Audi A4 vs. Chevrolet Malibu
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A4 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 Audi A4 and the Chevrolet Malibu.
When we compare the Audi A4's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Audi A4 has the advantage in the areas of 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, reliability, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Audi A4's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Malibu is a better car than the Audi A4.
Pricing: A used 2024 Audi A4 ranges from $39,992 to $51,860 while a used 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is priced between $22,474 to $30,382. For a new model, the Audi A4's price is between $45,370 and $54,500, with the Chevrolet Malibu priced between $23,071 and $31,796.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A4 loses 50.2 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Malibu loses 43.7 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Malibu retains 6.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A4.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A4 is 8.5 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Malibu's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Audi A4 being ranked 6 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A4 is 8.1 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Malibu the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi A4.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A4’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Malibu base engine makes 163 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Malibu, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Audi A4 has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Malibu, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.30 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$45,370 - $54,500
Starting MSRP:
$41,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$23,071 - $31,796
Starting MSRP:
$24,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$26,143
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$24,700 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$45,394
Price Range:
$39,992 - $51,860
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
223
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,530
# Good or Great Deals:
54
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,951
Price Range:
$22,474 - $30,382
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$29,305
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,951 - $31,688
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,746
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
12,087
# Good or Great Deals:
447
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$21,732
Depreciation %:
51.9%
Resale Value $:
$20,168
Residual Value %:
48.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,980
Depreciation %:
44.5%
Resale Value $:
$13,720
Residual Value %:
55.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
37.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
32.1% - 45.7%
Audi A4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Chevrolet Malibu Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.6 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A4
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Malibu
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
9.5 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.7 - 15.5
Audi A4 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 36Ranking
31 out of / 36Chevrolet Malibu Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi A4 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 40 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 40 TFSI, quattro Prestige 40 TFSI, quattro S line Prem Plus 45 TFSI, quattro S line Premium 45 TFSI, quattro S line Prestige 45 TFSI
Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels
LS, LS Fleet, LT, RS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.30 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 4200 rpm
Torque:
236 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
163 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
398 / 536 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
92.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3638 lbs
Width:
79.6 inches
Height:
56.2 inches
Length:
187.5 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3135 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
57.9 inches
Length:
194.2 inches
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic
Green
District Green Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Gray Metallic / Sterling Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Summit White
Interior Colors
Beige
Atlas Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Okapi Brown
Gray
Rock Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Jet Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray
