Chevrolet Malibu vs. Chevrolet Impala

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

In comparing the Chevrolet Malibu's and the Chevrolet Impala's specifications and ratings, 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 and resale value. The Chevrolet Impala has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Malibu's and the Chevrolet Impala's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Impala is a better car than the Chevrolet Malibu.

Pricing: A used 2020 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $13,982 to $22,899 while a used 2020 Chevrolet Impala is priced between $15,994 to $26,933.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Malibu loses 43.7 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Impala loses 51.3 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Malibu retains 7.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Impala.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Impala's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Chevrolet Impala being ranked 4 out of 8 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Impala the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Impala a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Malibu.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Malibu’s base engine makes 160 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Impala base engine makes 305 horsepower. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. The Impala is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 518 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Chevrolet Impala. The Malibu uses regular unleaded, and the Impala uses e85, regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Impala, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Malibu, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Impala 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.