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Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Optima MPG

Chart is based on 448 fuel economy reports for the Chevrolet Malibu and 152 fuel economy reports for the Kia Optima.

Chevrolet Malibu MPG

Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2016 33.7 MPG Highway Percentage 36 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2015 27.4 MPG Highway Percentage 66 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2014 26.2 MPG Highway Percentage 36 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2012 29.4 MPG Highway Percentage 66 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2011 28.1 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2010 22.6 MPG Highway Percentage 18 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2010 25.2 MPG Highway Percentage 38 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2009 22.1 MPG Highway Percentage 29 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2009 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 34 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2009 28.6 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2009 29.9 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2008 22.6 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2008 22.1 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2008 26.0 MPG Highway Percentage 53 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2007 31.1 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2007 22.3 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2006 28.1 MPG Highway Percentage 100 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2006 25.5 MPG Highway Percentage 33 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2006 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2006 19.5 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2006 25.6 MPG Highway Percentage 46 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2005 40.4 MPG Highway Percentage 88 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2005 32.7 MPG Highway Percentage 79 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2005 26.8 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2004 31.0 MPG Highway Percentage 63 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2004 27.7 MPG Highway Percentage 55 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2004 25.3 MPG Highway Percentage 38 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2003 24.5 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2002 25.4 MPG Highway Percentage 62 percent Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2001 25.4 MPG Highway Percentage 32 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2016 4dr Sedan turbocharged 163hp 1.5L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 64 0 36 106 33.7  
2015 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 0 3 31 66 70 27.4  
2014 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat lead none 0 1 63 36 74 26.2  
2012 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light hvy 7 18 10 66 68 29.4  
2011 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 3 22 18 58 67 28.1  
2010 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 9 61 13 18 70 22.6  
2010 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 14 16 33 38 73 25.2  
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2009 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med none 4 39 28 29 56 22.1  
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 2 19 45 34 78 27.1  
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat light light 3 12 9 76 65 28.6  
2009 4dr Sedan 164-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat v.lt none 0 10 10 80 100 29.9  
2008 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med light 5 3 78 15 60 22.6  
2008 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light hvy 20 30 30 20 75 22.1  
2008 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 hills light none 11 17 19 53 65 26.0  
2007 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 16 29 5 50 82 31.1  
2007 4dr Hatch 217-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 4 13 30 54 117 22.3  
2006 4dr Sedan 240-horsepower 3.9L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med hvy 0 0 0 100 70 28.1  
2006 4dr Sedan 201-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat lead light 5 25 38 33 60 25.5  
2006 4dr Sedan 144-horsepower 2.2L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 10 30 30 30 65 28.0  
2006 4dr Hatch 240-horsepower 3.9L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 12 20 18 51 75 19.5  
2006 4dr Hatch 201-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 3 11 41 46 72 25.6  
2005 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light none 0 13 0 88 84 40.4  
2005 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light light 7 5 9 79 63 32.7  
2005 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 8 16 35 40 73 26.8  
2004 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 3 12 23 63 67 31.0  
2004 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med light 12 18 15 55 68 27.7  
2004 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 6 31 25 38 78 25.3  
2003 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 3.1L V6
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat light light 9 16 19 56 96 24.5  
2002 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 3.1L V6
4-speed automatic FWD		 hills med light 2 1 35 62 71 25.4  
2001 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 3.1L V6
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat light light 13 45 10 32 63 25.4  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Chevrolet Malibu fuel economy data.

Kia Optima MPG

Kia Optima Kia Optima 2019 26.7 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2017 52.6 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2016 39.0 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 25.5 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 32.5 MPG Highway Percentage 71 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 25.6 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 32.3 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 68 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.7 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 20.0 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 36.2 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2009 29.1 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.3 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.2 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 29.5 MPG Highway Percentage 78 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 23.2 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 24.6 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 28.9 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2005 12.1 MPG Highway Percentage 0 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2004 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 95 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2019 4dr Sedan turbocharged 245hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med hvy 0 10 50 40 70 26.7  
2017 4dr Sedan 154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 30 30 20 20 70 52.6  
2016 4dr Sedan turbocharged 178hp 1.6L I4
7-speed automated manual FWD		 hills light light 6 0 14 80 67 39.0  
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 0 24 21 56 69 25.5  
2013 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 32 14 54 83 27.1  
2013 4dr Sedan 159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat v.lt none 2 13 15 71 102 32.5  
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light light 4 18 39 39 72 25.6  
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2012 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 0 4 20 76 69 32.3  
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med light 0 5 28 68 70 28.0  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light none 4 7 21 67 66 28.7  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat med light 0 5 20 75 75 30.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 194-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 0 10 70 20 75 20.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 0 20 80 63 36.2  
2009 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 5 12 16 67 65 29.1  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 20 60 10 10 60 26.3  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat lead light 30 15 30 25 75 26.2  
2007 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 7 13 3 78 108 29.5  
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med none 1 36 48 15 63 23.2  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light hvy 6 4 33 58 66 24.6  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 18 16 9 56 63 28.9  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 10 90 60 30.0  
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills lead light 5 95 0 0 0 12.1  
2004 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 5 95 70 30.0  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Optima fuel economy data.

Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Optima MPG

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Chevrolet Malibu and Kia Optima's where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of their real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans
See TrueDelta's information for all Chevrolet models and Kia models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearComment
The EPA rates the Malibu turbo 21 mpg city, 30 highway, below the Fusion 2.0T's 22/33 and the Sonata 2.0T's 22/34. The V6s in the Accord and Altima also do better?so much for the inherent fuel economy advantage of a turbocharged four over a V6. The trip computer confirmed the EPA ratings, with a little over 30 in straight 75 mph highway driving and anywhere from 19 to 27 in the suburbs depending on the frequency of reds and the heaviness of my right foot. Go with the traffic flow, and you'll split the difference at about 23. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2014 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 We are seeing beteer fuel economy over our 2009 Malibu w/2.5L 4-cyl engine. Just turned 5,000 miles & have gotten just under 34 MPG on hwy & 28 MPG around town. I expect this to improve, especially the hwy MPG. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2013 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 So far the dash display average is fluctuating between 37 and 40 mpg with mixed interstate (65%)/suburban (35%), "light accelerator foot," speed limit driving; at least 40% better than my prior V6 Toyota Solara. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2012 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 Wanted something fairly roomy, but cheap to run. It has filled the bill in that respect. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2011 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 Good overall. Highway mpg can be 30-32 mpg. In city driving (stop and go) with short trips more like 18-19 mpg. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2010 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 2.4 liter 4 gets 30+ on the highway. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2010 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 My fuel economy has been better than the EPA ratings. Having said that I don't drive the car hard. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 Outstanding highway fuel economy. City fuel economy could be better but my driving is limited to fairly short distances with mostly stop and go. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 Very good, 21 in fixed driving, up to 33 on the highway. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I drive 50 miles each way to work and the highway mileage is excellent see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2009 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 30-32 mpg on I70 from Indy to KC at 70 mph, 24 around town. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
Chevrolet Malibu Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2011 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 V6 is 5 mpg less than 4 cyl. The 4 cylinder has sufficient power but the V6 is more responsive. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2011 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 too low for a 4 cylinder see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2008 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4
4-speed automatic FWD		 gets mid teens in the city hilly driving see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2006 4dr Hatch 201-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 To get something close in horsepower, you need a 6 cylinder and the inherently lower fuel economy that comes with that vs. a 4 cyl. see full Chevrolet Malibu review
2004 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 Less than manufacturers claim see full Chevrolet Malibu review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2013 Many auto makers are substituting turbocharged fours for V6s because of their theoretically superior fuel economy. The Kia Optima SXL earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 34 highway. The similarly turbo-foured Ford Fusion comes close, 22/33. The most fuel efficient V6, in the new Honda Accord, manages 21/34 without paddle shifters, but 21/32 with them. Trip computer numbers suggest a one-to-two mpg advantage for the Kia in real-world suburban driving--perhaps too close to call since these devices aren't terribly precise. Figure just under 20 with a heavy foot, mid-20s if you resist the temptation, and just over 30 with a very light foot and luck with the lights. All of these figures are with the engine warmed up. In cold weather, fuel economy is in the mid-teens for the first mile or two. An eco mode makes little noticeable difference in either how the car drives or its fuel economy. These numbers don't seem particularly good? Recall that the Kia Optima SXL is a very quick car. You won't find a 274-horsepower sedan that does better without the aid of a battery pack. see full Kia Optima review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I find fuel economy, in mixed driving, to be on par with a V6 of comparable power. I usually get about 24 MPG in combined driving. However, on a recent road trip, I had 32 MPG on one tank. It's perhaps slightly better than the Acura TL I had, but one big bonus: the Acura required premium unleaded. On the Kia Optima, however, the manufacturer only calls for regular unleaded. Over time, that can mean a significant savings. see full Kia Optima review
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 This is my biggest (and only real) complaint with the Optima. It advertises fuel economy of 22 city, 34 highway. I drive a lot (100 mile round trip daily, with more than half of it being highway miles). Admittedly, I have a heavy foot, but I regularly get about 24-25 mpg combined, with the car in ECO mode. The best tank of gas I ever got was a little over 28 mpg. (I calculate it manually, don't rely on the on-board MPG estimates, as they are always 3-5 MPG more generous than reality.) see full Kia Optima review
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 High 30s on the highway and 29-30 overall with a lot of power. Active eco. setting for better economy. see full Kia Optima review
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 33 mpg on 200 mile trips at about 65 mph avg. see full Kia Optima review
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 Decent fuel mileage at this point for a mid-size sedan. see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 25-30 city/hwy see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 It may be a bit borderline in 100% city driving (19-20 mpg), but it gets 33mpg+ on the open highway, with only a 1-2 mpg penalty for using A/C. see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 got 42 mgh yesteerday on a 120 minute drive 25%/75% in town/highway driving. Like paying $2.25 per gallon, see full Kia Optima review
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 AS above see full Kia Optima review
Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I'd recommend this car in a heartbeat. I honestly like this styling even more than the updates they've made since 2012. My biggest cons are the fuel economy and the lack of a manual transmission on any models other than the base model. see full Kia Optima review