Chevrolet Malibu LTZ V6
The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ is a comfortable sedan with the option of a 252-horsepower six-cylinder engine.
Written by Shannon Fitzgerald
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The
Chevrolet Malibu
is an attractive midsize sedan whose smooth, quiet ride and reactive handling earned it the North American Car of the Year award in 2008. Upgrading the LTZ trim
to a 252-horsepower V6 engine only adds more strength to this already capable vehicle. The 2012 Chevy Malibu LTZ was the last model year before the V6 engine upgrade was discontinued. Criticized for a cramped ride, but praised for its braking and handling qualities the V6’s 6.7-second 0-60 mph time helped it better compete with similar models, like the
Ford Fusion
. Ready to learn more about the Chevy Malibu LTZ V6? We have all the details you’ll need. From fuel economy to acceleration comparisons, here’s how the Malibu LTZ V6 stacks up.
MORE:
Is the Jerry app legit?
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
2012 Chevy Malibu LTZ V6
Starting MSRP: $30,200
Fair market price: $9,366 to $11,175
Engine: 3.6L V6
Horsepower: 252 hp at 6,300 rpm
Torque: 251 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm
0 to 60: 6.7 seconds
The 2012 Chevy Malibu LTZ offers more luxurious interior quality compared to the base trim while maintaining the same intuitive gauge and control panel Malibu drivers have enjoyed.
Available in nine exterior colors ranging from Crystal Red Tintcoat to White Diamond Tricoat, the 2012 Malibu LTZ also features 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, and premium
leather upholstery
. It comes with the option to upgrade the engine to a much peppier 252-hp V6 from the 169-hp four-cylinder that comes standard. Alongside these upgrades, the LTZ also comes with:
- Heated side mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror: Available as an option in lower trim levels, these upgrades to the mirrors make it easier for the driver to see in tricky visibility.
- Upgraded instruments: This includes remote ignition, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a USB jack, and turn-by-turn navigation.
- Fog lamps and LED taillights: More and better safety features for tricky visibility come standard in the LTZ trim.
How’s the fuel economy?
The fuel economy for the 2012 Chevy Malibu LTZ is about average. When equipped with the V6 engine it receives 17/26/20 mpg city/highway/combined fuel economy. As expected, downgrading to the four-cylinder engine increases fuel efficiency to 22/33/26 mpg.
Which Chevrolet Malibu LTZ models have the V6?
The option to upgrade to a V6 engine was discontinued in 2013 and the LTZ trim was only in production between 2006 and 2015. You can therefore upgrade a Chevy Malibu LTZ to a V6 during the model years in which both the LTZ and the V6 upgrade were available—between 2006 and 2012.
You could also upgrade the
LT trim
to the V6 engine until 2013, but the LS (base) trim
only came with the standard four-cylinder engine. Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning nowHow fast is the Chevrolet Malibu LTZ V6?
The 2012 Chevy Malibu LTZ equipped with a V6 can hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. This is a fairly significant improvement to the acceleration time from the base four-cylinder engine, which hits 60 mph in 9.1 seconds.
Compared to similar vehicles in its class, however, this is about an average speed. Here’s a look at the acceleration times of some other 2012 midsize sedans with comparable builds:
- Nissan Altima 3.5 SR—6.2
Key Takeaway Upgrading the Malibu LTZ to a V6 engine may decrease fuel efficiency from the base four-cylinder engine, however, it significantly improves acceleration time.
Which is better: the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ or LT?
The 2012 Chevy Malibu comes in both the LT and LTZ trims. Each trim is additionally given the opportunity to upgrade from the standard four-cylinder to the V6 engine. Truly, the differences between the two trims are very slim—it really comes down to how much luxury you care about.
The LT trim has three sub-trims—the
1LT
, 2LT
, and 3LT
. Each sub-trim adds extra levels of comfort and convenience. Included in the 1LT sub-trim are a USB audio jack, 17-inch alloy wheels, and body-color outside mirrors and side moldings. The 2LT and 3LT each come with upgraded upholstery, remote ignition, and a power driver seat, but only the 3LT throws in the V6 on top of all that. The LTZ only continues to add luxury with upgrades to automatic climate control, premium leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, and heated front seats. The V6 is an optional add-on available for this trim level.
Choosing between the 2012 LT and LTZ depends on how much luxury you’re willing to pay for and how much you want a V6 under your hood. The 3LT will have many of the amenities an LTZ equipped with a V6 includes, so if you’re willing to do away with comfier seats and better mirrors you’re better off just paying for the cheaper trim.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How to find affordable car insurance for your Chevrolet Malibu
Whether you choose to put a V6 under your Malibu’s hood or not, it’s always a good idea to protect your investment with quality car insurance.
Jerry
can help you find affordable premiums! By cross-analyzing quotes from over 55 top car insurance
companies, the app instantly tracks down the lowest rates available for your coverage needs. It costs nothing and takes less than a minute to sign up and start receiving quotes. Then once you find a plan you like, simply select it through the app, and Jerry’s expert team of brokers will help handle all the transition calls and paperwork.
The average user ends up saving more than $800 a year on car insurance so it’s definitely worth a look to keep that Malibu covered for less!
“As a young person who owns a sports car and a high-end sedan, I couldn’t find quotes below a certain threshold. By usingJerry, I managed to find full comprehensive coverage on both vehicles and saved $150 a month!” —Channing Y.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
FAQs
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ come in V6?
Yes—you can upgrade both the LT and LTZ trims to a 252-horsepower V6 engine from the standard 169-horsepower four-cylinder on the 2012 Chevy Malibu model.
Are V6 Chevrolet Malibus reliable?
According to JD Power—yes. With a rating of 89/100 for its quality and reliability, the 2012 model of the Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 was actually ranked the second-best midsize car of 2012.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu have AWD?
No. Regardless of whether you equip your 2012 Malibu with a V6 or not, AWD is not an option for any trim level. Each trim only comes equipped with FWD.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
