2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu MPG & Fuel Cost

EPA rates the 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu at 20–29 MPG combined across 25 configurations and 5 model years. The most efficient version, the 2010 Hybrid 2.4L 4-cyl FWD, is rated 29 MPG (26 city, 34 highway). By powertrain: Gas: 20–26 MPG; Hybrid: 27–29 MPG.

The Hybrid 2.4L 4-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 29 MPG, in 2009 and 2010. The lowest top rating, 26 MPG, was in 2011 and 2012.

Yes. Ratings changed in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The previous generation (2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu) is rated 18–25 MPG combined and costs $2,610–$3,630 a year to fuel; the 2008-2012 model is rated 20–29 MPG and costs $2,250–$3,300 a year.

Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Malibu 2.4L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,550 a year. Across all 3 configurations the cost runs $2,550–$3,300 a year. That is a $750 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.

About $17.00 per 100 miles for the Malibu 2.4L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $17.00 and $22.00 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.

The Malibu 2.4L 4-cyl FWD is rated 22 city and 32 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 10 MPG.

The Malibu 2.4L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,550 a year to fuel, $480 less than the class median of $3,030, and less than 7 of 10 midsize car configurations. The comparison covers all 148 rated midsize car configurations for MY2012, not weighted by sales.

The most efficient configuration stays at 26 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,550. EPA lists 3 configurations for 2012 against 3 configurations for 2011. See the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu for that year.