2019 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2019 Kia Optima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019 Kia Optima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2019 Kia Optima.

When we compare the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu's and the 2019 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and reliability. The 2019 Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu's and the 2019 Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Kia Optima is a better car than the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu.

Pricing: A used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $12,582 to $21,895 while a used 2019 Kia Optima is priced between $11,848 to $21,235.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu loses 43.7 percent of its value and the 2019 Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Kia Optima retains 0.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu’s base engine makes 160 horsepower, and the 2019 Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 611 miles.This gives the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2019 Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the 2019 Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2019 Kia Optima has higher safety ratings than the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.30 out of 5 Stars.