Chevrolet Equinox vs. Chevrolet Malibu
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox 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 Chevrolet Equinox and the Chevrolet Malibu.
When comparing the Chevrolet Equinox's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Equinox has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, 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 resale value. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Equinox is a better car than the Chevrolet Malibu.
Pricing: A used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $26,999 to $37,336 while a used 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is priced between $21,522 to $30,341. For a new model, the Chevrolet Equinox's price is between $29,089 and $38,687, 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 Chevrolet Equinox loses 49.6 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Malibu loses 49.6 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Malibu retains 0.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Equinox.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.8 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Malibu's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Equinox being ranked 9 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 8 out of 11 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.7 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Malibu the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Equinox a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Malibu.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Equinox’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Malibu base engine makes 163 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Equinox, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Malibu, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Equinox 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.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
29089 - 38687
Starting MSRP:
28700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
23533 - 31754
Starting MSRP:
24700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
26816
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
24700 - 28295
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
31731
Price Range:
26999 - 37336
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
25761
Price Range:
21522 - 30341
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
27493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
25110 - 29237
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14321
Depreciation %:
0.49897709
Resale Value $:
14379
Residual Value %:
0.50102291
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.45209006
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.32910269 - 0.51594441
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12288
Depreciation %:
0.49749174
Resale Value $:
12412
Residual Value %:
0.5025082599999999
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
0.43738499
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
0.35336067 - 0.49749174
Chevrolet Equinox Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Chevrolet Malibu Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
7.5 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Equinox
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.173
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Malibu
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
7.8 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.081
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6245745377787513
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.6 - 7.3
Chevrolet Equinox Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 54Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 54Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Chevrolet Malibu Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 11Ranking
6 out of / 11Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
11 out of / 11Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Equinox Trim Levels
ACTIV, LT, RS
Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels
LS, LS Fleet, LT, RS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.47 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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):
28 / 36 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
442 / 569 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
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
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Cargo Space:
29.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.1 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
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
102.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3428 lbs
Width:
74.9 inches
Height:
65.6 inches
Length:
183.2 inches
Wheelbase:
107.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
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 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
Green
Cacti Green
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White
Purple
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Gray Metallic / Sterling Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Summit White
Purple
Night Shade Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Artemis Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray
