What To Know
- When it comes to choosing a reliable and stylish sedan from the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu and Impala stand out as two popular options.
- The Impala, on the other hand, has a more conservative exterior with a boxier shape and a more traditional grille.
- The Chevrolet Malibu and Impala are both excellent sedans that offer a comfortable ride, impressive performance, and a host of features.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and stylish sedan from the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu and Impala stand out as two popular options. Both vehicles offer a comfortable ride, impressive performance, and an array of features. To help you make an informed decision, this blog post presents a comprehensive comparison of the Chevrolet Malibu vs Impala, highlighting their key similarities and differences.
Performance Comparison
Engine Options
The Malibu offers two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Impala, on the other hand, comes with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission
Both the Malibu and Impala offer a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, the Malibu also offers a six-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience.
Fuel Economy
In terms of fuel economy, the Malibu with the 1.5-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine provides slightly lower fuel economy at 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Impala, with its V6 engine, gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior Comparison
Cabin Space
The Malibu and Impala offer similar cabin space for passengers. Both vehicles can comfortably seat five adults, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows.
Interior Design
The Malibu’s interior features a modern and upscale design, with a user-friendly dashboard and high-quality materials. The Impala’s interior, while still stylish, has a more traditional design with a focus on comfort.
Technology Features
Both vehicles come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The Malibu offers an optional 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, while the Impala comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen with navigation.
Exterior Comparison
Dimensions
The Malibu is slightly smaller than the Impala, measuring 194.4 inches in length, 72.6 inches in width, and 58.3 inches in height. The Impala is 196.3 inches long, 73.1 inches wide, and 58.3 inches high.
Exterior Styling
The Malibu has a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design, with a sloping roofline and sharp lines. The Impala, on the other hand, has a more conservative exterior with a boxier shape and a more traditional grille.
Lighting
Both vehicles offer LED headlights and taillights as standard, providing excellent visibility at night.
Safety Features
Standard Safety Features
The Malibu and Impala come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Anti-lock brakes
- Traction control
- Electronic stability control
- Airbags
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Advanced Safety Features
The Malibu and Impala offer a range of advanced safety features as options, including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Price Comparison
The base price of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu starts at $24,400 for the LS trim level. The Impala, which is no longer in production, had a starting price of $28,300 for the LT trim level.
Which Vehicle is Right for You?
The Chevrolet Malibu and Impala are both excellent sedans that offer a comfortable ride, impressive performance, and a host of features. However, there are some key differences to consider when making a decision.
If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient and affordable option, the Malibu is a great choice. It offers a variety of engine options, including a fuel-sipping 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
If you prioritize performance and cabin space, the Impala is a better option. It comes with a powerful V6 engine and offers more spacious seating for passengers.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which vehicle is right for you is to test drive both the Malibu and Impala. This will allow you to experience their performance, comfort, and features firsthand and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Discussed Topics
What is the fuel economy of the Malibu and Impala?
- Malibu: 29 mpg city / 36 mpg highway (1.5L engine)
- Impala: 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (3.6L V6 engine)
Which vehicle has more horsepower?
- Impala: 305 horsepower
- Malibu: 250 horsepower (2.0L engine)
Which vehicle has more interior space?
- Malibu: 98.9 cubic feet
- Impala: 101.