Acura TLX vs. Chevrolet Malibu

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura TLX and Chevrolet Malibu 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 Acura TLX and the Chevrolet Malibu.

When we compare the Acura TLX's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Acura TLX's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Malibu is a better car than the Acura TLX.

Pricing: A used 2025 Acura TLX ranges from $36,988 to $52,195 while a used 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is priced between $21,522 to $30,341. For a new model, the Acura TLX's price is between $46,595 and $59,845, with the Chevrolet Malibu priced between $23,533 and $31,754.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura TLX loses 49.7 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Malibu loses 49.6 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Malibu retains 0.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura TLX.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura TLX is 7.8 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Malibu's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Acura TLX being ranked 8 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 10 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura TLX is 7.7 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Malibu the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Acura TLX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Malibu.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura TLX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Malibu base engine makes 163 horsepower. The TLX is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 491 miles. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Acura TLX. The TLX uses premium unleaded, and the Malibu uses regular unleaded.

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

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Acura TLX has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Malibu, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.47 out of 5 Stars.