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Despite being slightly more expensive, the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is the superior compact car when compared to the 2022 Toyota Corolla, in part because it has more space and more power.
Both
Chevrolet
and Toyota
are household names, and their compact economy vehicles are popular options for those looking for a car that’s affordable, easy to drive, great on gas, and dependable. However, we’re here to tell you that the Malibu and Corolla are not created equal—in fact, one seriously outperforms the other.To help you pick the perfect tiny car for you,
Jerry
—the trustworthy super app created to make car insurance
shopping as easy as sending a text—has conducted a side-by-side analysis of the Toyota Corolla and Chevy Malibu. Let’s dive in. Pricing
Both the Chevrolet Malibu and Toyota Corolla are marketed as economy cars with affordable price tags. With that said, the Malibu will likely cost you just a few thousand dollars more, depending on which model you choose.
Let’s break down the pricing for each trim option for both vehicles:
Model | MSRP | Model | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla L | $21,520 | 2022 Chevrolet Malibu LS | $24,495 |
2022 Toyota Corolla LE | $21,970 | 2022 Chevrolet Malibu RS | $25,495 |
2022 Toyota Corolla SE | $22,260 | 2022 Chevrolet Malibu LT | $27,895 |
2022 Toyota Corolla Nightshade | $24,260 | ---------- | --------- |
2022 Toyota Corolla SE Nightshade | $24,670 | ---------- | --------- |
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE | $25,145 | --------- | --------- |
2022 Toyota Corolla XSE | $25,210 | ---------- | --------- |
2022 [Toyota Corolla XLE](https://getjerry.com/car-insurance/toyota-corolla-xle-insurance-cost | $25,920 | ---------- | --------- |
2022 Toyota Corolla APEX | $26,665 | 2022 Chevrolet Malibu Premier | $34,595 |
If price is the most important factor to you, then the 2022 Toyota Corolla is the obvious choice—you can opt for the top-of-the-line APEX and pay just about $2,000 more than Chevy’s entry-level Malibu.
Cost of ownership estimations for the Corolla are considerably lower than that of the Malibu, too. According to
Edmunds
, the 2022 Toyota Corolla will cost owners an estimated $30,348 over a five-year period. This includes $4,799 in Toyota Corolla insurance costs
. Edmunds
predicts that a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu will cost owners about $35,482 over the same five-year span. Interestingly, Chevrolet Malibu insurance costs
are predicted to be slightly lower at $4,472, but financing, repairs, and maintenance costs are all a bit higher. Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
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The Chevrolet Malibu outperforms the Toyota Corolla in terms of performance, thanks to a more powerful engine.
In fact, the Malibu offers several powertrain options. Lower trims are powered by a 163-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This engine offers a 7.8-second 0 to 60 mph time and smooth, even acceleration.
If you crave a bit more power, you can opt for the top-of-the-line Premier trim, which is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that puts out 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
On the other hand, the Corolla’s lower trims have a weaker 139-hp, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels via a CVT. You can upgrade to a sportier engine, but even then you’ll just get a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The only plus? You can opt for a six-speed manual transmission at higher trims.
Fuel efficiency
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE is the most fuel efficient option on our list, offering 52 mpg in combined driving. However, if you opt for a traditional gas-powered vehicle, Corollas and Malibus perform quite similarly.
Let’s take a closer look at the exact fuel economy ratings for each of the Corolla and Malibu’s engines:
Model | Engine | Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) |
|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla L, LE, Nightshade, XLE, APEX | 1.8 L 4-cylinder | 31/40/35 mpg |
2022 Toyota Corolla SE, SE Nightshade, XSE | 2.0 L 4-cylinder | 31/40/35 mpg |
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE | 1.8 L 4-cylinder | 53/52/52 mpg |
2022 Chevrolet Malibu LS, RS, LT | 1.5 L 4-cylinder | 36/39/32 mpg |
2022 Chevrolet Malibu | ----------- | 22/33/27 mpg |
Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversOverall, the Malibu lags behind the Corolla only slightly in terms of fuel efficiency. However, keep in mind that opting for a Corolla hatchback (as opposed to a sedan) will cause your fuel economy to dip by a few miles, moving its ratings closer to the Malibu’s.
