2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Honda Civic

$24,700 · Sedan

$24,250 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The big question when looking at the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Honda Civic is whether you prioritize traditional sedan space or best-in-class efficiency. The Malibu starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $24,700 but offers a physically larger footprint at 194.2 inches long and boasts a superior 15.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Civic's 14.8 cu ft. However, the Civic hits back hard on fuel economy, achieving a combined 36 MPG versus the Malibu's 31 MPG, translating to significant long-term savings, especially on the highway where the Civic hits 41 MPG. Performance is similar, with the Malibu edging out slightly with 163 hp compared to the Civic's 150 hp, but both rely on efficient FWD powertrains paired with CVT automatics for daily driving duties.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda Civic

The Civic wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, offering 36 combined MPG versus the Malibu's 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu is better for families because its larger exterior dimensions allow for a more substantial 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

While both are modest performers, the Malibu takes the edge with slightly more power, offering 163 hp against the Civic's 150 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Civic

The Civic provides better overall value by being $450 cheaper upfront and significantly more frugal at the pump.

Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...

You need the maximum traditional trunk space available in this segment, as the Malibu offers 15.7 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly more powerful engine with 163 hp for everyday merging and passing.
You like the presence of a larger sedan body style, measuring 194.2 inches in length.

Choose the Honda Civic if...

Saving on fuel is a top priority, given its class-leading 41 MPG highway rating.
You are prioritizing the lower initial investment, starting at an MSRP of $24,250.
You prefer a slightly smaller, more nimble vehicle for city parking maneuvers.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Malibu	Honda Civic
Length	194.2"	184.8"
Width	73.0"	70.9"
Height	57.9"	55.7"
Wheelbase	111.0"	107.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	163 hp @ 5700 rpm	150 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	133 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	32/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.4/568.8 mi.	396.8/508.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	160W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	57.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	48.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/65R16	P215/55R
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	16 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Honda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2025 Honda Civic.

Which car is better on gas for long road trips?

The 2025 Honda Civic is the clear winner for highway driving, rating 41 MPG compared to the Malibu's 36 MPG. This 5 MPG difference adds up quickly over hundreds of miles.

Is the Malibu significantly bigger inside than the Civic?

Yes, the Malibu is physically larger; it measures 194.2 inches long versus the Civic’s 184.8 inches. This translates directly to more usable cargo room, with the Malibu holding 15.7 cu ft versus the Civic’s 14.8 cu ft.

How much more horsepower does the Malibu have?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers 163 horsepower, giving it a small advantage over the 2025 Honda Civic’s 150 horsepower.

Are either of these cars quick off the line?

Neither car is built for speed; both utilize Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) for efficiency. The Malibu’s slight edge in horsepower (163 vs. 150) might give it a tiny lead, but they are primarily designed for reliable commuting.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2025 Honda Civic has a slightly lower starting MSRP at $24,250, making it $450 more affordable than the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, which starts at $24,700.

Do these cars require premium fuel?

No, thankfully both the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Honda Civic use regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs low regardless of your choice.