Malibu vs Legacy
The Malibu and the Legacy compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Chevrolet and Subaru each making its case. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Legacy wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Legacy wins
- Engine & Performance0.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.9
- Engine & Performance1.6
- Fuel Economy & Range0.1
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 Legacy has 19 hp more power
The Malibu comes close with 163 hp; the Legacy does slightly better with 182 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Legacy has available all-wheel drive
The Legacy 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
Expect the same physical presence from both; their dimensions are very close.
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | 190.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | 72.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 108.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Legacy leads
The Legacy squeezes out a win in the engine & performance section. The Legacy brings 19 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Legacy.
Total system output
Malibu: 163 hp Legacy: 182 hp The Legacy’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if fuel economy & range was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Net result on fuel economy & range: level.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Legacy leads
The Legacy has the slight upper hand on off-road & towing. Point to the Legacy for available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. The takeaway: on off-road & towing, the Legacy is the stronger car.
AWD / 4WD available
Malibu: no Legacy: yes The Legacy offers all-wheel drive; the Malibu doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Malibu’s and the Legacy’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Malibu | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 163 hp Least powerful in class | 182 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Malibu | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | 35 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Malibu | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.7 cu ft | 15.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Malibu | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Malibu | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 8 in Smallest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | 190.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | 72.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 108.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Malibu | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Legacy if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (182 hp vs 163 hp)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you’re comfortable with how Subaru does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Malibu or the Legacy?
On the specs compared here, the Legacy makes more sense for most buyers; the Malibu doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Malibu bigger than the Legacy?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Malibu and the Legacy is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
The Malibu versus the Legacy is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Chevrolet and Subaru made different bets. I think the Legacy makes its strongest case with 19 hp more power. It also helps that the Legacy has available all-wheel drive.
I think of the Malibu as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the Legacy as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: the Legacy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.