What To Know
- The Fusion comes with a range of engine options, including a fuel-efficient EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder and a powerful V6.
- The Malibu offers a similar range of engine options, with a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6 available.
- The Fusion comes with a generous array of standard features, including a SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera.
In the competitive midsize sedan market, the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and features that appeal to a wide range of drivers. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll pit the Ford Fusion against the Malibu in a head-to-head comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Styling and Design
Ford Fusion: The Fusion boasts a sleek and modern exterior with a flowing roofline and sharp angles. Its bold grille and LED headlights give it a distinctive and aggressive look. The interior is equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a user-friendly dashboard layout.
Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu’s design is more conservative than the Fusion’s, with a traditional sedan shape and subtle curves. It still manages to project a sense of style and sophistication, however, thanks to its sleek grille, LED lighting, and available chrome accents. The interior offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a clean and modern design.
Performance and Handling
Ford Fusion: The Fusion comes with a range of engine options, including a fuel-efficient EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder and a powerful V6. The standard all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction and handling, even in slippery conditions. The Sport trim offers a more performance-oriented setup with stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes.
Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu offers a similar range of engine options, with a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6 available. However, all-wheel drive is only available on the higher-end trims. The Malibu’s handling is generally good, but it doesn’t quite match the Fusion’s precision and agility.
Fuel Economy
Ford Fusion: The Fusion’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine option and drivetrain. The EcoBoost four-cylinder with front-wheel drive achieves an impressive 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The V6 models are less efficient, but still offer respectable mileage in the mid-20s.
Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu’s fuel economy is comparable to the Fusion’s. The turbocharged four-cylinder with front-wheel drive gets 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The V6 models have slightly lower fuel economy ratings.
Features and Technology
Ford Fusion: The Fusion comes with a generous array of standard features, including a SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, and a premium audio system.
Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu’s standard features are similar to the Fusion’s, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. However, the Malibu offers a few unique features, such as a wireless charging pad and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Safety and Reliability
Ford Fusion: The Fusion has received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu has also earned high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Its standard safety features include forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Price and Value
Ford Fusion: The Fusion’s starting price is slightly lower than the Malibu’s, making it a more affordable option. However, the Fusion’s higher trim levels can be more expensive than the Malibu’s equivalent trims.
Chevrolet Malibu: The Malibu’s starting price is slightly higher than the Fusion’s, but it offers a more generous standard equipment list. The Malibu’s top-of-the-line trims are also priced competitively with the Fusion’s.
The Verdict: A Close Race with Different Strengths
Choosing between the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu is a close call. Both vehicles offer a compelling combination of style, performance, features, and safety. However, each car has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
If you prioritize style and handling: The Ford Fusion is the clear winner. Its sleek design and agile handling make it a more exciting choice for drivers who enjoy spirited driving.
If you value fuel economy and features: The Chevrolet Malibu is a better choice. Its fuel-efficient engines and generous standard equipment list make it a more practical and value-oriented option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu and see which one you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which car has a better interior?
A: Both the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu have well-designed interiors, but the Fusion’s more modern and upscale materials give it a slight edge.
Q: Which car is more reliable?
A: Both cars have comparable reliability ratings, with the Fusion having a slightly higher score from J.D. Power.
Q: Which car has a better warranty?
A: The Ford Fusion comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Chevrolet Malibu has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.