For over several decades, the Chevy Malibu has been constantly undergoing changes in its specifications, even down to the specific type of gas that it uses.
With that said, if you’re looking to buy this staple automobile from Chevrolet, then it’s worth educating yourself about what kind of fuel it can and cannot take in order to avoid issues later on.
We’ll be including info on various fuel requirements for every single generation of the Chevrolet Malibu, so make sure that you read until the end!
Also, we’ve got another dedicated article for the Chevy Malibu’s bolt pattern that we highly recommend checking out as well!
What kind of gas does a Chevy Malibu take?
Chevy Malibu models equipped with a small-block V8 engine require a minimum of 91-octane gasoline, while those with big-block V8s require premium 93-octane gasoline.
All other engines mostly require 87-octane fuel only, with some V6 and I4 engines from specific generations requiring higher than that.
As you can see, not every Chevy Malibu engine uses the same type of fuel, or in other words, the same octane rating.
While the fuel type of older Chevy Malibu models with small block and big block V8s can simply be summarized as stated above, we cannot say the same thing for the fuel types of the other generations.
The majority of the other engine types, such as the Inline-6s and most of the Inline-4s and V6s, are all capable of using as low as regular 87-octane gasoline.
However, some specific engines from certain generations call for higher-octane fuel in order to avoid engine knock.
Hence, we’ll be listing down every Chevy Malibu generation’s engine options to highlight the differences in fuel requirements between each model more properly.
Chevy Malibu Fuel Requirements Based on Generation and Engine Option
1st to 3rd-generation Chevy Malibus with I6s need 87-octane fuel, while those with V8s need either 91 (Small Block) or 93 (Big Block).
4th-generation models with V6s and V8s need 91 octane, while those with I6s need 87. All other generations’ engines, except the 2.0L LTG/LSY (91 to 93), also use 87.
1st-Generation Chevy Malibu (1964 to 1967)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.2L (194 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.8L (230 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 4.1L (250 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 4.6L (283 ci) Small Block V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 5.4L (327 ci) Small Block V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 6.5L (396 ci) Big Block V8 | 93-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
The 1st-generation Chevy Malibu was actually a trim level on the Chevelle model lineup, and it had various engine options that required specific octane ratings for their gasoline.
Those equipped with either the 3.2-liter, 3.8-liter, or 4.1-liter Inline-6 engine can take regular 87-octane gasoline.
However, those equipped with “Small Block” V8 engines require 91-octane gasoline for both the 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter options. Otherwise, premium 93-octane gasoline is needed for those with the 6.5-liter “Big Block” V8 engine.
2nd-Generation Chevy Malibu (1968 to 1972)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.8L (230 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 4.1L (250 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.0L (307 ci) Small Block V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 5.7L (350 ci) Small Block V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 6.6L (402 ci) Big Block V8 | 93-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
From 1968 to 1972, the 2nd-generation Malibu was still part of the Chevelle nameplate’s list of trims. The rule of thumb for each of its engines’ fuel requirements was also identical to that of the 1st generation.
2nd-generation Malibus with Inline-6 (I6) engines are capable of using regular 87-octane gasoline, while those with the small block and big block V8s require 91 and 93-octane gasoline, respectively.
3rd-Generation Chevy Malibu (1973 to 1977)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 4.1L (250 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.0L (305 ci) Small Block V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 5.0L (307 ci) Small Block V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 5.7L (350 ci) Small Block V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 6.6L (400 ci) Small Block V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 7.4L (454 ci) Big Block V8 | 93-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
The 3rd-generation Chevy Malibu was the last time that the “Malibu” name was a trim level of the Chevelle model.
The majority of its engine options were made up of small block V8s of varying displacements, all of which require mid-grade 91-octane gasoline.
The two other remaining engines are a 4.1-liter Inline-6 (I6) that can take regular 87-octane gasoline and a 7.4-liter big block V8 that needs premium 93-octane gasoline.
4th-Generation Chevy Malibu (1978 to 1983)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.3L (200 ci) V6 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 3.8L (229/231 ci) V6 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 4.1L (250 ci) Inline-6 (I6) (Mexican market only) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.0L (305 ci) V8 | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 5.7L (350 ci) Small Block V8 (Mexican market only) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
The 1978 model year marks the start of the 4th-generation Chevy Malibu under its own separate model lineup.
