The Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord are easily two of the best mid-size sedans on the market. Both vehicles have a history of reliability, so it makes sense if you aren’t sure which to purchase. After this comparison, the decision may be much easier to make.
Price
The best thing about both Chevrolet and Honda is that neither charge a lot for their vehicles – and aside from compacts, mid-size sedans are about the cheapest cars anyone can purchase. Of these two, the Chevrolet Malibu L is the most affordable option with a starting MSRP of $21,680. However, the Accord isn’t too far behind at $22,445.
The difference is only $765, which isn’t that much when you’re paying for a car. If you get a 60-month loan, the difference amounts to an extra $12.75/month before taxes and any other fees that may accompany your loan.
Fuel Economy
Mid-size sedans tend to get high gas mileage. In fact, it’s one of the reasons many people purchase them. Both the Malibu and the Accord get high mileage, which is why they're two of the top choices, but the Chevrolet is clearly the winner of this battle.
The Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine which gets 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Comparatively, the Honda Accord has a 2.4-liter engine which achieves 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Of course, that mileage comes with a trade-off. The Accord’s larger engine means worse mileage, but more get-up-and-go. If power is your main concern, it may be worth it to get a Honda Accord.
Reliability
In the past, both of these vehicles have had excellent reliability, and that isn’t changing with the 2017 models. While it may surprise some, the Chevrolet Malibu has the best reliability rating with J.D. Power and Associates. It received a 4.5 score out of five, placing it among the best cars out there. The Honda Accord isn’t too far behind with four out of five stars, which is better than most. U.S. News ranked the Honda Accord as the third best mid-size car for reliability, while the Chevrolet Malibu is number one.
Handling
As mentioned before, the Honda Accord has much more power than the Chevrolet Malibu. This plays a part in handling. Driving this vehicle feels quicker than others. It’s responsive, composed, and easy-to-drive, making it accessible for any driver. Most customers will also notice that the braking in Honda Accords changed in the 2017 model. Now, they’re much better at stopping after short distances.
The Chevrolet Malibu handles itself well, but it definitely suffers from the 1.5-liter engine. The acceleration is mediocre at best. The sporty handling and strong brakes make it an ideal car for a first-time driver. Despite the feel, some drivers may feel the need to upgrade the engine, which can cost more and may affect your mileage. Reviews suggest that if you feel underwhelmed, you might test drive the 2.0-liter engine, which is much quicker.
