Malibu vs Accord
This is a classic rivalry: the Malibu against the Accord, Chevrolet against Honda, both in midsize sedan territory. Across 5 compared areas, the Accord takes 3. The widest gap shows up under engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Accord wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Accord wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Accord wins
- Price Malibu wins
- Engine & Performance0.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.9
- Engine & Performance3.8
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Accord has 29 hp more power
A clear win for the Accord: 192 hp against 163 hp. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Accord has 6.4% more cargo space
Only a little separates them: 16.7 cu ft on the Accord, 15.7 cu ft on the Malibu. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Accord has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen
Here the Accord pulls well ahead of the Malibu, with 12.3 in compared to 8 in. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Design & Size
Both come in at nearly the same overall dimensions, so pick on other grounds.
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | 195.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | 73.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 57.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 111.4 in |
Engine & Performance
Accord leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Accord. The Accord answers with 29 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Weighing only engine & performance, the Accord comes out ahead.
Total system output
Malibu: 163 hp Accord: 192 hp The Accord’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
If fuel economy & range matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. The takeaway: fuel economy & range is not where these two differ.
Fuel tank
Malibu: 15.8 gal Accord: 14.8 gal A bigger fuel tank means fewer stops on long trips, though the real range also depends on fuel economy.
Space & Practicality
Accord leads
The Accord edges the space & practicality section, though the Malibu stays close. The Accord delivers 6.4% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. For space & practicality, the Accord is the one to beat.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Malibu: 15.7 cu ft Accord: 16.7 cu ft The Accord’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
Accord leads
This area is close, with the Accord just ahead of the Malibu. The Accord brings a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. Bottom line for safety & tech: the Accord has the edge.
Largest touchscreen
Malibu: 8 in Accord: 12.3 in The Accord’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Malibu | Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 163 hp Least powerful in class | 192 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Malibu | Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal | 14.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Malibu | Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.7 cu ft | 16.7 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Malibu | Accord |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Malibu | Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 8 in Smallest touchscreen | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | 195.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | 73.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 57.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 111.4 in |
Price
| Spec | Malibu | Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,800 (winner) Lowest price in class | $28,395 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Choosing the Malibu saves $2,595 at launch prices, which is nice but not decisive. If $2,595 isn’t a stretch, the Accord gives you 29 hp more power and 6.4% more cargo space.
These are US launch prices, recorded launch; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Malibu if…
- you’re working to a firm budget and $2,595 matters
- you’re loyal to Chevrolet and happy with it
Choose the Accord if…
- you want more power (192 hp vs 163 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (16.7 cu ft vs 15.7 cu ft)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (12.3 in vs 8 in)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Malibu or the Accord?
For most people, the Accord is the stronger choice, unless you want to keep that $2,595 difference in your pocket.
Which is larger, the Malibu or the Accord?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Malibu and the Accord is too small to matter.
Which costs less, the Malibu or the Accord?
The Malibu is the cheaper option, launching at $2,595 less than the Accord (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Chevrolet or Honda? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Malibu versus the Accord. I’d put 29 hp more power at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Accord. Add 6.4% more cargo space to the list, and the Accord looks even better.
Put simply, the Malibu suits people who care about price, while the Accord suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: the Accord. I’d only go for the Malibu if you’d rather keep $2,595 for something else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.