Used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2021 Chevrolet Malibu Trims in Raleigh, NC

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 $12,499
• 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 the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $12,499 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 77 listings
• View LS FWD listings

LS Fleet FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS Fleet FWD is ideal for those seeking a standard trim with solid features at a reasonable price. It offers a good balance of value and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $13,707 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 83 listings
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

RS FWD — "Who It's For"

The RS FWD is for shoppers who want a stylish trim with additional features without stepping up to the higher-priced models. It combines aesthetics with practicality.

• Avg. market price: $18,400 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 67 listings
• View RS FWD listings

LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded vehicle with a mix of comfort and technology. It's the most popular trim for good reason.

• Avg. market price: $14,194 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 178 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is for those who desire a fully loaded vehicle with luxury features. It offers the most upscale experience in the Malibu lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,289 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 24 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 178 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LS FWD

At $12,499 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,194 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LS 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 September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 7.06% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,546 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — 4.5/5 is a strong user rating for a used midsize sedan, and it lines up with the Malibu’s appeal as a roomy, value-oriented choice. The 2021 model offers a larger and more open-feeling back seat than the car it replaced, plus a more sophisticated overall feel and a broad spread of trims and powertrains, including a hybrid. It is also positioned as a practical, well-equipped sedan that is generally inexpensive to own and easy to live with.

With 27.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a meaningful chance to find a competitive price if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

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

The 2021 Malibu’s appeal is strengthened by its strong reliability reputation relative to earlier front-drive Malibus, along with its comfortable cabin and easy-to-use features. It is described as a practical, well-equipped sedan that should be straightforward to live with, especially if you want a large car without a lot of ownership drama.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is ending up with a higher-mileage example that has not been maintained consistently, so condition and service history matter a lot.

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

At 63.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report on any Malibu you are seriously considering and confirm whether it has been in a collision, had structural repairs, or shows repeated ownership changes. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and signs of uneven repair work, since those clues can reveal how well the car has been treated. It is also smart to prioritize overall maintenance records and cabin condition, because those are often the best indicators of how the car will hold up after you buy it.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully and still find a fair deal.

• Deal availability: 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,546 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.06% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.1% 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 $14,642 sits slightly below last year's $15,754.

That price movement suggests the Malibu has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number today. A lower entry price can make it easier to limit your loss later, especially if you choose a well-kept example with strong records. The model’s value-oriented reputation also helps keep it relevant for shoppers who want a roomy sedan without paying a premium.

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:

• 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.06% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: The 2021 Malibu is the better pick if you want a roomy, value-focused midsize sedan with a strong user rating and a market that has become more favorable for buyers. If you are especially price-sensitive, you may also want to compare nearby model years and focus on the cleanest, best-documented example rather than chasing the newest badge alone.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.