Chevrolet Malibu vs. Mazda RX-8 MPG

Chart is based on 448 fuel economy reports for the Chevrolet Malibu and 202 fuel economy reports for the Mazda RX-8.

Chevrolet Malibu MPG

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

Return to top

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

Mazda RX-8 MPG

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
2010	4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	flat	med	light	1	22	22	55	74	17.1
2009	4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	flat	med	none	2	16	29	53	68	17.5
2008	4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	flat	med	light	3	16	15	67	72	20.9
2007	4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	flat	med	none	5	14	48	33	79	18.4
2007	4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD	flat	med	light	15	24	10	51	78	22.5
2006	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	flat	med	none	9	10	13	67	66	19.1
2006	4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD	flat	med	light	5	28	65	3	60	17.3
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2005	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	flat	med	light	6	16	18	60	77	18.6
2004	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	flat	med	light	7	25	24	44	77	17.5
2004	4dr Coupe 197-horsepower 1.3L R2 4-speed shiftable automatic RWD	flat	lead	light	42	12	23	23	70	17.3

Return to top

This page shows only averages. See all the Mazda RX-8 fuel economy data.

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans

See TrueDelta's information for all Chevrolet models and Mazda models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Comment
	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
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
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
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
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

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8 Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	One of the big downsides of the rotary is truly horrendous fuel economy. When the RX-8 first came out in the early 2000s, its mileage ratings of 16/22 city/highway mpg (stick shift) were just barely acceptable, but there days, with many crossovers hitting more than 30 mpg on the highway, those figures are truly atrocious, especially given respectable but certainly not neck-snapping power. Futhermore, it takes premium. If you're using the RX-8 as it commuter, fuel costs will add up quickly. In my predominantly around-town driving, I typically average between 16-17 mpg. My highest recorded average was 20 mpg on a highway trip at speeds around 75 mph. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2007	4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD	The EPA numbers are way low compared with my real-world experience. The window sticker showed 18/25 and I have never seen less than 23 with my 40/60 city/highway commute. I think Mazda should develop a lean-burn economy cruise mode for this car. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2006	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	Lite bit to high consumption when I drive it in normal speed. On full woot its ok. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2005	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	Worst fuel economy in its class. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	Not that bad for what it is, but it seems to me that Mazda's Sky Active technology could help the city mileage. It just needs more R&D. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	At 16 m.p.g. on premium grade these days it could be cheaper to take a taxi. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	For a small engine displacement and a relatively light vehicle weight, the gas mileage is weak. I usualy get around 19mpg, and that does not realy matter if I am doing all city or all highway driving. I think the real problem is in the sixth gear it isnt much different than fifth gear so it does not provide good fuel economy. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	For a car with a 1.9 liter engine I would have expected better than 16-19 MPG. Get your foot into it and the numbers fall drastically. Otherwise I loved that car. It just got too small with a newborn and a big dog. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	I gets 20MPG no matter what I do. Running around 20. 1/2 highway 20. All the highway all day 25-26. I think that it could do better. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	16-18MPG city, 24MPG highway see full Mazda RX-8 review