Chevrolet Malibu vs. Ford Taurus

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

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

Pricing: A used 2019 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $12,582 to $21,895 while a used 2019 Ford Taurus is priced between $13,500 to $25,808.

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 Ford Taurus loses 50.2 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 Ford Taurus.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10 while the Ford Taurus' quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Ford Taurus being ranked 5 out of 8 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10. For the Ford Taurus the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Taurus.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Malibu’s base engine makes 160 horsepower, and the Ford Taurus base engine makes 288 horsepower. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. The Taurus is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 494 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Taurus. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room and rear shoulder room. The Ford Taurus has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear head room and cargo space. The Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Taurus are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Taurus 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.