2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2025 Lexus ES 300h Review

Picture of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu

2025 Chevrolet
Malibu

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

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Picture of the 2025 Lexus ES 300h

2025 Lexus
ES 300h

MSRP*: $43,440 to $52,330
See details & photos

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MPG - City 28 MPG 43 MPG
MPG - Hwy 36 MPG Info not available
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)
  • 215-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
Transmission Continuously Variable Continuously Variable
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 163 hp 215 hp
Exterior Length 194.2 in 195.9 in
Exterior Width 73.0 in 73.4 in
Leg Room Front 41.5 in
Rear 38.1 in
Front 42.4 in
Rear 39.3 in
Head Room Front 39.1 in
Rear 37.5 in
Front 37.5 in
Rear 37.4 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
Passengers in the back seat will feel a little more squished in the Chevrolet Malibu than in the Lexus ES 300h, due to the Chevrolet Malibu's smaller rear head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between the Chevrolet Malibu and the Lexus ES 300h in the front seats.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Chevrolet Malibu as you will with the Lexus ES 300h, as they get the same number of miles per tank of gas.

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). Based on MSRP, the Chevrolet Malibu is clearly a better financial choice over the Lexus ES 300h.

Dimensions
The Chevrolet Malibu is about the same width as the Lexus ES 300h. When looking at overall length, the Chevrolet Malibu takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Lexus ES 300h.

Handling
The Chevrolet Malibu has a smaller turning radius than the Lexus ES 300h, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Chevrolet Malibu is significantly less powerful than the Lexus ES 300h. The good news is that, reportedly, cars with lower horsepower engines often have lower insurance premiums.

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 Lexus ES 300h.

Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Chevrolet Malibu and the Lexus ES 300h.