“It has a smooth drive, the features are nice. Its one step down from being the most luxurious car. It is pretty, and dependable and it's very fuel efficient!”
2021 Chevrolet Malibu: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on every trim. It is otherwise a light update, with the same five-trim lineup and two-engine setup as 2020.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
9th generation (2016-2024), after the 2019 styling and infotainment update; late-cycle model year.
Chevrolet positions the Malibu as a stylish midsize sedan that mixes everyday comfort with a cleaner, more upscale look than a bare-bones commuter. The brochure leans on sculpted styling, a quiet cabin, simple touchscreen tech, and roomy five-passenger usefulness, while outside reviews repeatedly point to its easy controls and comfortable ride. In this lineup, the Malibu’s role is straightforward: a mainstream family sedan with strong phone connectivity and a top Premier trim that adds genuine power and comfort upgrades.
The 2021 Malibu ranges from the straightforward L and LS to the comfort-focused LT, while the RS adds sporty looks without extra power. Premier is the upscale version, pairing the stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine with leather-appointed seats, Bose audio, navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sunroof.
What changed, by category
Tech and equipment
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto become standard on every trim. L also gains an acoustic-laminated windshield, LS adds active noise cancellation and an outside temperature display, LT adds a rear center armrest and cabin air filter, and RS adds a rear center armrest with cup holders.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 163 hp | 163 hp | 163 hp | 163 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Parental Control System | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?
The biggest change is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto across the entire 2021 Malibu lineup. The rest of the car receives only minor equipment updates.
Does every 2021 Chevrolet Malibu have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every 2021 Malibu trim, including L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier.
Did the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu get a new engine or transmission?
No. L, LS, RS, and LT retain the 1.5-liter turbo engine and continuously variable automatic transmission, while Premier keeps its stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine and 9-speed automatic.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu significantly different from the 2020 model?
No. The 2021 Malibu is largely similar to the 2020 model, with standard wireless smartphone connectivity and a few small trim-level equipment additions as the main differences. Its trim lineup and engine choices carry over.
How are the 2021 Malibu RS and Premier different?
The 2021 Malibu RS emphasizes sporty styling, with a black grille, black badges, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, but it uses the regular 1.5-liter turbo engine. Premier has the stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine and adds upscale features such as leather-appointed seating, Bose audio, navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sunroof.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu.
4.2
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
(81 reviews)
“The new Chevrolet Malibu is fun to drive, beautiful to look at, and a pleasure to own. The new enhancements and safety features make it extremely affordable for all that it offers.”
“I have had nothing but trouble with my brand new Malibu. It has been in the shop 1 and a half months out of 2 and my engine light is still on.”