2018 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type & Capacity
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu oil type depends on the engine: the Hybrid takes 5W-20 (5.3 quarts qt with filter); the L takes 0W-20 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the LS takes 0W-20 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the LT takes 0W-20 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the Premier takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Hybrid: 5W-20, 5.3 quarts with filter
- L: 0W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- LS: 0W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- LT: 0W-20, 4.2 quarts with filter
- Premier: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20. SAE 0W-20 maybe used as an alternative | 5.30 QTS. | — | ACDelco dexos1 gen 2 full synthetic engine oil. Engine Oil Filling between "min." and "max." 1.06 qts. |
| L — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.20 QTS. | — | ACDelco dexos1 gen 2 full synthetic engine oil. |
| LS — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.20 QTS. | — | ACDelco dexos1 gen 2 full synthetic engine oil. |
| LT — 1.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.20 QTS. | — | ACDelco dexos1 gen 2 full synthetic engine oil. |
| Premier — 2.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | ACDelco dexos1 gen 2 full synthetic engine oil. SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Malibu
🛞 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.3 quarts (6.9 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu take?
It depends on the engine: Hybrid uses 5W-20; L uses 0W-20; LS uses 0W-20; LT uses 0W-20; Premier uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Hybrid holds 5.3 quarts with filter; L holds 4.2 quarts with filter; LS holds 4.2 quarts with filter; LT holds 4.2 quarts with filter; Premier holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Most 2018 Chevrolet Malibu owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Chevrolet recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.