2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta

$24,700 · Sedan

$22,995 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu arrives as the larger, slightly more potent contender, boasting 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0L engine, wrapped in a longer 194.2-inch frame. It trades a bit of fuel efficiency for comfort, achieving a combined 31 MPG. Contrast this with the zippy 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, which undercuts the Malibu with a lower MSRP of $22,995 while still delivering 184 lb-ft of torque, albeit with 158 horsepower. The Jetta excels in efficiency, boasting a stellar 33 MPG combined, and its smaller dimensions (186.5 inches long) make it nimble. While the Malibu offers a fraction more utility with 15.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Jetta's 14.1 cu ft, the Jetta brings superior fuel economy and a lower entry price to this engaging midsize sedan showdown.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta wins for commuters due to its superior 33 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu offers greater interior space and utility, evidenced by its 15.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu provides a slight edge in outright power with 163 horsepower compared to the Jetta's 158 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is the better value proposition, starting at a lower MSRP of $22,995.

Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...

You prioritize a slightly more powerful engine delivering 163 horsepower.
You need maximum trunk space, as the Malibu offers 15.7 cubic feet.
You prefer the greater physical presence provided by its 194.2-inch length.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta if...

Saving money upfront is critical, with an MSRP starting at $22,995.
Maximizing highway range is key, given its impressive 39 MPG highway rating.
You prefer the responsiveness of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Malibu	Volkswagen Jetta
Length	194.2"	186.5"
Width	73.0"	70.8"
Height	57.9"	57.7"
Wheelbase	111.0"	105.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	163 hp @ 5700 rpm	158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 1750 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	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	29/39 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.4/568.8 mi.	382.8/514.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 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)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.0 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	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	51.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
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	205/60R H
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta.

Which sedan is more fuel-efficient for long highway drives?

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta holds the efficiency crown, boasting an excellent 39 MPG on the highway compared to the Malibu's 36 MPG highway rating. This means fewer stops at the pump for Jetta owners.

How do the performance figures compare between the two models?

The Chevrolet Malibu offers a marginal performance advantage with 163 horsepower, slightly edging out the Volkswagen Jetta's 158 horsepower. However, both vehicles deliver the same peak torque of 184 lb-ft.

Is the 2025 Malibu significantly larger than the Jetta?

Yes, the Malibu is noticeably larger, measuring 194.2 inches long compared to the Jetta's 186.5 inches. This results in the Malibu providing more overall passenger volume and 1.6 cubic feet more cargo capacity (15.7 vs 14.1 cu ft).

What is the key transmission difference affecting the driving feel?

The Malibu utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), known for smooth operation but sometimes perceived as less engaging. The Jetta features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for more defined gear changes.

Which vehicle has the lower starting price?

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is the more budget-friendly option, entering the market at an MSRP of $22,995. The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts slightly higher at $24,700.