Malibu vs Camry
This is a classic rivalry: the Malibu against the Camry, Chevrolet against Toyota, both in midsize sedan territory. Of the 4 areas we compared, the Camry wins 3. If one area explains the result, it’s fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Camry wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Camry wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Camry wins
- Price Malibu wins
- Fuel Economy & Range0.9
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
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 Camry has better fuel economy
A clear win for the Camry: 51 mpg against 31 mpg. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Camry has 62 hp more power
Here the Camry pulls well ahead of the Malibu, with 225 hp compared to 163 hp. The Camry’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Camry has better city fuel economy
The Camry doesn’t just edge this one; 53 mpg against 28 mpg is a lead you’ll feel. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Camry starts from a better baseline.
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The Camry has better highway fuel economy
Big gap, real consequences. The Camry’s 50 mpg versus the Malibu’s 36 mpg changes how the two compare in daily use. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
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The Camry has available all-wheel drive
The Camry has it; the Malibu doesn’t. No percentages needed. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Camry leads
The Malibu has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Camry pulls well ahead. The Camry comes with 62 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Bottom line for engine & performance: the Camry has the edge.
Total system output
Malibu: 163 hp Camry: 225 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Camry leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Camry leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. The Camry has the edge with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the Camry is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
Malibu: 31 mpg Camry: 51 mpg The Camry uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Malibu: 28 mpg Camry: 53 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Camry leads
The off-road & towing numbers lean toward the Camry, not dramatically but consistently. The Camry answers with available all-wheel drive. The Camry offers all-wheel drive; the Malibu doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. For off-road & towing, the Camry is the one to beat.
AWD / 4WD available
Malibu: no Camry: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Malibu and the Camry part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Malibu | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 163 hp Least powerful in class | 225 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Malibu | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg | 51 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 53 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | 50 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Malibu | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.7 cu ft | 15.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Malibu | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Malibu | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 8 in Smallest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Malibu | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,800 (winner) Lowest price in class | $28,400 |
“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
A price gap of $2,600 at launch won’t make or break this decision. The Camry justifies part of its $2,600 premium with better fuel economy and 62 hp more power.
Launch prices in the US as of April 2024; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Malibu if…
- you’d put the $2,600 saving toward something else
- you’re comfortable with how Chevrolet does things
Choose the Camry if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (51 mpg vs 31 mpg)
- you want more power (225 hp vs 163 hp)
- you want better city fuel economy (53 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (50 mpg vs 36 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Malibu or the Camry?
The Camry wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless saving $2,600 matters more to you than the extras.
Which costs less, the Malibu or the Camry?
Going by launch prices, the Malibu costs $2,600 less than the Camry. Prices as of April 2024; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Malibu and the Camry. I just have opinions about the numbers. It’s hard to argue with better fuel economy, which is exactly what the Camry brings. Another thing in the Camry’s favor is 62 hp more power.
I’d steer price fans toward the Malibu and engine & performance fans toward the Camry.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Camry, unless every dollar counts and $2,600 is a real sum for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.