All of its V6 and V8 engine options require a minimum of 91-octane gasoline, whereas the 4.1-liter Inline-6 engine that was only released in the Mexican market is compatible with regular 87-octane gasoline.
5th-Generation Chevy Malibu (1997 to 2005)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.2L Ecotec L61 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.4L TwinCam LD9 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.1L L82/LG8 V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
After a long 14-year gap since the last Chevy Malibu, the 5th-generation model was introduced in 1997 with various new engine options.
Such engine options, namely the 2.4-liter Ecotec I4, the 2.4-liter TwinCam I4, and the 3.1-liter V6 options, are all capable of taking regular 87-octane gasoline.
6th-Generation Chevy Malibu (2004 to 2008)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.2L Ecotec L61 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.5L High Value LZ4 V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
The 6th-generation Chevy Malibu models are equipped with either Inline-4 (I4) or V6 engines that can all take regular 87-octane gasoline.
7th-Generation Chevy Malibu (2008 to 2012)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.4L Ecotec LE5 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.4L Ecotec LE9 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) (E85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
| 3.5L High Value LZ4 V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.5L High Value LZE V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) (E85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
The 7th-generation Malibu model introduced more I4 and V6 engine options, and for the first time, some of them even had E85 or Flex-Fuel capability.
While all of the listed engine options can take regular 87-octane gasoline, both the 2.4-liter “LE9” I4 and the 3.5-liter “LZE” V6 were equipped with fuel systems that can take as much as an E85 blend (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).
8th-Generation Chevy Malibu (2013 to 2016)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.0L LTG Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 91-Octane Gasoline (Mid-Grade) or Higher |
| 2.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4) (European and Middle-Eastern markets only) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.5L LKW/LCV Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
8th-generation Chevy Malibu models equipped with the turbocharged 2-liter “LTG” I4 engine require mid-grade 91-octane gasoline in their fuel systems.
The rest of the engine options can take regular 87-octane fuel, which includes the 2.4-liter Ecotec I4 released for the European and Middle-Eastern markets, and the 2.5-liter I4 engine that’s otherwise available in North America.
9th-Generation Chevy Malibu (2016 to Present)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 1.5L LFV Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 1.8L LKN Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.0L LTG/LSY Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 93-Octane Gasoline (Premium) (Recommended) |
The 9th and current-generation Chevy Malibu is available with multiple Inline-4 (I4) engine options, and all but one of those options is capable of using as low as 87-octane gasoline.
Both the base 1.5-liter I4 Turbo and the 1.8-liter I4 Hybrid options can work with gasoline with as low of an octane rating as 87.
However, the optional 2-liter I4 Turbo engine is highly recommended to be filled up with premium 93-octane gasoline in order to produce the best performance and fuel economy.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Chevy Malibu
The Chevy Malibu can use reformulated gasoline, which is a more modern type of fuel that is designed to burn cleaner and reduce emissions compared to conventional fuel.
TOP TIER detergent gasoline is also recommended for the Chevy Malibu, as it contains high-quality engine-cleaning additives.
Reformulated Gasoline
Reformulated gasoline is a cleaner and more modern alternative to the conventional fuel that you usually see on some gasoline pumps.
This is because it contains less toxic ingredients in its carefully-formulated mixture, resulting in lesser carbon emissions produced by your vehicle.
Even though the use of reformulated gasoline is not mentioned in the Chevy Malibu owner’s manual, it’s still a widely recognized form of fuel that accounts for about 25% of all gasoline sold in the US, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
This makes it one of the best gas options for the Chevy Malibu and many other vehicles on the road, and it’s even recommended in areas where there’s a higher concentration of smog or air pollution.
Top Tier Detergent Gasoline
When it comes to gasoline with any sort of additives in it, there’s no better and safer choice than TOP TIER detergent gasoline.
Gasoline brands with the “TOP TIER” logo adhere to the highest standards of engine cleaning and detergency, which is higher than what regulations require, as a matter of fact.
Because of its mixture of detergent additives, TOP TIER gasoline allows the Chevy Malibu’s engine to be better cleaned and protected from the build-up of debris, deposits, and all sorts of engine gunk.
Not only has the TOP TIER formulation been adopted by over 60 gasoline brands across the US and Canada, but it’s also trusted by a lot of major automakers, and that includes GM brands like Chevrolet.
