Toyota Corolla Vs. Chevrolet Malibu: Battle Of The Compact Cars – Who Wins?

When it comes to choosing a compact sedan, the Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a lot of value for the money, but they also have some key differences that shoppers should be aware of. In this guide, we’ll compare the Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, features, and price. We’ll also provide our recommendation on which vehicle is the better choice for most buyers.

Performance: Toyota Corolla vs. Chevrolet Malibu

The Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu both offer a variety of engine options, so shoppers can find a model that meets their performance needs. The Corolla comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Malibu comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, the Malibu has a slight edge over the Corolla. The Malibu’s turbocharged engine provides more power and torque than the Corolla’s naturally aspirated engine. This makes the Malibu quicker off the line and more responsive at highway speeds. However, the Corolla’s CVT provides smoother acceleration than the Malibu’s six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Corolla vs. Chevrolet Malibu

The Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu both offer good fuel efficiency, but the Corolla has a slight edge over the Malibu. The Corolla gets up to 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT. The Malibu gets up to 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the six-speed automatic transmission.

If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the Corolla is the better choice. However, the Malibu’s fuel economy is still respectable, and it may be a better choice for shoppers who prioritize performance over fuel efficiency.

Features: Toyota Corolla vs. Chevrolet Malibu

The Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu both offer a variety of features, but the Malibu has a slight edge over the Corolla in terms of standard features. The Malibu comes standard with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Corolla only comes standard with a few of these features, and shoppers will need to upgrade to a higher trim level to get them.

However, the Corolla does offer some features that the Malibu doesn‘t, such as a sunroof and a blind-spot monitoring system. Shoppers should carefully compare the features of both vehicles to see which one offers the features that are most important to them.

Price: Toyota Corolla vs. Chevrolet Malibu

The Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu are both priced competitively, but the Corolla has a slight edge over the Malibu in terms of base price. The Corolla starts at $20,075, while the Malibu starts at $22,995.

Shoppers who are looking for the best value for their money may want to consider the Corolla. However, the Malibu offers more standard features than the Corolla, so shoppers may want to consider the Malibu if they are willing to pay a little more for those features.

Which Vehicle is the Better Choice?

The Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu are both excellent compact sedans. The Corolla offers better fuel efficiency and a lower base price, while the Malibu offers more standard features and a more powerful engine. Ultimately, the best choice for most buyers will depend on their individual needs and preferences.

Safety: Toyota Corolla vs. Chevrolet Malibu

Both the Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Corolla received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Malibu received a four-star overall safety rating. The Corolla also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, while the Malibu received a Top Safety Pick award.

Technology: Toyota Corolla vs. Chevrolet Malibu

The Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Malibu both offer a variety of technology features, but the Malibu has a slight edge over the Corolla in this area. The Malibu comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Corolla only comes standard with a few of these features, and shoppers will need to upgrade to a higher trim level to get them.

Which Car is More Reliable?

The Toyota Corolla has a reputation for being a more reliable car than the Chevrolet Malibu. The Corolla has received higher reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power than the Malibu. This means that the Corolla is less likely to experience problems than the Malibu.

Which Car Has a Better Resale Value?

The Toyota Corolla has a better resale value than the Chevrolet Malibu. The Corolla is a more popular car than the Malibu, and it holds its value better over time. This means that Corolla owners can expect to get more money for their car when they sell it than Malibu owners.

Top Questions Asked

Which car has a better fuel economy?

The Toyota Corolla has a better fuel economy than the Chevrolet Malibu. The Corolla gets up to 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Malibu gets up to 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Which car has more standard features?

The Chevrolet Malibu has more standard features than the Toyota Corolla. The Malibu comes standard with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Corolla only comes standard with a few of these features, and shoppers will need to upgrade to a higher trim level to get them.

Which car is more reliable?

The Toyota Corolla is more reliable than the Chevrolet Malibu. The Corolla has received higher reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power than the Malibu. This means that the Corolla is less likely to experience problems than the Malibu.