How Does the 2021 Chevy Malibu Stand Up to Its Competitors?

The midsize sedan segment is popular among couples, professionals, and small families alike, and the Chevy Malibu has made a name for itself in this area. In its earliest years, the Malibu was still finding its identity. Then, from 1983 to 1997, the Malibu took a hiatus. When it came back, it was a beautifully designed vehicle with an unmistakable look and focus, boasting spacious rear seating, a large trunk, and timeless looks. It’s received many awards since then, including being named the Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show (2008), getting the Family Choice award from Good Housekeeping (2016), and being named the Best Mid-size Car by JD Power (2022).

The Malibu is the one to beat in the midsize sedan segment, so it’s no wonder that at Online.cars, we see a lot of interest when we carry a pre-owned Chevy Malibu for sale. Since we offer used vehicles from all the top brands, we wanted to review some of Malibu’s competitors. We know many shoppers often consider these alongside the Malibu, and we wanted to take some of the research time out of the shopping process for you. So, we took a close look specifically at the 2021 competition for the Malibu, keying in on the main differences to inform your shopping process. Today, we’ll look exclusively at traditional gas-powered models.

The 2021 Chevy Malibu

The 2021 Malibu boasts solid fuel economy for a conventional gas model, achieving 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway for a combined total average of 32 MPG. It’s available with two turbocharged powertrains — a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Drivers have remarked on how spacious the rear seats feel in the Malibu. It has its generous 108 cu.ft. of passenger volume to thank for that. Paired with 16 cu.ft. of trunk space, the Malibu also has room for everyone’s belongings on weekend getaways.

The Malibu has one of the easiest-to-use infotainment systems of its class. The 2021 option has Wi-Fi capabilities on all trims, smartphone compatibility, and Bluetooth, all controllable via an 8-inch touchscreen (or voice command capabilities). As for significant dimensions that drivers will notice when parking and maneuvering busy streets, it has a length of 193.8 in and a width of 73 in.

The 2021 Toyota Camry

Onto the Toyota Camry, another popular midsize sedan. The 2021 Camry does boast some high points that might make it worth the price hike for drivers. Among its two powertrain options is a V6 engine with a hp of 301. Drivers looking for more oomph beneath the hood and spirited driving might like this available engine. Not surprisingly, the Camry has some of the most impressive 0 to 60 figures on this list, with some drivers getting it there in 5.6 seconds.

As for fuel economy, the EPA gives the Camry an estimated 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for a combined total of 26 MPG. It’s just about neck and neck with the Malibu. When you go inside the Camry, you’ll notice some drawbacks. For starters, its passenger volume is just 99 cu.ft. — so, nine fewer than you get in the Malibu, it’s a difference your passengers might notice, especially on long drives (primarily if you primarily transport adults). The trunk volume sits at 15 cu.ft., losing one less than the Malibu’s trunk.

Regarding dimensions, the 2021 Camry is 192.1 in long and 72.4 in wide. It is marginally smaller than the Malibu, but it’s not a difference drivers will notice. In terms of exterior styling, the Camry comes the closest to matching the Malibu’s sophisticated, cosmopolitan looks and sleek body lines.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy has engine options comparable to those of the Malibu, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.4-liter. On the fuel economy front, it sees 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway for a combined average of 30 MPG. So, it sees a drop of one or two MPGs in every category compared to Malibu.

However, the Legacy does shine: it has standard all-wheel drive. That’s rare for a sedan. Plus, it’s the only vehicle on this list offering that. If you need improved traction due to wet or dirt roads, the Legacy will be the one to get.

Regarding interior space, the Legacy has a passenger volume of 103 cu.ft., five cu.ft—less than the Malibu. The trunk has 15 cu.ft. of storage space — marginally smaller than the Malibu’s. It does enjoy a slightly shorter length than the Malibu, at 190.6 in, making it a bit easier to get into compact parking spots.

Stylistically, the Legacy looks a bit juvenile. It has a tiny grille, a somewhat clunky bodyline, and a wheel design that’s working too hard. If the Malibu’s sleek aesthetic is what draws you to this vehicle category, the Legacy might disappoint.

The 2021 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord shines bright with its increased fuel efficiency. The EPA gives the Accord an estimated 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway for a combined total of 33 MPG. Those are impressive figures for a traditional gas-engine model.

At this point, we learned that no competitor of Malibu offers the passenger volume that it does. The Accord has 103 cu.ft., which is still a good five cu.ft. smaller than the Malibu’s cabin. However, it does get a cubic foot bump up in trunk space from the Malibu, with 17 cu.ft. of cargo space. At 196.1 in length, it’s nearly three times longer than the Malibu and might be more challenging to get into compact spots.

We have to say that the Accord also loses points in the style department. While the Malibu has a striking chrome piece outlining its grille and unique angled headlights, the Accord has a simple, exposed grille and somewhat boxy headlights.

Find Your Used Mid-Size Sedan Online.cars

There’s a reason the Malibu has earned Chevrolet so many awards. It excels in style, fuel economy, and passenger space. If you’re looking for a great used midsize sedan, we have the most popular models from the top brands Online.cars.

Compare dozens of offers on the vehicles you love across several dealerships, all from the comfort of your home. Whether it’s the Malibu, Legacy, Accord, or Camry you’re after, we have these models and others, along with a network of concierges available 24/7 to answer your questions.

We allow you to shop for your vehicle from the comfort of your home. In a world where having peace of mind is priceless, you’ll be pleased to know that we offer comprehensive warranty coverage that surpasses the competition, with unlimited miles and years on your purchase. A midsize sedan can offer solid fuel economy with a spacious cabin and great exterior styling. Find amazing deals on these vehicle styles and more at Online.cars today.