2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Toyota Prius

$24,700 · Sedan

$28,350 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu bursts onto the scene as the financially astute choice, starting at a compelling $24,700 MSRP, while the 2025 Toyota Prius captivates with undeniable eco-performance swagger. The Malibu offers respectable efficiency at 31 MPG combined from its 163 hp engine, presenting a straightforward, capacious sedan structure measuring 194.2 inches long. Conversely, the redesigned Prius flaunts dramatic styling backed by a potent 194 hp hybrid system, achieving an astonishing 57 MPG combined. This efficiency gulf means the Malibu burns significantly more fuel despite being $3,650 cheaper upfront. The Prius also boasts superior utility with 23.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Malibu's 15.7 cu ft, making it a vastly more versatile vehicle, even though the Malibu provides a slightly punchier low-end torque delivery at 184 lb-ft versus the Prius's unlisted figure.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Prius

The Prius’s phenomenal 57 MPG combined rating far outweighs the Malibu’s 31 MPG for daily, high-mileage driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Prius

The Prius offers significantly more flexible utility with 23.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Malibu’s 15.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Prius

The Prius delivers 31 more horsepower, reaching 194 hp for a noticeably quicker acceleration experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu presents a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $24,700, undercutting the Prius by $3,650.

Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...

Your primary concern is the initial purchase price, as the Malibu starts $3,650 cheaper.
You prefer the traditional sedan silhouette and a length of 194.2 inches.
You prioritize its 184 lb-ft of torque delivery paired with regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Toyota Prius if...

Achieving 57 MPG combined fuel economy is essential for reducing operating costs.
You need substantial storage, as the Prius offers 23.8 cu ft, beating the Malibu by over 8 cu ft.
You want superior on-road output with 194 hp, which is significantly more than the Malibu’s 163 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Malibu	Toyota Prius
Length	194.2"	181.1"
Width	73.0"	70.2"
Height	57.9"	55.9"
Wheelbase	111.0"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
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	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	163 hp @ 5700 rpm	194 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2500 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	57/56 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	57 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.4/568.8 mi.	644.1/632.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	11.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
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	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 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	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	43.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	55.3 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	54.7 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	Toyota
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	36.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	34.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	52.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	51.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/65R16	195/60R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2025 Toyota Prius.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Toyota Prius compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu?

The 2025 Toyota Prius carries an MSRP of $28,350, making it $3,650 more expensive than the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, which starts at $24,700.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for long road trips?

The Prius is the undisputed champion here, achieving a combined 57 MPG compared to the Malibu's 31 MPG combined rating.

Does the Malibu have more horsepower than the Prius?

No, the 2025 Prius boasts 194 hp, which is a notable 31 hp advantage over the 2025 Malibu’s 163 hp output.

Is the Malibu significantly larger than the Prius hatchback?

The Malibu is longer at 194.2 inches compared to the Prius's 181.1 inches, but the Prius offers superior volume with 23.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the Malibu’s 15.7 cu ft.