2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Mazda 3
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the sensible 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the stylish 2025 Mazda 3 often boils down to prioritizing space versus driving feel. For buyers focused on budget and size, the Malibu starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $24,700, though both achieve an identical 31 MPG combined. The Malibu offers a notably larger footprint, measuring 194.2 inches long and boasting 15.7 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft. However, the Mazda 3 pulls ahead on performance, delivering 191 hp compared to the Malibu's 163 hp, suggesting a more engaging drive despite using a similar FWD setup. While the Malibu opts for a CVT transmission, the Mazda 3 features a more traditional 6-speed automatic, perhaps offering a better feel for drivers accustomed to traditional gear shifts. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you value the Malibu's practicality or the Mazda 3's slight power advantage and efficient 37 MPG highway rating.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu wins for commuters due to its greater overall length and larger 15.7 cu ft cargo capacity, offering more room for daily necessities.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu is the better family hauler because its larger dimensions provide superior interior and 15.7 cu ft of trunk space compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.
2025 Mazda 3
The 2025 Mazda 3 appeals more to enthusiasts as it produces significantly more power with 191 hp versus the Malibu's 163 hp.
2025 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 offers better outright power (191 hp vs 163 hp) for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $24,150.
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...
- You need maximum cargo space, as the Malibu offers 15.7 cu ft compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.
- You prefer the predictable feel of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for city driving.
- A longer vehicle (194.2 inches) is important for perceived road stability or passenger room.
Choose the Mazda 3 if...
- You prioritize horsepower, as the Mazda 3 delivers 191 hp versus the Malibu's 163 hp.
- You prefer a traditional automatic transmission, as the Mazda 3 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic.
- You want the slightly better highway efficiency, achieving 37 MPG compared to the Malibu's 36 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2" | 183.5" |
| Width | 73.0" | 70.7" |
| Height | 57.9" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 107.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 186 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 MPG | 27/37 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.4/568.8 mi. | 356.4/488.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 54.6 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 | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 35.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 50.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/65R16 | 205/60R16 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2025 Mazda 3.
Which sedan is more powerful for passing on the highway?
The 2025 Mazda 3 is noticeably more powerful, offering 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu produces 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Mazda will feel punchier during acceleration maneuvers.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy?
Both sedans share an identical 31 MPG combined rating and use regular unleaded fuel. The difference is marginal on the highway, with the Mazda 3 achieving 37 MPG and the Malibu hitting 36 MPG, so fuel costs should be very similar.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu substantially bigger than the Mazda 3?
Yes, the Malibu is noticeably larger, measuring 194.2 inches in length compared to the Mazda 3's 183.5 inches. This size difference translates directly to better utility, especially in cargo capacity (15.7 cu ft vs 13.2 cu ft).
What are the main transmission differences between these FWD sedans?
The Malibu comes standard with a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smooth, efficiency-focused power delivery. Conversely, the Mazda 3 uses a more conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which many drivers prefer for a more connected driving experience.
Are these cars comparably priced?
They are very close, but the Mazda 3 has a slight edge in entry pricing, starting at an MSRP of $24,150. The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu begins at $24,700, making the Mazda marginally less expensive upfront.
Which car is better suited for carrying lots of luggage?
The Malibu is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 15.7 cubic feet of storage space in its trunk. If fitting bulky items is a priority, the Malibu gives you an extra 2.5 cubic feet over the Mazda 3.
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