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Kia Forte vs. Chevrolet Malibu MPG

Chart is based on 326 fuel economy reports for the Kia Forte and 448 fuel economy reports for the Chevrolet Malibu.

Kia Forte MPG

Kia Forte Kia Forte 2015 30.7 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2013 24.4 MPG Highway Percentage 23 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2012 28.1 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2012 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 52 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2011 31.3 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2011 27.9 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2011 28.4 MPG Highway Percentage 72 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 45 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 26.4 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 25.6 MPG Highway Percentage 23 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 28.3 MPG Highway Percentage 48 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 27.6 MPG Highway Percentage 59 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 23.1 MPG Highway Percentage 53 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 27.9 MPG Highway Percentage 73 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 32.1 MPG Highway Percentage 68 percent Kia Forte Kia Forte 2010 32.6 MPG Highway Percentage 56 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
2015 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 0 5 55 40 97 30.7  
2013 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med none 13 48 16 23 107 24.4  
2012 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light light 0 30 0 70 90 28.1  
2012 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light none 8 22 18 52 68 27.1  
2011 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light hvy 0 28 32 39 72 31.3  
2011 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
flat light none 0 0 70 30 70 27.9  
2011 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light none 3 16 9 72 72 28.4  
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2010 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD
flat light hvy 10 20 25 45 60 28.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
hills med none 7 29 5 58 112 26.4  
2010 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat med none 1 57 20 23 68 25.6  
2010 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed automatic FWD
flat med light 2 40 10 48 68 28.3  
2010 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
flat light none 4 25 12 59 91 27.6  
2010 2dr Coupe 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD
hills lead light 28 15 5 53 100 23.1  
2010 2dr Coupe 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 3 7 17 73 67 27.9  
2010 2dr Coupe 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat med hvy 0 20 13 68 73 32.1  
2010 2dr Coupe 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
flat light hvy 5 9 30 56 65 32.6  

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

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 Forte vs. Chevrolet Malibu 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 Kia Forte and Chevrolet Malibu'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, Coupes, and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Kia models and Chevrolet models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Forte

Kia Forte Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2019 The Kia Forte's EPA fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway aren't quite best in class, but they're close. Unless you include the 55/49 Honda Insight and the 53/52 Toyota Corolla Hybrid in the class--then they're not so close. In my real-world suburban driving I observed trip computer averages in the low 40s in the Forte, similar to a 2016 Civic LX with a similarly sized, similarly non-turbo engine. A Civic EX, with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, should do a few mpg better. In the hybrid Honda Insight, I observed suburban trip computer averages in the 60s, but "only" 40 mpg on the highway, not even as good as the non-hybrids. see full Kia Forte review
Kia Forte Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearComment
I've made it through the top reasons to buy a Kia Forte SX, but no mention of performance and handling (the reasons to upgrade from lesser trims) yet. But neither is the top reason not to buy one, either. Okay, maybe handling is. I'm trying to decide as I write this. Handling definitely isn't the car's largest weakness. That would be fuel economy. With a manual transmission, the Kia Forte SX achieves worst-in-class EPA ratings: 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. (The automatic goes a mile farther on each highway gallon.) Mind you, the Civic doesn't do much better, with 22/31. But the big-engined Mazda achieves 25/37 with a manual, and a lofty 28/39 with an automatic. And the much quicker Volkswagen GTI scores 25/34 and 25/33, respectively. The Forte EX, with its larger but non-turbocharged engine, is more competitive: 24/33 with the manual and 25/36 with the automatic. Maybe the Forte SX just doesn't test well. In my suburban driving the trip computer reported averages between 25 and 40 (depending on the frequency of stops and the heaviness of my right foot), with most in the low 30s. The trip computers in the Honda, Mazda, and Volkswagen all reported about the same. The Kia's trip computer also reported better-than-EPA averages on the highway, but not by as wide a margin. Short gearing restricted 70-mph-highway averages to about 33, well short of the high 30s observed in the others. see full Kia Forte review
 

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

Kia Forte Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
After many trips up and down the eastern USA coast (NY-FL and back) It has proven itself reliable and seems to do very well on the highway. Available power is decent, and fuel mileage is really good. It's unusual f we don't get at least the rated 33MPG but usually are between 35 and 38 with a full passenger load and moderately filled trunk. see full Kia Forte review
2011 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I was able to get 33 on my first tank going 75 on 90% highway driving and 27 with more mixed driving and highway driving at a highr speed. see full Kia Forte review
2010 2dr Coupe 173-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
even with a lead foot i get 20-24 mpg and on a long road trip 600 miles easily achieved 33 mpg, while still being fun to drive see full Kia Forte review
2010 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
Seemed rather impressive, especially given its acceleration relative to others in the class. see full Kia Forte review
 

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