Used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu for SaleNationwide

Compare 2021 Chevrolet Malibu Trims

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more feature-rich models, all with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $13,619
• Best MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Most Popular: LT FWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped sedan without breaking the bank. It's the best value option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,203 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 1,453 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS FWD listings

LS Fleet FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS Fleet FWD is the choice for buyers seeking a standard trim with essential features at a competitive price. It's a solid option for fleet use.

• Avg. market price: $15,060 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 953 listings
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

RS FWD — "Who It's For"

The RS FWD is ideal for those who want a stylish sedan with added tech features without going for the top trim. It balances style and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $15,947 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 782 listings
• View RS FWD listings

LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of features and affordability without sacrificing comfort. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $13,619 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 2,523 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is for buyers seeking a fully loaded sedan with premium features and performance. It's the top-tier option for luxury seekers.

• Avg. market price: $17,588 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 260 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 2,523 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LT FWD

At $13,619 avg market price — below the lineup median of $15,060 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS FWD

The LS FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 29/36 MPG/MPGe.

Browse LS FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 7.16% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,380 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory for used shoppers.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu earns a 4.5/5 user rating, which supports its appeal as a roomy, value-oriented midsize sedan. The overview points to a practical family-car formula: a spacious back seat, easy-to-use technology, and a broad mix of features for the class. It also emphasizes that the Malibu is a straightforward choice for buyers who want comfort and utility without a premium price tag. There are 31.4% good or great deals in the market, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The overview describes the Malibu as one of the better-regarded front-wheel-drive versions of the nameplate for reliability, which is a meaningful plus if you plan to keep the car for years. That said, you should still expect normal used-car wear and verify how each example was maintained before you buy. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is ending up with a neglected car rather than a fundamentally weak design.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

At 60% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report on any promising listing and confirm whether prior damage was cosmetic or structural. Put inspection priority on body panels, paint match, tire wear, and alignment, since those can reveal whether a car was repaired well. Focus on overall condition and maintenance records, because a clean, well-kept Malibu is the kind of used sedan that makes the most sense here.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on the best-priced examples.

• Deal availability: 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,380 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.16% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 60% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,329, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu's resale value?

The current average of $14,333 sits slightly below last year's $15,438.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has become more affordable on the used market, which can help you buy at a lower entry point today. For a future seller, the softer pricing means resale gains may be limited unless your car is especially clean, well maintained, and attractively equipped. The model’s value-oriented positioning should still help it remain appealing to budget-minded shoppers.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 60% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.16% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: The 2021 Malibu makes the most sense if you want a roomy, value-focused midsize sedan and you can verify condition carefully. If you’re price-sensitive, the 2020 model year may be worth a look as a lower-cost alternative, while the 2022 can make sense if you want a newer example and are willing to pay more.

How does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu compare to the 2021 Toyota Camry?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.