Subaru WRX vs. Chevrolet Malibu
When comparing the Subaru WRX's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. 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, reliability and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Subaru WRX's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Malibu is a better car than the Subaru WRX.
Subaru WRX vs. Chevrolet Malibu Pricing
A used 2023 Subaru WRX ranges from $30,345 to $40,231 while a used 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is priced between $22,758 to $31,485. For a new model, the Subaru WRX's price is between $31,365 and $41,737, with the Chevrolet Malibu priced between $25,125 and $33,840.
Subaru WRX vs. Chevrolet Malibu Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru WRX loses 29.3 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Malibu loses 45.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru WRX retains 15.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Malibu.
Subaru WRX vs. Chevrolet Malibu Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru WRX is 8.8 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Malibu's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Subaru WRX being ranked 11 out of 26 Best Compact Cars and the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 11 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Subaru WRX vs. Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru WRX is 7.0 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Malibu the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu an advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru WRX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Subaru WRX’s base engine makes 271 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 shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru WRX, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru WRX 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:
31365 - 41737
Used Asking Price:
30345 - 40231
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.292954
Pricing
New Asking Price:
25125 - 33840
Used Asking Price:
22758 - 31485
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.45187
Subaru WRX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.766666 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
9.3 / 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
Subaru WRX Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
16 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 24Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Chevrolet 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
Subaru WRX Trim Levels
Base, GT, Limited, Premium
Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels
LS, LS Fleet, LT, RS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 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:
271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.082 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
315 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium 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 Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.9 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:
3297 lbs
Width:
79.3 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
183.8 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 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:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16