2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Kia K5

$24,700 · Sedan

$27,190 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference is the 28 horsepower advantage held by the 2025 Kia K5, delivering 191 hp compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu's 163 hp. While the K5 possesses superior output, the Malibu counterattacks with a lower entry MSRP of $24,700 versus the K5's $27,190. Fuel economy slightly favors the Malibu at 31 combined MPG (28/36 split) versus the K5's 30 combined MPG (26/37 split). In terms of size, the Malibu is marginally longer at 194.2 inches, though the K5 is 0.2 inches wider. Cargo volume is nearly identical, with the Malibu offering 15.7 cu ft compared to the K5's 15.6 cu ft. The K5 employs an 8-speed automatic transmission while the Malibu uses a continuously variable transmission, affecting the driving experience despite similar torque figures (184 lb-ft vs. 181 lb-ft).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu secures the commuter win due to its superior 31 combined MPG rating compared to the K5's 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Despite similar cargo dimensions (15.7 cu ft vs. 15.6 cu ft), the Malibu offers a $2,490 lower starting MSRP, providing better utility value.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia K5

The 2025 Kia K5 is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, offering 191 horsepower, significantly more than the Malibu's 163 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu provides superior overall value by presenting a 28 horsepower deficit for a $2,490 lower initial investment, starting at $24,700.

Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...

Budgetary constraints are paramount, as the Malibu starts $2,490 cheaper at an MSRP of $24,700.
Maximizing highway fuel efficiency is the priority, evidenced by the Malibu's 36 MPG highway rating.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is preferred over a conventional geared automatic.

Choose the Kia K5 if...

Greater acceleration and responsiveness are desired, thanks to the K5's 191 horsepower output.
A traditional 8-speed automatic transmission setup is favored over a CVT.
A slightly wider stance (73.2 inches vs. 73.0 inches) for stability is appealing.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Malibu	Kia K5
Length	194.2"	193.1"
Width	73.0"	73.2"
Height	57.9"	56.9"
Wheelbase	111.0"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	163 hp @ 5700 rpm	191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	181 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	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	26/37 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.4/568.8 mi.	410.8/584.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	15.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	46.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	56.6 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	56.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 7.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/65R16	P205/65R
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2025 Kia K5.

What is the primary performance gap between the 2025 Malibu and the 2025 K5?

The 2025 Kia K5 possesses a substantial performance lead, generating 191 horsepower, which is 28 hp more than the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu's 163 hp. Both utilize FWD and require regular unleaded fuel.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare between these two sedans?

The Malibu edges out the K5 slightly in overall efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG (28/36 city/highway). The K5 is rated at 30 combined MPG, offering a slightly better highway figure at 37 MPG versus the Malibu's 36 MPG.

Is the cost difference significant enough to sway a purchasing decision?

Yes, the price discrepancy is notable; the Malibu's MSRP of $24,700 is $2,490 less than the K5's starting price of $27,190. This large difference impacts the overall value proposition.

Do the transmissions offer different driving dynamics?

They utilize distinct setups: the Malibu features a continuously variable-speed automatic, while the K5 employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This directly affects acceleration feel and gear engagement.

Are there noticeable differences in interior or external dimensions?

The Malibu is 1.1 inches longer overall (194.2 in vs. 193.1 in) and offers marginally more cargo space at 15.7 cu ft. The K5 is slightly wider by 0.2 inches, measuring 73.2 inches.