2020 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2020 Ford Fusion

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu and 2020 Ford Fusion 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 2020 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2020 Ford Fusion.

When comparing the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu's and the 2020 Ford Fusion's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The 2020 Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu's and the 2020 Ford Fusion's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Ford Fusion is a better car than the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu.

Pricing: A used 2020 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $13,982 to $22,899 while a used 2020 Ford Fusion is priced between $14,994 to $23,000.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu loses 43.7 percent of its value and the 2020 Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Ford Fusion retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10 while the Ford Fusion's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13.

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

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu’s base engine makes 160 horsepower, and the 2020 Ford Fusion base engine makes 175 horsepower. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. This gives the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Ford Fusion. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room and rear shoulder room. The 2020 Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2020 Ford Fusion has higher safety ratings than the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.30 out of 5 Stars.