Chevrolet Malibu 0–60 Times
The Chevrolet Malibu 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 44 verified production tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and MotorWeek and more. A further 1 modified or prototype run is listed by year but kept out of every record and average, per our methodology.
The fastest tested production Chevrolet Malibu is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0T Premier, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.70 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 14.30 seconds at 99.4 mph, according to Motor Trend.
The slowest tested production Chevrolet Malibu is the 1978 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Landau Coupe, which took 10.80 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 18.40 seconds at 76.2 mph, according to Car and Driver.
Across the 44 verified production tests of the Chevrolet Malibu, the average 0–60 mph time is 7.81 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.01 seconds at 88.12 mph.
Separately, 1 modified or prototype run is on record for the Chevrolet Malibu, led by the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Sport (Prototype) at 5.90 seconds. These are not stock configurations and are excluded from the figures above.
Fastest 0–60 5.70sec 2017 2.0T Premier · stock
Average 0–60 7.81sec Across 44 production runs
Fastest Modified 5.90sec 1998 Sport (Prototype) · modified
Avg ¼ Mile 16.01sec @ 88.1 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 10.80sec 1978 Classic Landau
Across 44 verified production runs, the Chevrolet Malibu ranges from 5.70 to 10.80 seconds 0–60, with a 7.81-second average. 1 modified or prototype run is recorded separately and excluded from this range.
The Chevrolet Malibu is ranked in these lists
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Chevrolet Malibu Performance Overview
Chevrolet’s Malibu performance record spans 1978 to 2019 in 45 verified tests (44 production, 1 modified), tracing the nameplate from slow late-1970s coupes to quicker turbocharged and hybrid sedans. The 4th Gen opened with a 145-hp naturally aspirated gasoline setup, and the 1978 Classic Landau Coupe set the baseline at 10.8 seconds to 60 mph. After a long gap in the test data, the 5th Gen returned for 1997–2003 with the LG8 V6, where the 1997 LS V6 cut that to 8.2 seconds.
Through the 6th and 7th Gen eras, Malibu performance moved steadily downward as V6 output rose from 200 to 252 hp and the range broadened beyond conventional gasoline models. The 2006 Maxx SS V6 reached 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and the 2008 LTZ V6 improved that to 6.4. By the 8th Gen, the lineup mixed naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid powertrains; the 2014 2LTZ 2.0 Turbo ran 0-60 in 6.2 seconds.
The 9th Gen (2016–2023) marked the Malibu’s quickest period in this dataset, with 160- to 250-hp gasoline and hybrid variants. Its best result remains the 2017 2.0T Premier at 5.7 seconds to 60 mph and a 14.3-second quarter-mile at 99.4 mph, which defines where the Malibu stands today in recorded testing.
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Chevrolet Malibu 0–60 Times by Generation: 4th Gen to 9th Gen
6 generations| Generation | Years | Avg 0–60 | Fastest 0–60 | Production Tests | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th Gen | 2016–2023 | 7.26s | 5.70s — 2017 2.0T Premier | 9 | The 9th Gen generation (2016–2023) averaged 7.26 seconds to 60 mph across 9 production tests, led by the 2017 2.0T Premier at 5.70 seconds. Output ranged from 160 to 250 hp across 1.5L Turbo I-4, 1.8L I-4 + Elec 1.5-kWh, 15L Turbo I-4, 2.0L Turbo I-4 configurations. |
