2021 Chevrolet Malibu vs. Midsize Stalwarts: Which Should You Choose?

If you’re considering the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, it’s nice to know what some of the competing models offer and how the Malibu stacks up.

The midsize sedan market is a tough one with several solid offerings, including models from top brands like Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda among others.  Let’s take a look!

2021 Toyota Camry

The Camry is a popular midsize sedan that always sells well. The Malibu offers many of the same features, including modern technology and a spacious interior. However, the Malibu features a lower base model MSRP than the Camry, which makes it a great choice for value-conscious car shoppers.

2021 Honda Accord

Like the Camry, the Honda Accord is a recognizable brand and top-selling competitor to the Malibu. Both cars offer some comparable features. However, the Malibu comes with a 60-month or 60,000-mile warranty that includes roadside assistance. The Accord’s warranty with roadside assistance only covers 36 months or 36,000 miles. The Malibu also stands out with driver and front passenger heated seatbacks and cushions on the LT trim while the comparable Accord LX trim does not.

2021 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger falls into the midsize sedan category, but it’s a lot of car for many midsize buyers. The SXT trim comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine compared to the Malibu’s economical 1.5-liter inline-four. Fuel economy in the Malibu is naturally better at 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway vs. 19 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway for the Charger. Drivers looking for fuel-efficiency will love the Malibu’s performance in this area.

2021 Kia K5

One of the hardest things to find in a midsize sedan is a roomy back seat that caters to adults. The Malibu offers more legroom and shoulder room in the second row vs. the Kia K5. The interior dimensions of the Malibu offer plenty of room overall with nearly 16 cubic feet of trunk space

2021 Hyundai Sonata

Both the Sonata and Malibu come with a nice selection of engine options and plenty of safety features to go around. However, the Malibu stands out against the Sonata by offering a roomier trunk, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a lower base price.

2021 Mazda 6

Fans of the Mazda 6 praise its engaging driving experience and upscale interior, but those looking for value will find that the Chevy Malibu’s lower base price comes with a lot of standard features, which makes it easier to add optional features like a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda 6 offers only one choice of transmission in the six-speed automatic.

2021 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2021 Nissan Altima are very evenly matched with similar fuel economy, similar interior room, and similar engine sizes. The Malibu again wins in the base price department against the Altima, and it also has a roomier trunk than the Altima. Whether you’re looking for a roomy interior, attractive base MSRP, or impressive fuel economy, the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu stands out among the competition.