Kia Forte vs. Chevrolet Malibu
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte and the Chevrolet Malibu.
In comparing the Kia Forte's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Kia Forte 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. The Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Forte's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Malibu is a better car than the Kia Forte.
Pricing: A used 2024 Kia Forte ranges from $19,899 to $26,527 while a used 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is priced between $22,474 to $30,382. For a new model, the Kia Forte's price is between $20,394 and $27,514, with the Chevrolet Malibu priced between $23,071 and $31,796.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Forte loses 33 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Malibu loses 43.7 percent of its value. This means the Kia Forte retains 10.7 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 Kia Forte is 8.0 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Malibu's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Kia Forte being ranked 27 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Forte is 7.6 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Malibu the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Forte.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Forte’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Malibu base engine makes 163 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Malibu, a midsize car, 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 Kia Forte, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room. The Kia Forte and Chevrolet Malibu are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Malibu has higher safety ratings than the Kia Forte, with an average rating of 4.30 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$20,394 - $27,514
Starting MSRP:
$19,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$23,071 - $31,796
Starting MSRP:
$24,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$26,143
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$24,700 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,724
Price Range:
$19,899 - $26,527
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4,165
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,120
# Good or Great Deals:
133
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,951
Price Range:
$22,474 - $30,382
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$29,305
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,951 - $31,688
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,760
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
6,331
# Good or Great Deals:
302
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$6,839
Depreciation %:
34.2%
Resale Value $:
$13,151
Residual Value %:
65.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,980
Depreciation %:
44.5%
Resale Value $:
$13,720
Residual Value %:
55.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
37.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
32.1% - 45.7%
Kia Forte Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Chevrolet Malibu Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.6 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Forte
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Malibu
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
9.5 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.7 - 15.5
Kia Forte Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
25 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Chevrolet Malibu Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Forte Trim Levels
GT, GT-Line, LX, LXS
Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels
LS, LS Fleet, LT, RS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 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):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.30 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 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 / 39 / 32
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 546 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
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
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
15.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.0 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
Overall Interior Volume:
102.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2769 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
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:
15.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
195/60R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Gray
Gravity Gray
White
Clear White
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Gray
Mineral Gray Metallic / Sterling Gray Metallic
White
Summit White
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray
