For the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, both the engine offerings are turbocharged, the 1.5L power unit comes mated to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and the 2.0L powerhead comes paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The latter is said to be electronically controlled. Irrespective of the gearbox configuration and offering, all the trims of the 2021 model year are Forward Wheel Drive (FWD) equipped.
Models |
2021 Chevrolet Malibu |
2021 Honda Accord |
2021 Kia K5 |
2021 Toyota Camry |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$23,065 |
$24,770 |
$23,590 |
$24,295 |
Engine |
1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.5L Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Transmission |
CVT |
CVT |
8-Speed automatic |
8-Speed automatic |
Power |
163hp @ 5700rpm |
192hp @ 5500rpm |
180hp @ 5,500rpm |
203hp @ 6600rpm |
Torque |
184lb-ft @ 2500rpm |
192lb-ft @ 1600rpm |
195lb-ft @ 1500rpm |
186lb-ft @ 4000rpm |
0-60 MPH |
7.8 sec | 7.2 sec | 8 sec | 7.6 sec |
Quarter-Mile |
16 sec | 15.3 sec | 16.3 sec | 15.7 sec |
Top Speed |
145 mph | 115 mph | 137 mph | 135 mph |
60-0 MPH |
113 feet | 116 feet | 124 feet | 122 feet |
The 1.5L engine of Malibu lags in power generation by churning out only 163 hp. On the other hand, Toyota Camry has 203 hp to offer and leads the segment with the same. Even the 2021 Honda Accord and 2021 Kia K5 have decent power to offer, 192 hp and 180 hp respectively.
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu gets a good gas mileage, offering 29 and 36 miles to a gallon in the city and in the highway respectively. These figures are leading in the segment. With 15.8 gallons of fuel tank capacity, this car manages to offer a decent range of 505 miles. All the mentioned details stand for the 1.5-liter engine.
Model |
2021 Chevrolet Malibu |
2021 Honda Accord |
2021 Kia K5 |
2021 Toyota Camry |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
29 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
MPG (Highway) |
36 |
38 |
38 |
39 |
MPG (Combined) |
32 |
33 |
32 |
32 |
Fuel Capacity |
15.8 gallons |
14.8 gallons |
14.8 gallons |
15.8 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
458/569/505 miles |
444/562/488 miles |
429/562/474 miles |
442/616/505 miles |
The fuel economy of the 2021 Chevy Malibu is one of the best in the segment right up there with the 2021 Honda Accord. The fuel tank capacity of the 2021 Toyota Camry and the Chevy Malibu is massive with a capacity of 15.8 gallons. All the vehicles in consideration perform similarly in this aspect.
The high-end Premier trim offers a reduced gas mileage of 22 miles to a gallon in the city and 32 miles to a gallon on the highway, this is due to its higher engine capacity, a 2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged powerhead. Even in spite of the slight drop in its range delivery the 2021 Chevy Malibu yet stands competitive with the Premier trim.
"The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is as spacious as a luxury car, but it’s nowhere near as opulent." - Thecarconnection
Just as it has always been, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu will continue to offer a very simplistic interior. Front bucket seats, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System with Navigation and 8" diagonal HD color touchscreen come as standard offerings in this model year for the Chevy Malibu. Even the basic trims get this package, over and above which one would have to add other optional packages as per liking. The price of the other available fittings ranges between $55-$210.
The Premier trim at $34.295 does not get any additional benefits for its interior offering. However, in terms of tech features the high-end Premier trim gets features like wireless charging, premium 9-Speaker Bose sound system, and Heated and Ventilated seats. In terms of space offered, all the vehicles in consideration have a seating capacity of five passengers.Â
Model |
2021 Chevrolet Malibu |
2021Â Honda Accord |
2021 Kia K5 |
2021Â Toyota Camry |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.1/58.5/45.3 |
39.5/58.3/42.3 |
40.2/58.0/46.1 |
38.3/57.7/42.1 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.5/57.1//38.1 |
37.3/56.5/40.4 |
37.8/56.1/35.2 |
38/55.7/38 |
Same as the rear seats, the front seats of the 2021Â Chevy Malibu carry a decent amount of space. The Kia K5 and the Chevy Malibu go head-on in terms of the interior room offered. The Chevy proves to be a better offering when one considers its rear seats. The Japanese competitors, Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord rank closely behind with a minor difference in their offering.
