2017 Chevy Malibu vs 2017 Honda Accord

Safety

Every customer should expect premier safety features in their new vehicle, as brands are constantly evolving and improving their offerings. Chevy gets this and proves it with the 2017 Chevy Malibu, as the vehicle provides drivers with outstanding safety features that not only protect passengers in the event of an accident, but also help prevent those collisions in the first place.

Meanwhile, the Honda Accord has an adequate amount of features, and the design should keep all of the occupants safe and secure. However, there’s a very good reason why the rival Malibu won the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick Award this year.

Chevy Malibu

The Malibu is loaded with safety specs, starting with the vehicle’s design, which includes a high-strength steel cage that will absorb the majority of the energy during a collision. Meanwhile, the extensive air bag unit will provide the necessary amount of cushion during an accident.

Meanwhile, the vehicle contains a long list of safety technologies that will alert the driver of an impending accident or even manipulate operation if a crash seems to be imminent. The offerings include systems like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Park Assist, and a Rear Vision Camera… and that doesn’t even skim the surface. Meanwhile, the Malibu also includes the OnStar Automatic Crash Response system, which will provide immediate assistance if the driver suffers an accident.

These enhancements are a big reason why the 2017 Malibu (when equipped with the available Driver Confidence Package) earned the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick Award this past year.

Honda Accord

The 2017 Accord did earn a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, although some of the front barrier crash ratings left a little to be desired. The discrepancy between the Accord and the nearly-perfect Malibu comes down to the number of available features. The Forward Collision Warning is perhaps the most notable feature in the Accord, as is the Collision Mitigation Braking System. Both of these systems warn the driver and manipulate the brakes, helping to prevent an accident or lessen the impact.

It’s rather obvious, isn’t it? The 2017 Chevy Malibu clearly offers more safety features, more versatile engines, and a more attractive design. If you’ve been considering a new mid-size car, we don’t blame you for exploring the 2017 Honda Accord. However, it’s clear that the Malibu is the best choice for any type of driver.

Performance

When you’re debating which 2017 mid-sized car is best for you, you’ll undoubtedly look at your targets’ performance capabilities. Unsurprisingly, both the 2017 Malibu and the 2017 Accord provide adequate power and surprising fuel economy.

Chevy provides their customers with three diverse engine options, meaning customers can zero in on the unit that best fits their needs. Each of three offerings provide plenty of power, and you’ll even find that they deliver extraordinary fuel efficiency. On the flip side, Honda provides their customers with the opportunity to choose between four engine options… but none of the offerings provide the specs that the Malibu delivers. Read on...

Chevy Malibu

The 2017 Chevy Malibu provides a trio of engine options that include the two major attributes that drivers would be seeking from a new car: power and efficiency. For starters, the 1.5-liter ECOTEC engine offers a solid amount of muscle at 160 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. However, thanks to features like the Variable Valve Timing, Direct Injection and stop/start technology, drivers can expect an incredible 36 mile per gallon highway fuel efficiency.

Predictably, the 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine provides even more power at 240 horsepower, and the accompanying nine-speed automatic transmission makes the vehicle incredibly easy to control. Finally, the 1.8-liter hybrid engine provides unmatched efficiency. Thanks to innovative features like the Driver Efficiency Gauge, drivers can expect an astonishing 49 miles per gallon city fuel economy, numbers you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

In other words, regardless of what you value in a car’s engine, you’ll certainly find it in the 2017 Chevy Malibu.

Honda Accord

The 2.4 liter Earth Dreams pumps out a fair amount of power considering the size of the unit, as drivers can expect 185 horsepower and 181 pounds-feet of torque from the standard option. If drivers decide to opt for the brand’s Sport or Sport Special Edition models, they’ll see that power increase to 189 horsepower and 182 pounds-feet of torque.

Meanwhile, the hybrid version offers a unique combination of power and efficiency. The engine is capable of pumping out 212 horsepower, which is a pretty impressive number. Meanwhile, the hybrid engine provides a similar 49 miles per gallon city fuel efficiency as the Malibu, although despite the uptick in horsepower, performance undoubtedly suffers.

Design

Mid-size cars are getting more stylish every year, as engineers have found creative ways to make their offerings more attractive, sporty, and luxurious. This is clearly the case with the 2017 Chevy Malibu, as the brand did an admirable job of producing a vehicle that’s elegant both inside and out. While the exterior is highlighted by clever designs and features, the interior is led by innovative technological inclusions.

Sure, the Accord’s exterior is “sophisticated” and the interior offers several technological features. However, you’re unlikely to find nearly the number of offerings as you would in the 2017 Malibu.

Chevy Malibu

Agile. Athletic. Aerodynamic. Those are some of the main adjectives that are used to describe the 2017 Malibu. The polished exterior leads to an elegant, classy design, while inclusions like the LED daytime running lights and the LED tail lamps will leave others gawking at your new sedan. Meanwhile, details like the dual exhaust outlets will add a level of intimidation, and will also help accentuate the vehicle’s sportiness.

The interior is just as opulent, and we’re not even talking about the classy upholstery options that adorn the cabin. Instead, the 2017 Malibu includes a number of technological features that will keep occupants busy and entertained. It starts with the touchscreen center console, which allows drivers to seamlessly connect their iPhone or Android device. Occupants can keep their smartphones juiced thanks to the wireless charging station, and the steering wheel-mounted controls means you can access your music without taking your eyes off the road.

Honda Accord

The 2017 Honda Accord is simply described as sophisticated, which seemingly fits the exterior. The number of color options are considerable, although the lack of sharp angles doesn’t lead to a sporty or luxurious persona.

Meanwhile, the interior includes a number of bells and whistles, like 10-way power seats (with memory functionality) and a standard Dual-Zone Climate Control system. The center unit does allow you to connect your smartphone, and the illuminated door sill trim is very helpful on dark nights.