Kia Optima vs. Chevrolet Malibu
When we compare the Kia Optima's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and reliability. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Chevrolet Malibu.
Kia Optima vs. Chevrolet Malibu Pricing
A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $15,775 to $24,991 while a used 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is priced between $15,982 to $24,965.
Kia Optima vs. Chevrolet Malibu Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Optima loses 43.2 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Malibu loses 45.2 percent of its value. This means the Kia Optima retains 2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Malibu.
Kia Optima vs. Chevrolet Malibu Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.4 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Malibu's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13.
Kia Optima vs. Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Optima is 7.7 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 Optima.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Kia Optima’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Malibu base engine makes 160 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles.This gives the Chevrolet Malibu the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Kia Optima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are midsize cars, the Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Optima has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Malibu, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.18 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
15775 - 24991
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.431597
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
15982 - 24965
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.45187
Kia Optima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.419361 / 10
Reliability:
7.658084 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Chevrolet Malibu Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.954629 / 10
Reliability:
8.203888 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
8.4 / 10
Kia Optima Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Chevrolet Malibu Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
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 Optima Trim Levels
EX, EX Premium, LX, S, Special Edition, SX Turbo
Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels
L, LS, LS Fleet, LT, Premier, 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):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.18 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 592 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):
29 / 36 / 32
Range (city/hwy):
458 / 569 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
15.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
104.8 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:
15.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3230 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3126 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:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/65R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16