2018 Chevrolet Malibu EPA Fuel Economy Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu delivers an EPA-certified 26–46 MPG combined (22–49 city / 32–43 highway depending on engine and drivetrain) across 3 configurations. Hybrid variants achieve up to 46 MPG combined, compared to 30 MPG for standard gasoline trims. Estimated annual fuel costs range from $1,350 to $2,900.

Combined MPG
26–46 MPG
55% city / 45% highway weighted
City MPG
22–49 MPG
Stop-and-go urban cycle
Highway MPG
32–43 MPG
Sustained open-highway test
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,350–2,900
EPA estimate @ 15,000 miles/yr

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Powertrain & Efficiency Comparison

Factual efficiency differences across gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants

Internal Combustion

Standard Gasoline Trims

26–30 MPG Combined

Annual Fuel Cost: $2,050–$2,900 (2 configurations)

Gas-Electric Hybrid

Hybrid (HEV) Trims

46–46 MPG Combined

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,350–$1,350 (Saves ~$700/yr vs gas)

Official EPA Fuel Economy Ratings by Configuration (3 Variants)

Laboratory certification test values across engine, transmission, and drivetrain permutations

Configuration / Model Powertrain Drivetrain Transmission City Highway Combined Annual Fuel Cost CO2 (g/mi)
Malibu Hybrid Regular 1.8L Hybrid Front-Wheel Drive Automatic (variable gear ratios) 49 MPG 43 MPG 46 MPG $1,350 —
Malibu Regular 1.5L 4-Cyl Gas Front-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 27 MPG 36 MPG 30 MPG $2,050 —
Malibu Premium 2L 4-Cyl Gas Front-Wheel Drive Automatic 9-spd 22 MPG 32 MPG 26 MPG $2,900 —
EPA Test Methodology: Fuel economy estimates are determined by vehicle manufacturers in accordance with EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 600) and verified by EPA laboratories. Estimates assume 15,000 miles per year of driving (55% city, 45% highway) at prevailing fuel and electricity prices.

Deterministic Fuel Cost & Consumption Benchmarks

Standardized annual energy consumption and operating cost metrics based on 15,000 annual miles

Fuel Cost per 25 Miles

$1.90–$3.37

Based on $3.50 per gallon regular gasoline

Annual Fuel Consumption

326–577 Gallons

Estimated annual energy units needed for 15,000 miles

5-Year Fuel Cost vs Avg Vehicle

Official EPA Benchmark

Compared to the average new vehicle over 5 years

Related Official Reports for 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Cross-reference safety ratings, owner defect complaints, and recall campaigns

Official US Government Data Provenance

Fuel economy ratings, electric range figures, and energy cost estimates on this page are retrieved directly from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (FuelEconomy.gov) certified vehicle database.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.