Chevrolet Malibu vs. Toyota Camry

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

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

Pricing: A used 2025 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $21,522 to $30,341 while a used 2024 Toyota Camry is priced between $22,990 to $35,854. For a new model, the Chevrolet Malibu's price is between $23,533 and $31,754, with the Toyota Camry priced between $26,360 and $39,529.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Malibu loses 49.6 percent of its value and the Toyota Camry loses 35.5 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Camry retains 14.1 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 7.6 out of 10 while the Toyota Camry's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 8 out of 11 Best Midsize Cars and the Toyota Camry being ranked 3 out of 11.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 7.4 out of 10. For the Toyota Camry the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Camry 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 163 horsepower, and the Toyota Camry base engine makes 203 horsepower. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. The Camry is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 616 miles. This gives the Toyota Camry the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Chevrolet Malibu. 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 shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Toyota Camry has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Toyota Camry 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. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Camry has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.