While Chevrolet has all but dropped cars from its lineup, the automaker continues to sell the Malibu. The Malibu is one of the oldest midsize sedans on sale, having come out for the 2016 model year as part of its ninth generation. It may be old and dated, but the Malibu is still on sale and it remains a competent option.
While the Malibu is hanging around, the Honda Accord is thriving. Honda introduced a fully redesigned Accord for the 2023 model year, building upon the highly successful sedan’s recipe. Despite the rise of SUVs, the Accord continues to be one of the more popular vehicles on sale, highlighting its overall appeal.
In this brief comparison, we’ll compare the Malibu to the Accord when it comes to pricing, performance, fuel economy, as well as safety and comfort to name a winner. Whether you’re looking for a roomy sedan to commute to work in or for a family-friendly sedan, we can help you make the right choice for your needs.
Chevy Malibu vs. Honda Accord Price
The cheapest Chevrolet Malibu is the LS trim which starts at $26,195. The most expensive Chevrolet Malibu is the 2LT trim which costs $32,595.
Pricing for the cheapest Honda Accord LX starts at $28,990, while the most expensive Honda Accord EX costs $31,005.
The difference in price between the Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord is $2,795 in the Malibu’s favor for base trims. Comparing range-topping models to one another reveals a price difference of $1,590 with the edge going to the Honda Accord.
As the more affordable of the two, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that the Malibu is available with better lease deals than the Accord. When it comes to purchasing a model, Honda’s financing deals tend to be better than Chevrolet’s.
Chevy Malibu vs. Honda Accord Performance
Chevrolet offers the Malibu with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The motor is rated at 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission that routes power to the front wheels. The Malibu can get to 60 mph in roughly 7.8 seconds.
The Honda Accord also comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. While the Accord and Malibu share similar engines, the Accord is far more powerful than the Malibu. The Accord’s four-cylinder engine produces 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Just like the Malibu, the Accord comes with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The Accord shaves roughly 0.5 seconds off the Malibu’s zero-to-60 mph time.
Chevy Malibu vs. Honda Accord Fuel Economy
Despite having similar powertrains, the Honda Accord is more efficient than the Chevrolet Malibu. The gas-powered Accord is rated at up to 32 mpg combined (29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway). Honda does offer the Accord with a hybrid powertrain in the Accord Hybrid that’s covered separately.
The Malibu lags slightly behind the Accord with a combined fuel economy rating of up to 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway).
Chevy Malibu vs. Honda Accord Safety & Comfort
Both the Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord come equipped with similar safety features. The Accord does come with a few standard safety features that you won’t find as standard on the Malibu, though.
Standard safety features on the Accord that aren’t standard on the Malibu include adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.
As one of the older sedans in the segment, the Malibu has an outdated interior design with some cheap plastics and subpar interior materials. The newer and more modern Accord has a more upscale design with nicer materials. In addition to having a nicer interior with more comfortable seats, the Accord has 2.7 inches of extra rear legroom over the Malibu.
Which Is Better: Chevy Malibu or Honda Accord?
We’re happy to see Chevrolet keep the Malibu around for another model year, but against newer options like the Honda Accord, the sedan doesn’t stand a chance. Shoppers looking for an affordable midsize sedan with decent fuel economy and a roomy cabin will find the Malibu to be a competent choice. The Accord, though, is the better choice in nearly every single way.
The Honda Accord is the clear winner in this comparison. It has a peppy, yet fuel-efficient engine, a spacious cabin, refined handling, and a high-quality cabin. It continues to be a complete package, but it’s priced like one.
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