While the Chevy Malibu doesn’t exactly have a diesel engine option, it’s still worth noting that there is also TOP TIER diesel fuel for diesel vehicles to use.
To spot a fuel brand that either has TOP TIER detergent gasoline or TOP TIER diesel available, you can look for their respective labels on the pumps, as encircled below.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Chevy Malibu
Avoid filling up the Chevy Malibu with any sort of oxygenated blends, such as ethanol blends higher than 15% unless it’s indicated to be flex-fuel or E85-capable.
The Chevy Malibu should not be filled up with gasoline containing MMT, diesel fuel, or biodiesel fuel.
Oxygenated Blends or Flex-Fuel/E85 (For Most Models)
An oxygenated blend is a type of gasoline blend that contains oxygenates such as “Ethanol”, and in the case of most Chevy Malibu models, blends with more than 15% ethanol should be avoided.
This means that using an E85 blend, otherwise known as “Flex-Fuel”, is completely out of the question because of its 85:15 Ethanol-Gasoline ratio.
Using fuel with oxygenates like ethanol on any sort of engine that’s not designed to take it can corrode the internals and fuel system, as ethanol has a tendency to make gasoline absorb more water.
There are only two specific Chevy Malibu engine options that are capable of using up to an 85% ethanol blend (E85/Flex-Fuel), and these are the 7th-generation model’s 2.4-liter Ecotec “LE9” I4 and 3.5-liter High Value “LZE” V6.
To confirm if a certain Chevy Malibu unit is flex-fuel-capable yourself, you can check the color of its fuel cap.
If it has a yellow fuel cap with “E85” printed on it, then it’s flex-fuel-capable. Otherwise, do not use any gasoline with over 15% ethanol or any other oxygenates.
Gasoline with MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
MMT is a metal-based additive that is mainly used as an octane booster for both leaded and unleaded gasoline sold in the US and Canada.
While MMT’s ability to raise the octane rating may deem it useful for reducing the chances of engine knock, one of the main reasons why it should be avoided is because of its toxicity to the environment.
Not only does MMT make your emissions more toxic, but it’s also notorious for damaging the spark plugs and other various components of the emissions system.
This is why the majority of today’s gasoline brands have shied away from adding MMT to their fuels.
With that said, it’s to be expected that neither Chevrolet nor any other major automaker recommends using it in their vehicles, as the cons outweigh the pros.
Diesel/Biodiesel (For Most Models)
The Chevy Malibu is a gasoline-powered vehicle for the most part unless you’re going to specifically opt for the 1.6-liter “LH7” diesel engine option that’s only found in the 9th-generation model.
For the rest of the models, however, you should avoid using any sort of diesel or biodiesel fuel, as they simply won’t work properly on gasoline engines.
Since diesel fuel is thicker and denser than gasoline (petrol), putting it in a gasoline engine will cause the spark plugs and the fuel system to get clogged up, resulting in the engine shutting off.
Keep in mind that most diesel or biodiesel pumps will be colored green. In case they’re in a different color, they will still be labeled accordingly, as shown below.
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong gas type reduces performance, causes engine knock, and damages the internals. This happens when you put fuel with lower octane than what’s required on your car.
Putting diesel in a gasoline engine can cause the spark plugs and fuel system to clog up because of the thicker diesel fuel.
Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage Per Generation
1st-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (1964 to 1967)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 3.2L (194 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 13 | 15 |
| 3.8L (230 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 11 | 13 |
| 4.1L (250 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 11 | 12 |
| 4.6L (283 ci) Small Block V8 | 9 | 10 |
| 5.4L (327 ci) Small Block V8 | 7 | 9 |
| 6.5L (396 ci) Big Block V8 | 6 | 8 |
2nd-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (1968 to 1972)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 3.8L (230 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 15 | 16 |
| 4.1L (250 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 12 | 13 |
| 5.0L (307 ci) Small Block V8 | 10 | 12 |
| 5.7L (350 ci) Small Block V8 | 9 | 12 |
| 6.5L (396 ci) Big Block V8 | 8 | 11 |
| 6.6L (402 ci) Big Block V8 | 8 | 10 |
| 7.0L (427 ci) Big Block V8 | 8 | 10 |
| 7.4L (454 ci) Big Block V8 | 7 | 8 |
3rd-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (1973 to 1977)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 4.1L (250 ci) Inline-6 (I6) | 15 | 17 |
| 5.0L (305/307 ci) Small Block V8 | 10 | 12 |
| 5.7L (350 ci) Small Block V8 | 9 | 12 |
| 6.6L (400 ci) Small Block V8 | 9 | 11 |
| 7.4L (454 ci) Big Block V8 | 7 | 8 |
4th-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (1978 to 1983)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 3.3L (200 ci) V6 | 15 | 18 |
| 3.8L (229/231 ci) V6 | 19 | 21 |
| 4.1L (250 ci) Inline-6 (I6) (Mexican market only) | 15 | 17 |
| 5.0L (305 ci) V8 | 13 | 14 |
| 5.7L (350 ci) Small Block V8 (Mexican market only) | 12 | 11 |
5th-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (1997 to 2005)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 2.2L Ecotec L61 Inline-4 (I4) | 26 | 37 |
| 2.4L TwinCam LD9 Inline-4 (I4) | 22/23 (Auto/Manual) | 30/33 (Auto/Manual) |
| 3.1L L82/LG8 V6 | 22 | 30 |
6th-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (2004 to 2008)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 2.2L Ecotec L61 Inline-4 (I4) | 21 | 32 |
| 3.5L High Value LZ4 V6 | 20 | 29 |
7th-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (2008 to 2012)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 2.4L Ecotec LE5 Inline-4 (I4) | 22 | 30 |
| 2.4L Ecotec LE9 Inline-4 (I4) | 22 | 39 |
| 3.5L High Value LZ4 V6 | 19 | 29 |
| 3.5L High Value LZE V6 | 19 | 29 |
| 3.6L High Feature LY7 V6 | 17 | 26 |
8th-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (2013 to 2016)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 2.0L LTG Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 21 | 29 |
| 2.5L LKW Inline-4 (I4) | 24 | 36 |
| 2.5L LCV Inline-4 (I4) | 22 | 34 |
9th-Generation Chevy Malibu Gas Mileage (2016 to Present)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 1.5L LFV Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 29 | 36 |
| 1.8L LKN Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 49 | 43 |
| 2.0L Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 22 | 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I hear a knocking sound from the engine after refueling?
Knocking sounds from the engine after refueling may indicate that you either used the wrong fuel type or the fuel is contaminated.
However, other issues like incorrect air-fuel ratio and ignition timing can also cause engine knock, so be sure to bring your car to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
What is the gas tank size of the Chevy Malibu?
The Chevy Malibu has a gas tank/size capacity starting from 13 US gallons (49.2 liters) to 22 US gallons (83.3 liters) depending on the generation and engine option.
| Chevy Malibu Generation | Engine/Trim | Gas Tank Size/Capacity (US Gallon) |
| 1st Generation (1964 to 1967) | All Engines/Trims | 20 gal (75.7 l) |
| 2nd Generation (1968 to 1972) | All Engines/Trims | 20 gal (75.7 l) |
| 3rd Generation (1973 to 1977) | All Engines/Trims | 22 gal (83.3 l) |
| 4th Generation (1978 to 1983) | All Engines/Trims | 17 gal (64.3 l) |
5th Generation (1997 to 2005) | 1997 to 2003 (Malibu) | 14.3 gal (54.1 l) |
| 2004 to 2005 (Classic) | 14 gal (53 l ) | |
6th Generation (2004 to 2008) | 2.2L Ecotec L61 Inline-4 (I4) | 16.1 gal (61 l) |
| 3.5L High Value LZ4 V6 | 16.1 gal (61 l) | |
7th Generation (2008 to 2012) | 2.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4) | 16 gal (60.6 l) |
| 3.5L High Value V6 | 17 gal (64.3 l) | |
| 3.6L High Feature LY7 V6 | 16 gal (60.6 l) | |
8th Generation (2013 to 2016) | Base Trim | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) |
| LT/LTZ Trim | 18.5 (70 l) | |
9th Generation (2016 to Present) | 1.5L LFV Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 13 gal (49.2 l) |
| 1.8L LKN Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| 2.0L Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) |
How much does it cost to fill up a Chevy Malibu?
Using the US average regular gas price of $3.498/gallon, it will cost about $45.5 to fill up a Chevy Malibu with the smallest gas tank size (13 gal).
Filling up a Chevy Malibu with the biggest gas tank size (22 gal) will cost you about $77 at a regular gas price of $3.498/gallon (US average).