Technology
When it comes to infotainment-driven technology, the Corolla and Malibu are neck-and-neck, containing very similar features.
Both include touchscreen infotainment systems equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile WiFi hotspot. The Malibu’s touchscreen system is a bit easier to use, while the Corolla boasts a few more hard buttons and rotary knobs—but the differences aren’t severe.
Tech-driven safety features truly set the Toyota Corolla apart, however. This vehicle received a 5-star
NHTSA safety rating
thanks to standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.The Malibu comes in second, earning a slightly lower 4/5 star safety rating from NHTSA—primarily because the high-tech safety features aren’t standard. You’ll have to shell ou some extra cash for available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Reliability
Both Toyota and Chevy are known for their reliability, and the two cars get extremely similar ratings from experts like J.D. Power, RepairPal, and Consumer Reports.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla earned an 82/100 reliability rating from J.D. Power, while the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu earned a lower score of 80/100.
Similarly, the Corolla barely beats out the Malibu on RepairPal, with the former earning a 4.5/5 rating and the latter earning a 4.0/5.
Consumer Reports also shows a slight preference for the Corolla—but the difference is minute.
MORE:
Toyota AWD car
Interior
When it comes to passenger space, the Malibu outperforms the Corolla, especially when it comes to legroom in the back row. You may not think a few inches makes a big difference, but when you’re a full-grown adult forced to squeeze in the back seat, you’ll really feel that extra bit of space (or lack thereof).
Take a look at how much roomier the Malibu is:
Measurement | Toyota Corolla Sedan | Toyota Corolla Hatchback | Chevrolet Malibu Sedan |
|---|---|---|---|
Cargo volume | 13.1 cubic feet | 17.8 cubic feet | 14.8 cubic feet |
Headroom (front seats) | 38.3 inches | 38.4 inches | 39.1 inches |
Legroom (front seats) | 42 inches | 42 inches | 41.5 inches |
Headroom (rear seats) 37.1 inches | 37.6 inches | 37.5 inches | |
Legroom (rear seats) | 34.8 inches | 29.9 inches | 38.1 inches |
When comparing the two sedans, the trunk of the Malibu is bigger as well. It measures at 15.7 cubic feet, while the Corolla’s trunk measures at just 13.1 cubic feet.
However, if you opt for the Corolla hatchback, you will get a total of 17.8 cubic feet of trunk space. Just know that this is at the great expense of the legroom in the back seat.
The final word
If you’re looking for something with a low sticker price and low cost of ownership, the 2022 Toyota Corolla is a great choice. It is affordable, fuel efficient, and reliable.
However, in terms of comfort and performance, the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu outperforms its competition—and it competes well in other categories, too. If you have the extra cash, opting for the Malibu will afford you a more fun and refined driving experience.
How to find cheap car insurance for a Chevrolet Malibu
Are you officially sold on the Chevrolet Malibu? Once you test drive it, pick your trim, and sign the dotted line, it’ll be time to find the perfect insurance policy to protect it.
That’s where
Jerry
comes in! A licensed broker
, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.7/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
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FAQs
Is a Chevy Malibu bigger than a Toyota Corolla?
Yes. The Malibu has an exterior length of 194.2 inches, while the Corolla measures at 182.3 - 182.5 inches (depending on if you choose the sedan or hatchback). The Malibu is also wider, measuring at 73.0 inches, compared to the Corolla’s width of 70.1 inches.
Which is better on gas, Corolla or Malibu?
The Corolla is a bit better on gas than the Malibu, especially if you opt for the fuel-efficient Hybrid model.
Is the Chevy Malibu more expensive than the Toyota Corolla?
You’ll likely spend a few thousand dollars more on the 2022 Chevy Malibu compared to the 2022 Toyota Corolla, but it really depends on which trim you choose. Malibu starting prices range from $24,495 to $34,595, while Corolla starting prices range from $21,520 to $26,665.
By Jacqulyn Graber
Expert Insurance Writer
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett.
- Pricing
- Performance
- Fuel efficiency
- Technology
- Reliability
- Interior
- The final word
- How to find cheap car insurance for a Chevrolet Malibu
- FAQs
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