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 fully loaded models, all with impressive fuel efficiency.

• Starting at $14,398
• 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 best value trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,618 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 1,389 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• 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 and a competitive price. It's a practical choice for fleet buyers.

• Avg. market price: $15,121 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 997 listings
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

RS FWD — "Who It's For"

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

• Avg. market price: $16,348 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 791 listings
• View RS FWD listings

LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded trim with great features at an accessible price. It's the most popular choice in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,398 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 29 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 2,645 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 premium features and performance. It's the top-tier option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $17,445 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 246 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 2,645 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LT FWD

At $14,398 avg market price — below the lineup median of $15,121 — 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 September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 7.10% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,561 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $14,425.92, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — 4.5/5 is a strong user rating for this model year, and it fits a car that was built to be roomy, value-oriented, and easy to live with. The Malibu’s modern feel comes from its sleeker styling, longer wheelbase, and more open-feeling back seat, which make it a practical choice if you want a midsize sedan without stepping up to a larger vehicle. It also offers a broad range of powertrains and technology, including wireless smartphone connectivity, which helps it feel current for everyday use.

27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you a meaningful number of opportunities 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 reliability reputation is a strength within the front-wheel-drive Malibu family, and it is described as having the best reliability record of the group. It also generates far fewer owner complaints than earlier Malibus, which is encouraging if you want a used sedan that should be easier to live with over time. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure you get a well-kept example, since condition and maintenance history matter more than the model’s general reputation.

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

At 62.9% 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 separate clean examples from cars with prior damage. After that, prioritize a thorough inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and signs of uneven wear, since condition matters a lot when you’re choosing among similar-priced sedans. Focus especially on the overall maintenance record and how the car drives, because a clean-looking listing still needs to prove it has been cared for properly.

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 with some leverage if you’re patient and compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,561 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.10% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,425.92, 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 $14,821 sits slightly below last year's $15,954.

That decline suggests the Malibu has become more affordable for used buyers, but it also means a future seller may face some price pressure if market conditions stay soft. If you buy at the right number now and keep the car in strong condition, you can help protect your eventual resale position. The model’s value proposition still matters, especially for shoppers who want a roomy sedan with broad appeal and straightforward features.

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:

• 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.10% 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 satisfaction score and a softer used-market price than it had a year ago. If you are especially price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby model years and focus on the cleanest, best-maintained example rather than chasing the newest badge alone.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.