Buick LaCrosse vs. Chevrolet Malibu

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Buick LaCrosse 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 Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Malibu.

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

Pricing: A used 2019 Buick LaCrosse ranges from $17,644 to $30,104 while a used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is priced between $12,582 to $21,895.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Buick LaCrosse loses 51.8 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Malibu loses 43.7 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Malibu retains 8.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Buick LaCrosse.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Buick LaCrosse is 8.4 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Malibu's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Buick LaCrosse being ranked 1 out of 24 Best Luxury Large Cars and the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Buick LaCrosse is 7.8 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 Buick LaCrosse.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Buick LaCrosse’s base engine makes 194 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Malibu base engine makes 160 horsepower. The LaCrosse is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 553 miles. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Buick LaCrosse. Both models use regular unleaded.

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, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Buick LaCrosse, a large car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Buick LaCrosse 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.