Used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

Compare 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Trims

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to well-equipped models, all with FWD for easy handling.

• Starting at $7,922
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Most Popular: LS 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

Limited LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

• Avg. market price: $8,649 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 18 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LS FWD listings

LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded sedan with modern tech features without breaking the bank. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $9,530 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 1,427 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS FWD listings

LS Fleet FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS Fleet FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a practical sedan with fleet-oriented features without the extra cost. It offers a good balance of efficiency and technology.

• Avg. market price: $9,747 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 1,039 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

Limited LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a touch of luxury with leather seats without stepping up to the higher trims. It combines comfort and value.

• Avg. market price: $7,922 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 62 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LT FWD listings

1LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The 1LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of technology and comfort without going for the top-tier options. It offers great value for its features.

• Avg. market price: $9,894 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 37 hwy
• Inventory: 757 listings
• View 1LT FWD listings

Limited LTZ FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited LTZ FWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features like heated seats without the highest price tag. It offers a luxurious experience at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $8,651 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 23 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited LTZ FWD listings

2LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The 2LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty performance with added luxury features without going for the top trim. It balances power and comfort well.

• Avg. market price: $11,633 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 229 listings
• View 2LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded sedan with all the latest tech features. It's the ultimate choice for luxury and convenience.

• Avg. market price: $11,556 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 250 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LS FWD

With 1,427 active listings, the LS FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LS FWD listings

Best Budget Option — Limited LT FWD

At $7,922 avg market price — below the lineup median of $9,638 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Limited LT FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS FWD

The LS FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 27/37 MPG.

Browse LS FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 6.13% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,428 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu earns a 4.33/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Drivers commonly praise its smooth ride, modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its good fuel economy. The overview also points to comfort, efficiency, and a redesigned package that brought more space and a more contemporary feel. For you, that makes it a sensible pick if you want a midsize sedan that leans toward comfort and everyday usability rather than excitement.

25.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback describes the Malibu as a solid choice, with many drivers calling out its smooth ride, strong performance, and fuel economy. The same feedback also suggests it can be a dependable everyday car for buyers who value comfort and features. The expert commentary reinforces that it was redesigned to be more efficient and more competitive, which supports the case for long-term usability.

Chevrolet also added a Teen Driver system and a broad set of safety and connectivity features, which can make ownership feel more reassuring. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that some examples may show the build-quality and acceleration concerns owners mention, so condition and maintenance history matter.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

At 51.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or multiple owners. Focus on panel alignment, tire wear, brake condition, and whether the electronics and driver-assistance features work as expected. Because this model leans heavily on comfort and tech, you’ll want to make sure the cabin, infotainment, and safety systems all operate cleanly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base L trim includes keyless entry and ignition, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, cruise control, air conditioning, and 16-inch steel wheels. The LS adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, 4G connectivity, the MyLink infotainment system, a rear-view camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 1LT adds LED running lights and interior lighting, heated mirrors, an 8-way power driver’s seat, satellite radio, rear ventilation, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2LT adds the larger engine, an 8-speed automatic, a larger fuel tank, dual exhaust tips, and 18-inch wheels. The Premier adds leather, full power front seats with heat and ventilation, driver memory settings, remote ignition, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose stereo, extra USB ports, and a 120-volt outlet.
• Powertrain: The base 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder pairs with a 6-speed automatic and makes 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, with efficiency rated at 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined. The available 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in the 2LT and Premier makes 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, uses an 8-speed automatic, and returns 22/33/26.
• Safety package: Two Driver Confidence packages add automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure intervention, forward collision intervention, and self-parking. Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, dual front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and OnStar.
• Infotainment: The LS uses a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Premier upgrades to an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and wireless smartphone charging is available on higher trims. 4G LTE Wi-Fi is also part of the tech story.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine is rated at 27 mpg city/37 highway/31 combined, while the 2.0-liter turbo returns 22/33/26.

Which 2016 Chevrolet Malibu trim should I buy?

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in 5 trim levels: L, LS, 1LT, 2LT, Premier.

Here's the short version:

• L: This is the simplest way into the Malibu, with the core comfort and convenience features in place, but it leaves out the upgraded infotainment and driver-assistance equipment that make the car feel more modern.
• LS: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights, the 7-inch MyLink touchscreen, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G connectivity.
• 1LT: This trim is worth a look if you want more comfort and a more upscale feel, thanks to LED lighting, heated mirrors, a power driver’s seat, satellite radio, rear ventilation, and 17-inch wheels.
• 2LT: Choose this if you want the stronger 2.0-liter turbo engine and the 8-speed automatic, along with the larger fuel tank and more aggressive wheel and exhaust treatment.
• Premier: This is the most luxurious Malibu, with leather, heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings, remote start, a heated steering wheel, the 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bose audio, and wireless charging.

The safety packages are worth prioritizing on any trim, especially if you want blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Malibu?

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay patient.

• Deal availability: 25.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,428 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.13% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,503, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu's resale value?

The current average of $9,658 sits slightly below last year's $10,289.

That softer pricing suggests the Malibu has already absorbed some of its depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. If you purchase near the lower end of the current range and keep the car in good condition, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss later. The model’s broad appeal around comfort, tech, and efficiency should help it remain relevant with used buyers.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu safe?

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a four-star rollover rating.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Malibu includes a broad standard safety suite with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, dual front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and OnStar. Available Driver Confidence packages add automatic headlights, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure intervention, forward collision intervention, and self-parking. That gives you a strong safety story, especially if you choose a well-equipped trim.

Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 25.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.13% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The redesign brought new engines, stronger tech, and major safety upgrades.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,804, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $9,658 average.
• It further refines the redesign with a more polished all-around package.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2016 is the smarter buy because it delivers the redesigned Malibu experience at a lower average price. If you’re willing to pay more for a slightly newer example, the 2017 is the cleaner follow-up choice for shoppers who want the same formula with a bit more refinement.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.