| 8th Gen | 2013–2015 | 7.55s | 6.20s — 2014 2LTZ 2.0 Turbo | 11 | The 8th Gen generation (2013–2015) averaged 7.55 seconds to 60 mph across 11 production tests, led by the 2014 2LTZ 2.0 Turbo at 6.20 seconds. Output ranged from 182 to 259 hp across 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.4L I-4 + Elec 15-kW, 2.5L I-4 configurations. |
| 7th Gen | 2008–2012 | 8.08s | 6.40s — 2008 LTZ V6 | 11 | The 7th Gen generation (2008–2012) averaged 8.08 seconds to 60 mph across 11 production tests, led by the 2008 LTZ V6 at 6.40 seconds. Output ranged from 164 to 252 hp across 2.4L I-4, 2.4L I-4 + Elec, 2.4L I-4 + Elec 10-kW, 3.6L V6 configurations. |
| 6th Gen | 2004–2007 | 7.79s | 6.90s — 2006 Maxx SS V6 | 9 | The 6th Gen generation (2004–2007) averaged 7.79 seconds to 60 mph across 9 production tests, led by the 2006 Maxx SS V6 at 6.90 seconds. Output ranged from 200 to 240 hp across 3.5L V6, 3.9L V6 configurations. |
| 5th Gen | 1997–2003 | 8.50s | 8.20s — 1997 LS V6 | 3 | The 5th Gen generation (1997–2003) averaged 8.50 seconds to 60 mph across 3 production tests, led by the 1997 LS V6 at 8.20 seconds. Output ranged from 155 to 250 hp across 3.1L V6, 3.4L V6 configurations. A further 1 result from 1 modified vehicle is recorded but excluded from the average. |
| 4th Gen | 1978–1983 | 10.80s | 10.80s — 1978 Classic Landau Coupe | 1 | The 4th Gen generation (1978–1983) averaged 10.80 seconds to 60 mph across 1 production tests, led by the 1978 Classic Landau Coupe at 10.80 seconds. Output was 145 hp across 5.0L V8 configurations. |
9th Gen 2016–2023
Avg 0–60 7.26s
Fastest 5.70s
Tests 9
2017 2.0T Premier
The 9th Gen generation (2016–2023) averaged 7.26 seconds to 60 mph across 9 production tests, led by the 2017 2.0T Premier at 5.70 seconds. Output ranged from 160 to 250 hp across 1.5L Turbo I-4, 1.8L I-4 + Elec 1.5-kWh, 15L Turbo I-4, 2.0L Turbo I-4 configurations.
8th Gen 2013–2015
Avg 0–60 7.55s
Fastest 6.20s
Tests 11
2014 2LTZ 2.0 Turbo
The 8th Gen generation (2013–2015) averaged 7.55 seconds to 60 mph across 11 production tests, led by the 2014 2LTZ 2.0 Turbo at 6.20 seconds. Output ranged from 182 to 259 hp across 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.4L I-4 + Elec 15-kW, 2.5L I-4 configurations.
7th Gen 2008–2012
Avg 0–60 8.08s
Fastest 6.40s
Tests 11
2008 LTZ V6
The 7th Gen generation (2008–2012) averaged 8.08 seconds to 60 mph across 11 production tests, led by the 2008 LTZ V6 at 6.40 seconds. Output ranged from 164 to 252 hp across 2.4L I-4, 2.4L I-4 + Elec, 2.4L I-4 + Elec 10-kW, 3.6L V6 configurations.
6th Gen 2004–2007
Avg 0–60 7.79s
Fastest 6.90s
Tests 9
2006 Maxx SS V6
The 6th Gen generation (2004–2007) averaged 7.79 seconds to 60 mph across 9 production tests, led by the 2006 Maxx SS V6 at 6.90 seconds. Output ranged from 200 to 240 hp across 3.5L V6, 3.9L V6 configurations.
5th Gen 1997–2003
Avg 0–60 8.50s
Fastest 8.20s
Tests 3
1997 LS V6
The 5th Gen generation (1997–2003) averaged 8.50 seconds to 60 mph across 3 production tests, led by the 1997 LS V6 at 8.20 seconds. Output ranged from 155 to 250 hp across 3.1L V6, 3.4L V6 configurations. A further 1 result from 1 modified vehicle is recorded but excluded from the average.
4th Gen 1978–1983
Avg 0–60 10.80s
Fastest 10.80s
Tests 1
1978 Classic Landau Coupe
The 4th Gen generation (1978–1983) averaged 10.80 seconds to 60 mph across 1 production tests, led by the 1978 Classic Landau Coupe at 10.80 seconds. Output was 145 hp across 5.0L V8 configurations.