The addition of Android Auto and Apple Carplay put the Chevy Malibu in the league of tech-friendly cars. However, the passengers can interact with the infotainment system only via the touchscreen as there is a lack of a user-friendly knob for ergonomic benefits. To make up for that, Chevy offers several audio accessories that one could avail of with an additional charge.
"The Malibu’s curvy lines and big wheel openings work best with larger wheels, even if they do little for ride quality." - Thecarconnection
The dual-port grille of the whale-shaped 2021 Chevy Malibu seems to be the show stopper for this segment. The base model, the L trim comes with halogen projector headlamps, you could choose to upgrade to better features by going up the trim order. With the RS trim at an MSRP of $25,195, you could avail of a rear spoiler and 18" chrome finish wheels.
The 16-inch wheels are standard for base trims, only RS and Premier trim holds the 18-inch aluminum wheels. The LT trim in between the RS trim and Premier Trim features a unique 17" wheelset along with LED lights that run all day. The Chevy also offers some exterior fittings as optional packages at an additional cost.
Model |
2021 Chevrolet Malibu |
2021 Honda Accord |
2021 Kia K5 |
2021 Toyota Camry |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3126 lbs |
3131 lbs |
3298 lbs |
3241 lbs |
Length |
194.2” |
192.2” |
191.1” |
192.1” |
Width |
73” |
73.3” |
73.2” |
72.4” |
Height |
57.6” |
57.1” |
57.7” |
56.9” |
Ground Clearance |
6.5” |
5.5” |
5.3” |
5.7” |
Wheelbase |
111.4” |
111.4” |
110.4” |
111.2” |
The 2021 Chevy Malibu is the lightest and longest vehicle. Moreover, this Chevy has the best ground clearance in spite of not being the tallest vehicle. Further, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has the following exterior features:
The safety features offered in the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu are the best in the segment. Also, the built quality of Chevy’s vehicle is up to the mark. The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu received ratings of 5 out of 5 for overall front safety and 4 out of 5 for overall safety by NHTSA.
The standard features for safety are StabiliTrak, OnStar, and Chevrolet connected services, rear vision camera, LATCH system, Door locks, rear child security, and Tire pressure monitoring system. Some of the noteworthy safety features include:
the 2021 Honda Accord performs well in terms of power and acceleration. But Chevy Malibu is not far behind in terms of acceleration. Even the mileage figures of Malibu are way better than the Accords. The interior of Malibu also feels premium and comfortable with such a budget-friendly price. Overall, the Chevy Malibu offers great mileage, decent performance, and a comfortable interior at a better price. Moreover, the Chevy Malibu is pocket-friendly by a couple of thousand dollars.
Kia K5 has an appealing design, great acceleration, and overall performance, but it is quite pricey. At the same price, you can buy the RS trim of Chevy Malibu which generates more power than the K5 and is extremely premium in its offering. The Chevy will provide you great features at that price point. So, it is better to go for the Chevy Malibu RS trim than buying the base trim of the 2021 Kia K5.
For its spectacular performance, engine capacity, braking system, and world-renowned reliability, the 2021 Toyota Camry is way ahead of the 2021 Chevy Malibu. Above all of the benefits, the winning streak is of the pricing. The Toyota Camry would set you back by $24,295, at this price point, you could avail yourself only the base trim of the Chevy Malibu. Hence, the 2021 Toyota Camry proves to be a better buy in every sense.
Chevrolet Malibu is great in terms of design and comfort. The interior is appealing with a smooth touch and premium feel interior. The 1.5L engine will serve you well but the 2.0L engine is more fun to drive and never lets you feel low on power. The gas mileage and range offered are also great in the segment. To sum it up, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is a decent car in this price range of under $25,000 and is better than its competition for its price.