Chevy Malibu Top Speed: How Fast Is It?

in Model Info and Features
Chevy Malibu parked in a lot in front of an apartment complex

Source: Flickr

The Chevy Malibu is a classic mid-size family car produced for decades. It has a gorgeous exterior, sleek interior, and excellent safety features - but what about the speed? For those who want a car that kicks it into gear when its tires hit the pavement, it’s helpful to understand the Chevy Malibu top speed on the road.

If you’re interested in learning more about the top speed of the Chevy Malibu, you’re in the right place. Understanding the highest possible mph of a vehicle is a valuable asset - you will know if it’s right to meet your ideal vehicle performance and if it provides enough value. Read on to learn more about the rate of the Malibu, speed by trim, and other valuable information.

How Fast is the Chevy Malibu?

According to getjerry.com, the Chevy Malibu top speed is 157 miles per hour. However, it’s critical to note this is the top speed for the top trim of the 2022 version of the car - the Premier. The lower trims - the LS, LT, and RS - can only make it to 132 miles per hour as a top speed. It takes the Malibu 7.8 seconds to go from 0-60 on average. 

Of course, there are variations to the Malibu in the performance department based on the trim, as already briefly covered above. The engine plays a large role in the differences here for drivers who want to maximize their experience. If you want more out of your Malibu, it might require more cash on your end.

The best trim of the Chevy Malibu will be able to crank out 250 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 260 lb.-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm. The lower end of the trims falls behind a little and provides a horsepower of 160 at 5,700 rpm and 184 lb.-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. There are some serious distinctions in this area. 


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Speed By Chevy Malibu Trim 

A typical Chevy Malibu will go from 0-60 in around 7.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 157 miles per hour. However, this number will vary depending on which trim of the Malibu you decide is right for your life.

According to autofiles.com, here is the acceleration ability for the Malibu, based on the 2022 trim:

  • Chevy Malibu LT: 8.1 seconds
  • Chevy Malibu RS: 8.1 seconds
  • Chevy Malibu LS: 8.1 seconds
  • Chevy Malibu Premier: 5.8 seconds

There is a significant difference between the highest and lowest trim’s acceleration.

If you want to maximize your ability when it comes to speed in the Chevy Malibu, you can’t go wrong with the Chevy Malibu Premier. However, for those who can’t afford this trim, you might need to settle with the LT, RS, or LS designs.


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What Engines Does the Chevy Malibu Possess?

The engine in the Chevy Malibu will make a difference in how fast it can go, as demonstrated above. There are two available engines for the Chevy Malibu, though they are limited to their specific trims. Carefully ponder these before buying to make the best investment possible. 

According to getjerry.com, here are the engines for the Chevy Malibu:

  • 1.5L inline four-engine
  • 2.0L inline four-engine

Each offers an enticing experience on the move.

The lower trims of the Chevy Malibu - the LS, LT, and RS, come equipped with the 1.5L engine. This system provides 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-feet of torque. The Premier trim has the 2.0L engine, which boasts 250 horsepower and 260 lb.-feet of torque. There’s a clear winner here in power and performance. 

Is A Chevy Malibu Faster Than an Accord?

The mid-size car market is a competitive area, and the Chevy Malibu is one of many offerings. One of its biggest competitors is the Honda Accord. How do the two vehicles rank when considering speed? Which is faster?

According to carsdirect.com, there is no contest in this arena - the Honda Accord is far more powerful than the Chevy Malibu. The Accord can go from 0-60 miles per hour nearly half a second faster than the Malibu and offers 192 horsepower and 192 lb.-feet of torque on the go. 

The Chevy Malibu does win in some ways, besting the Accord in its price point and some design features. However, the Accord is faster than the Malibu and manages to best it in other areas like mileage, design, and safety and comfort for those inside.


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What Is The Fastest Chevy?

When checking out the Chevy Malibu top speed, it’s helpful to look at previous creations from the Chevy name. What is the fastest machine they’ve ever made, and how does the Chevy Malibu compare?

According to valleychevhastings.com, the fastest Chevy option remains the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. This car is one of the newest Chevy creations, offering a powerful, memorable 5.5-liter V8 engine. It can travel 189 miles per hour at its best and provides 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. 

The Chevy Corvette Z06 is a supercar, so it costs around $110,000 to make the speedster yours. Although the Chevy Malibu isn’t quite as fast as its race-ready competitor, you can get it for a more practical starting price of $25,100.

Final Thoughts

The Chevy Malibu top speed is 132-157 miles per hour, and the car can kick it from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.8-8.1 seconds. Though the Malibu is far from the best contender on the market in speed, it still makes a stance and provides a more affordable option for those interested in a mid-size vehicle selection. The higher the trim, the faster you’ll experience. 

We hope this information is helpful! The Chevy Malibu isn’t the fastest car in the world, so it might work well for some and fail tremendously for others. Ultimately, it’s up to you to look at the rate of speed in the Chevy Malibu to determine if it’s a good choice for your life or something you’re better off avoiding.



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