2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2024 Mazda Mazda3 Review

Picture of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu

2025 Chevrolet
Malibu

MSRP*: $25,800 to $31,500
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2024 Mazda Mazda3

2024 Mazda
Mazda3

MSRP*: $24,170 to $35,450
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 28 MPG 23 - 27 MPG
MPG - Hwy 36 MPG 32 - 37 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 163-hp, 1.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 191-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Continuously Variable Automatic
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 163 hp 191 - 227 hp
Exterior Length 194.2 in 183.5 in
Exterior Width 73.0 in 70.7 in
Leg Room Front 41.5 in
Rear 38.1 in
Front 42.3 in
Rear 35.1 in
Head Room Front 39.1 in
Rear 37.5 in
Front 37.6 - 38.0 in
Rear 36.7 - 37.3 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Due to its greater rear head- and legroom, backseat passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Chevrolet Malibu than the Mazda Mazda3. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between the Chevrolet Malibu and the Mazda Mazda3 in the front seats.

Convenience
The Chevrolet Malibu will require fewer stops at the gas station than the Mazda Mazda3, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Chevrolet Malibu is somewhat more expensive than the Mazda Mazda3.

Dimensions
Since the Chevrolet Malibu is much wider than the Mazda Mazda3, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the Chevrolet Malibu, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Mazda Mazda3.

Handling
The Chevrolet Malibu has a larger turning radius than the Mazda Mazda3, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
The Chevrolet Malibu has less horsepower than the Mazda Mazda3, so it will probably be somewhat slower.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the engine of the Chevrolet Malibu does a much better job of transmitting power to the wheels than the Mazda Mazda3.

Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Chevrolet Malibu and the Mazda Mazda3.