2012 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu was a quiet carryover, with the main updates limited to trim equipment rather than a redesign. LT gained a standard USB port, LTZ gained a standard power sunroof, and a flexible-fuel LS joined the lineup.
About the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
7th generation (2008-2012), final year before the all-new 2013 redesign.
Chevrolet positioned the Malibu as a stylish, driver-focused midsize sedan with a quiet cabin, smooth road manners, strong safety messaging, and respectable highway fuel economy. The pitch was less about maximum rear-seat space and more about clean design, a more upscale feel than many mainstream rivals, and an easy daily-driving character. For most shoppers, it was a commuter and small-family sedan bought for comfort, calm highway behavior, and a polished look.
The 2012 Malibu ranges from the straightforward LS family sedan to the more polished LT and comfort-focused LTZ. LT models feature steering-wheel audio controls and a USB port, while LTZ adds heated leather-trimmed seats, Bose audio, automatic climate control, and a power sunroof. Most use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic, while some upper-trim cars have a 3.6-liter V6.
What changed, by category
2012 Chevrolet Malibu specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/TAPshft | Auto, 6-Spd w/TAPshft / Auto 6-Spd TAPshft Hi Trq | Auto, 6-Spd w/TAPshft / Auto 6-Spd TAPshft Hi Trq |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 26–33 mpg | 26–33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 169–252 hp | 169–252 hp |
| Torque | 160 lb-ft | 158–251 lb-ft | 158–251 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.6 in | 37.6 in | 37.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu redesigned?
No. The 2012 Malibu was the final year of the seventh-generation design, and the full redesign arrived for 2013.
What changed from the 2011 Malibu to the 2012 Malibu?
The changes were modest: a flexible-fuel LS joined the lineup, the USB port became standard on LT, and the power sunroof became standard on LTZ. There were no model-wide changes to the body, chassis, safety equipment, or infotainment system.
Did the 2012 Malibu get a new engine or transmission?
No new engine or transmission replaced the existing choices. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic carried over, as did the 3.6-liter V6 on upper trims, but a flexible-fuel LS was added.
What did the 2012 Malibu LTZ gain?
The 2012 Malibu LTZ gained a standard power sunroof, which had been optional for 2011. It also features heated leather-trimmed front seats, Bose audio, automatic climate control, and remote start.
Is the 2012 Malibu a major upgrade over the 2011 model?
No. The two years are very similar, so the 2012 mainly matters if you want the LT’s standard USB port, the LTZ’s standard power sunroof, or the flexible-fuel LS.