2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Subaru Legacy
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Subaru Legacy is the $2,110 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Malibu starting at $24,700 versus the Legacy's $26,810. Performance metrics show the Legacy generating 182 horsepower, outclassing the Malibu's 163 hp, although the Malibu compensates with a higher torque figure of 184 lb-ft compared to the Legacy's 176 lb-ft. Fuel economy presents a narrow advantage for the Malibu, achieving a combined 31 MPG (28 city/36 highway) versus the Legacy’s 30 combined MPG (27 city/35 highway). Dimensionally, the Malibu is longer at 194.2 inches, while the Legacy is taller at 59.1 inches. Finally, the Malibu offers slightly more storage with 15.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Legacy’s 15.1 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu wins for commuters due to its slightly superior combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG versus the Legacy's 30 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu provides marginally more utility with 15.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Legacy's 15.1 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is preferred by enthusiasts because it produces 182 horsepower, significantly more than the Malibu's 163 hp.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu presents superior immediate value by having an MSRP that is $2,110 lower than the Legacy, starting at $24,700.
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...
- Your primary goal is maximizing fuel savings, as it offers 31 combined MPG.
- You require the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $24,700.
- You prefer a slightly higher torque output of 184 lb-ft for low-end acceleration.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- All-wheel drive capability is a mandatory requirement for your driving conditions.
- You prioritize peak engine output, as it provides 182 horsepower.
- You need a taller vehicle profile, with a height of 59.1 inches versus the Malibu's 57.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Malibu | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2" | 191.1" |
| Width | 73.0" | 72.4" |
| Height | 57.9" | 59.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 163 hp @ 5700 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.4/568.8 mi. | 499.5/647.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 55.5 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/65R16 | 225/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Subaru Legacy.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Malibu and 2025 Legacy?
The most significant drivetrain divergence is that the 2025 Subaru Legacy comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is exclusively Front Wheel Drive (FWD). This difference directly impacts traction in low-grip conditions.
How much more horsepower does the Subaru Legacy offer over the Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy generates 182 horsepower from its engine, which is 19 horsepower more than the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu’s 163 hp output. However, the Malibu compensates with 184 lb-ft of torque versus the Legacy’s 176 lb-ft.
Is the price difference substantial between these two sedans?
Yes, there is a notable $2,110 price gap in base MSRP. The Malibu starts at $24,700, while the Legacy has an MSRP of $26,810.
Which sedan offers better fuel efficiency for highway driving?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu has a slight edge on the highway, achieving 36 MPG compared to the Legacy's 35 MPG. Their combined ratings are 31 MPG for the Malibu and 30 MPG for the Legacy.
Are the physical sizes of the two sedans similar?
They are close in dimension, but the Malibu is 3.1 inches longer (194.2 inches vs. 191.1 inches), while the Legacy is 1.2 inches taller (59.1 inches vs. 57.9 inches). Both offer nearly identical cargo space.
Do both vehicles use the same type of automatic transmission?
Both the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Subaru Legacy are equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). They both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
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