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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $23,842–$28,253 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu Base is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.2/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $23,842–$28,253, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Malibu Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.2/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu Base sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu Base ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $23,842 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 14%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Base scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.3 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $27,086 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $26,200 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $25,414 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $24,628 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $23,842 | |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $23,056 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $22,270 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $21,484 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $20,698 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $19,912 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.9/10 | $19,126 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.