Used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale near California

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 $13,971
• 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 essential features without paying for extras. It's a great value option in the Malibu lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,601 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 1,472 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 those seeking a standard trim with solid features at a competitive price. It's ideal for fleet buyers or budget-conscious individuals.

• Avg. market price: $14,883 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 1,017 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

RS FWD — "Who It's For"

The RS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish trim with added tech features without stepping up to the higher-priced models.

• Avg. market price: $16,147 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 890 listings
• View RS FWD listings

LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The LT FWD is the choice for those who want a well-rounded sedan with great features and the most listings available. It's the most popular trim for a reason.

• Avg. market price: $13,971 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 2,664 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded sedan with premium features and performance. It's perfect for those who desire luxury in their daily drive.

• Avg. market price: $17,188 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 255 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 2,664 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LT FWD

At $13,971 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,883 — 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 October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 6.83% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,551 listings available, which suggests you should have a solid range of options to compare.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — the 4.5/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the 2021 Malibu’s roomy cabin, larger and more open-feeling back seat, and value-focused positioning make it a practical midsize sedan for everyday family use. It also brings a more sophisticated overall character than earlier versions, along with a useful mix of available safety and driver-assistance features and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The tradeoff is that it is not as refined as some rivals and the standard engine was criticized for lackluster acceleration, so it fits you best if comfort, space, and value matter more than performance. 29.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, 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 2021 Malibu also benefits from a stronger reputation for reliability than previous front-drive Malibus, which is part of why it remains appealing in the used market. For you, that means the model has a better track record than earlier versions, but a used purchase still depends on how well the specific car was maintained and driven.

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

At 62.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can screen for accidents, title issues, and major repairs before you spend time on a test drive. Put inspection priority on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and signs of uneven repair work, since those can reveal whether a car’s past damage was handled well. You should also focus on overall condition and maintenance records, because a clean-looking Malibu can still hide wear that affects long-term ownership costs.

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 still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 29.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,551 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.83% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,422, 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 $14,542 sits slightly below last year's $15,607.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has already absorbed some of its recent depreciation, which can help future sellers if the market stays steady. For you, that means buying at today’s average price may reduce the risk of taking the steepest early hit, especially if you plan to keep the car for several years. A well-kept Malibu with the right mileage and condition should remain reasonably marketable because it still appeals to shoppers who want space, value, and a straightforward feature set.

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:

• 29.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.83% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line:

The 2021 Malibu is the right pick if you want a roomy, value-oriented midsize sedan with modern convenience features and a price that has eased from last year. If you are especially price-sensitive, you may also want to compare nearby model years, but the 2021 stands out as a balanced choice when you want a practical daily driver without stretching your budget.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.