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Chevrolet Malibu 0–60 Times by Year and Trim
44 production tests + 1 modified · 16 years ▾
2019 Chevrolet Malibu
1 production run Avg 0–60 7.80 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.10 sec
Production Tests 1
#17
2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS
7.80sec 0–60
16.10s ¼ mi @ 87.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 7.80 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 16.10 sec
- Trap Speed
- 87.0 mph
- Engine
- 1.5L Turbo I-4
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Horsepower
- 160 hp
- Torque
- 184 lb-ft
- Curb Weight
- 3,159 lbs
- Power-to-Weight
- 19.7 lbs/hp
- MPG EPA
- 29 C / 36 H / 25 Obs
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- Car and Driver
- Overall Rank
- #17 of 44 production runs
How we verify Chevrolet Malibu performance data
Records and averages on this page cover verified production runs only; modified and prototype results are listed by year but never folded into them. We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Chevrolet Malibu trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.
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Chevrolet Malibu 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution
0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is fasterEach dot is a verified production test run
0–60 → ¼ mile →
Fastest Recorded run Slowest
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Chevrolet Malibu performance FAQs
10 questions The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu RS reaches 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. In our tests, it also runs the quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds at 87 mph. That RS test used the 160-hp turbocharged engine with 184 lb-ft, front-wheel drive, and a curb weight of 3,159 pounds.
The quickest Chevrolet Malibu on record is the 2017 Malibu 2.0T Premier, with a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds. It is also the fastest stock Malibu we have recorded. In the quarter-mile, that same trim is the quickest as well, at 14.3 seconds with a 99.4-mph trap speed.
The fastest stock Chevrolet Malibu on record is the 2017 2.0T Premier, which does 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. That run was recorded in stock form, so there is no separate modified car ahead of it. It also owns the quickest Malibu quarter-mile result at 14.3 seconds and 99.4 mph.
Across 45 Chevrolet Malibu tests, the average 0-60 time is 7.77 seconds. The average quarter-mile is 15.98 seconds at 88.3 mph. That spread includes both quicker turbocharged modern cars and slower older versions, with results ranging from 5.7 seconds to 10.8 seconds for 0-60 mph.
The 9th Gen Chevrolet Malibu, covering 2016 to 2023, averages 7.26 seconds from 0-60 mph across 9 tests. The quickest example is the 2017 2.0T Premier at 5.7 seconds. This generation is the fastest Malibu generation on record, with power outputs ranging from 160 to 250 hp.
The fastest 8th Gen Chevrolet Malibu is the 2014 2LTZ 2.0 Turbo, which reaches 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Across 11 tests from the 2013 to 2015 generation, the average 0-60 time is 7.55 seconds. This generation included turbocharged, naturally aspirated, and hybrid versions.
The quickest 7th Gen Chevrolet Malibu is the 2008 LTZ V6, with a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. Across 11 tests from the 2008 to 2012 generation, the average 0-60 result is 8.08 seconds. This generation included both gasoline and hybrid powertrains, with outputs ranging from 164 to 252 hp.
The 2.0T Premier is quicker overall. Across 3 tests, the 2.0T Premier averages 6.0 seconds to 60 mph, with a best of 5.7 seconds. The 2LTZ 2.0 Turbo averages 6.4 seconds across 4 tests, with a best of 6.2 seconds. Both are among the fastest Malibu trims recorded.
The Malibu Hybrid is quicker on average than the 1LT. Across 4 tests, the Hybrid averages 8.2 seconds from 0-60 mph and has a best run of 7.4 seconds. The 1LT averages 8.58 seconds across 5 tests, with a best of 8.0 seconds.
The fastest Chevrolet Malibu quarter-mile on record is 14.3 seconds at 99.4 mph, set by the 2017 2.0T Premier. Across all 45 Malibu tests, the average quarter-mile is 15.98 seconds at 88.3 mph. That makes the 2.0T Premier the clear benchmark for straight-line Malibu performance.
Sources
Car and Driver
Motor Trend
MotorWeek
0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Chevrolet Malibu can do, not a single marketing claim.
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Other Chevrolet 0–60 times
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