Malibu vs K5
Same class, different makers. The Malibu (Chevrolet) and the K5 (Kia) are built for the same kind of buyer. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The K5 is ahead in 2 of 4, led by a clear margin in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance K5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Malibu wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing K5 wins
- Engine & Performance0.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.9
- Engine & Performance2.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.4
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
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The K5 has 28 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the K5 makes its strongest case: 191 hp against 163 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Malibu has better city fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Malibu: 28 mpg against 26 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The K5 has available all-wheel drive
The K5 brings available all-wheel drive, and the Malibu has no equivalent. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
The Malibu and the K5 take up almost exactly the same space.
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | 193.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | 73.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
K5 leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the K5. The K5 pulls ahead with 28 hp more power. The K5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Weighing only engine & performance, the K5 comes out ahead.
Total system output
Malibu: 163 hp K5: 191 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Malibu leads
The Malibu edges the fuel economy & range section, though the K5 stays close. The Malibu scores with better city fuel economy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Malibu has the better rating here. Net result: the Malibu leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (city)
Malibu: 28 mpg K5: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Malibu starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
K5 leads
The K5 does a little better in the off-road & towing section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Malibu. Choose the K5 and you get available all-wheel drive. The K5 offers all-wheel drive; the Malibu doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the K5 is where you should land.
AWD / 4WD available
Malibu: no K5: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Malibu and the K5 differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Malibu | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 163 hp Least powerful in class | 191 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Malibu | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Malibu | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.7 cu ft | 16 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Malibu | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Malibu | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 8 in Smallest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | 193.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | 73.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Malibu | K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,800 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Malibu if…
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you’re comfortable with how Chevrolet does things
Choose the K5 if…
- you want more power (191 hp vs 163 hp)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you’re loyal to Kia and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Malibu or the K5?
The K5 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is better city fuel economy.
Is the Malibu bigger than the K5?
The Malibu and the K5 are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Executive Summary
The Malibu and the K5 come from rival camps, Chevrolet and Kia, but they’re chasing the same person: you. The K5 wins me over with 28 hp more power. And if that weren’t enough, the K5 has available all-wheel drive. Where the Malibu fights back is better city fuel economy.
Match the strength to your habits (fuel economy & range for the Malibu, engine & performance for the K5), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the K5 gets my vote, but the Malibu is the right call if you care more about better city fuel economy than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.