2017 Chevy Malibu vs 2017 Ford Fusion

• 2017 Chevy Malibu

  

  Starting at

  $21,680

  2017 Ford Fusion

  

  Starting at

  $22,120

  36 MPG	Highway Fuel Economy	34 MPG
  5	Seating	5
  Yes	Turbo Engine	No

  Mid-size cars are generally overlooked by potential customers, as these prospective buyers often pursue a vehicle that offers more power, luxury, or safety capabilities. However, they’re missing out on the mid-size car’s versatility, as this segment provides some of the most well-rounded vehicles in the entire industry.

  This certainly applies to both the 2017 Chevy Malibu vs 2017 Ford Fusion in Cincinnati, OH. These vehicles provide all of those attributes that a customer could possibly be seeking, and engineers did an excellent job of assuring that these specs, features, and capabilities are up-to-par with any of their rivals.

  Of course, it can be difficult determining the winner of the 2017 Chevy Malibu vs. the 2017 Ford Fusion “fight.” Fortunately, a bit of insight will unveil which of these options is right for you.

  There’s no really no question that the 2017 Chevy Malibu is the perfect option for those seeking a mid-size car. The 2017 Ford Fusion is a capable and impressive vehicle, but it doesn’t offer nearly the number of features as its rival. As a result, the Malibu is the perfect choice for those in need of the ultimate, versatile vehicle.

• Safety

  

  We should all value safety, and there’s no denying that the 2017 Chevy Malibu is one of the safest cars on the market. The steel body and airbag system will protect occupants during a crash, while the technological safety offerings will help them avoid that collision from the get-go. These attributes are a big reason why the model was recognized by the IIHS as one of the safest mid-size cars in 2017.

  Meanwhile, the 2017 Ford Fusion is certainly capable of keeping its occupants protected, and engineers did an admirable job of including some innovative and creative features. However, when all is said and done, the Chevy Malibu’s extensive list of safety inclusions puts the car at the top of the list.

  Chevy Malibu

  Chevy’s premier mid-size car was once again awarded with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick Award this past year, and for very good reason. The vehicle provides drivers with a number of features and attributes that will help occupants avoid a collision or keep them safe in an emergency.

  It starts with the high-strength steel cage and the elaborate air bag system, which should both play a significant role in keeping the Malibu’s driver and occupants safe and secure. Meanwhile, engineers included a number of technological features that should help drivers avoid that accident in the first place. The Lane Keep Assist and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert will help the operator avoid danger, while the Rear Park Assist and Rear Vision Camera will play a role in preventing those minor fender benders.

  In the event that drivers do find themselves in an accident, the OnStar Automatic Crash Response system will provide all of the necessary emergency services. By connecting the driver with an OnStar advisor, drivers will be in touch with emergency personnel in no time.

  Ford Fusion

  Ford wants their drivers to feel confident behind the wheel, and they’ve included a number of safety technologies that should keep the vehicle and its occupants out of harm’s way. The Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection system will be especially appreciated when drivers are traveling in the city, as visual and audio cues will alert a driver of an imminent crash. Meanwhile, parking will be made a whole lot easier thanks to the Perpendicular Parking Assist, Park Out Assist, and the Side Parking Sensor.

  In the event of an emergency, many of the Fusion’s additional safety features should keep the occupants safe and secure. One of the more innovative inclusions is the class-first Inflatable Rear Safety Belts. This will provide those rear passengers (who are presumably children) with that extra bit of cushion during an accident.

• Performance

  

  As a result of their smaller stature, some potential car buyers may underestimate the powerful capabilities that come from a mid-size car. Sure, their engine offerings may be smaller than those offered in pickup trucks, for example, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable. Rather, these engines are perfect for those seeking a combination of power and efficiency.

  Both the 2017 Chevy Malibu and the 2017 Ford Fusion allow customers to choose between a variety of engine offerings, meaning the future owner can zero in on a unit that provides power or efficiency. Some of these options only prioritize one attribute, but Chevy has done an outstanding job of making their engine offerings as versatile as possible. As a result, you’re likely to find a more well-rounded engine from the 2017 Chevy Malibu than the 2017 Ford Fusion.

  Chevy Malibu

  Chevy was gracious enough to provide potential customers with three capable engine options. The offerings aren’t particularly large or mighty, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of packing a punch. Plus, thanks to the relatively small size, drivers can also appreciate the excellent fuel economy.

  The “tiniest” option is the 1.5-liter ECOTEC engine, which provides drivers with 160 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. Engineers included a number of fuel-saving technologies, like the Variable Valve Timing, Direct Injection, and the Stop/Start Technology, resulting in an impressive 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine combines with the nine-speed automatic transmission to deliver a 240 horsepower, while the 1.8-liter hybrid engine combines with the innovative Driver Efficiency Gauge to provide drivers with 49 miles per gallon in the city.

  Ford Fusion

  Ford has been pushing their EcoBoost engines for some time, and the brand now provides drivers with three versatile options. The newest addition is the 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, which is included on the 2017 Fusion V6 Sport. Drivers can expect a whole lot of power from this offering at 325 horsepower and 380 pounds-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the 1.5-liter engine (which is equipped with the Auto Start-Stop Technology) is the brand’s go-to option for those seeking efficiency, while the 2.0-liter provides a commendable mixture of the two.

• Design

  

  For a mid-size car, both the 2017 Chevy Malibu and the 2017 Ford Fusion should be applauded for their style and class. Inside and out, these vehicles present a surprising amount of opulence, thus providing their customers with an affordable alternative to those pricey luxury cars. Engineers also included a number of athletic attributes to their vehicles’ exteriors, so your new purchase could reasonably be confused for a sports car.

  Chevy Malibu

  We’re all aware that the 2017 Chevy Malibu is classified as a mid-size car, but this vehicle arguably provides more sportiness and luxury than those higher-priced alternatives. The exterior was designed for both style and practicality. The sleek and sudden curves and lines undoubtedly provide an elegant look, but these design decisions also impact the vehicles aerodynamics (which in turn effects the car’s performance). Meanwhile, the LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamp aren’t only striking, but they also provide convenience and security. The dual exhaust outlets will intimidate other drivers while also boosting performance.

  Head to the inside, and you’ll find a sleek interior that’s highlighted by the classy and elegant upholstery options. Of course, the technological offerings are the real star of the interior, highlighted by the Chevrolet MyLink system. The unit allows drivers to access a number of different applications, and thanks to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, drivers can seamlessly connect their smartphones.

  Ford Fusion

  The Ford Fusion provides drivers with a sporty exterior, as the athletic hood and the giant front grille will have others mistaking your new ride for a sports car. Drivers can further accentuate this robust exterior by opting for a number of package offerings. For instance, the Platinum Package will add the unique V6 sport grille and 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, while the S Appearance Package includes 18-inch premium dark stainless wheels and the halogen fog lamps (with body-color bezel).

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