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Starting at
Starting at
| 2 | Engine Options | 2 |
| 5 | Seating | 5 |
| Front Wheel Drive | Drive Type | Front Wheel Drive |
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2018 Toyota Camry, which of these mid-size stars has got what you need, want, and can’t live without in a car? Comparing two cars can be tricky with all the different facts and variables involved, but once you break it down, the answer becomes crystal clear.
The 2018 Toyota Camry is nearly $2,000 more than the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, and it most definitely does not offer the same visual appeal. When it comes to size both are practically dead even, so feel free to push that factor aside. The 2018 Camry is not physically as appealing, but it is highly-proficient in performance. This is a simplistic breakdown, but it will give you enough of a general viewpoint in which direction you should lean.
Overall, both The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2018 Toyota Camry have their positives and negatives that will impact different drivers differently. If you want something more unique and power-focused then the Camry is your ride, but if you want something fun, attractive, and sleek with enough performance capability to get you from A to B with ease, then it’s the Malibu that will be the ride to brighten your day.
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu offers four trim levels that will cost anything from $21,000 to $30,000. Every trim has its own benefits, but the one you should be focused on is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier. This is a top of the line trim that turns a basic Chevrolet Malibu into something truly special. The mechanical upgrades alone will be enough to justify the price considering you are getting a standard turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. This is not all it offers though; there is also the heated and ventilated leather seating and steering, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, Bose audio, two USB charging ports, an outlet, and a color display for the driver information center. Overall, mixing all of these features with the already highly attractive 2018 Malibu design and you will have the brightest car on the block.
The 2018 Toyota Camry offers five trim levels for drivers to select from. The choices include the base L, the mid-level LE, the athletic SE, and the upscale XSE and XLE. Every single trim level is powered by the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, but a 3.5-liter V-6 is available if you invest in the XLE and XSE trim levels. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. These trim levels can start at anywhere from $23,000 to $29,000.
Highlighted features that you shouldn’t miss out on consist of heated leather seating, dual zone climate control, touchscreen interface, keyless ignition, and the many fantastic safety features that gave the 2018 Toyota Camry its 5-star safety rating.
Considering that the bulk of those that admire the Chevrolet Malibu series are in urban or flat areas, the base engine was made to be ideal for that setting. The majority of the 2018 Malibu trims come standard with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 hp paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Upgrading to the 2018 Malibu Premier will get you a much better 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and a nine-speed automatic transmission for the perfect mix of power and control.
The suspension perfectly keeps the ride smooth and quiet, but it is also a fairly agile sedan that shows off its athletic side in some unexpected ways. The fuel efficiency is one of the best in its class at 36 mpg highway and will help you save a ton on gas and mileage.
Majority of the 2018 Toyota Camry’s you will see on the street are using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203-horsepower. This is because if you want the flashier 3.5-liter V6 engine with its overly sufficient 301 hp, you will have to invest at least another $6,000 in order to make this four-door feel like the sports car you never had.
The 2018 Toyota Camry is not a sports car though and has clearly never been known for its dexterity of vivacity, but giving credit where credit is due the 2018 model has really upped its handling game with stronger brakes and more precise steering in order to really take all the power and make those tricky turns. This is still a front-wheel drive vehicle though, so don’t think you will be taking any mountain exploration trips anytime soon.
Lastly, the fuel economy of the 2018 Toyota Camry is also a high selling point and the star feature you shouldn’t overlook. With 41 mpg highway, not even the Malibu’s 36 mpg highway will be able to match it, at least until a newer model is released.
You honestly can’t get a more universally attractive vehicle than the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Everything about its style is clean and vivacious. You can tell just from one look that this is a car that was thoughtfully laid out, and the more you look at it, the more you will appreciate its charming details.
The hood is low slating, and the front design is cohesively unobtrusive. No matter which angle you look at the 2018 Malibu from you will be able to see how it was manufactured to be completely smooth and glossy from front to back. Just like the sunny location, it was named after, the 2018 Malibu offers an indescribable brightness that even being in its presence will make you want to pull out a pair of sunglasses.
Moving on to the inside, the Malibu can be described as pleasantly modern with a dashboard that is simple and removes any unnecessary clutter. The cabin is quiet and offers plenty of space for up to five adults. You will not have to worry about leg or headroom, but overall it offers a very cozy feel.
The 2018 Toyota Camry has a style that seems to attempt boldness, but honestly just comes off as obnoxious. A unique driver may find the front design interesting, but for the most part, it draws your attention too much and distracts from the sleeker and more appealing features.
As for the interior, you will find it to be fairly basic, though the design choice for seating is also a more interesting choice that will not appeal to everyone. Looking at the Malibu seating you will notice how plush and comfortable it appears, but the Camry does not offer the same sentiment even if you upgrade to the leather upholstery.
Overall, some may adore the so-called flair of the 2018 Toyota Camry, but it just is not as easy on the eyes as the 2018 Malibu.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
