Chevrolet Malibu vs. Mazda Mazda6

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Malibu and Mazda Mazda6 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 Mazda Mazda6.

In comparing the Chevrolet Malibu's and the Mazda Mazda6'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 interior volume. The Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Malibu's and the Mazda Mazda6's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda6 is a better car than the Chevrolet Malibu.

Pricing: A used 2021 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $15,843 to $23,988 while a used 2021 Mazda Mazda6 is priced between $18,276 to $28,457.

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 Mazda Mazda6 loses 37.9 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda6 retains 5.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Malibu.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10 while the Mazda Mazda6's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 10 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Mazda Mazda6 being ranked 5 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 8.2 out of 10. For the Mazda Mazda6 the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda6 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 Mazda Mazda6 base engine makes 187 horsepower. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. The Mazda6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles.This gives the Chevrolet Malibu the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda Mazda6 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mazda Mazda6 has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda Mazda6 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.