2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Mazda 3
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the practical dependability of the 2025 Chevy Malibu and the refined performance of the 2026 Mazda 3 often comes down to size versus sprightliness. Buyers looking for sheer volume will immediately notice the Malibu’s 194.2-inch length, which translates to a slightly more accommodating 15.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft. However, the Mazda punches above its weight class in the engine bay, boasting 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Malibu’s 163 hp. Despite the power gap, their efficiency is nearly identical, with the Malibu achieving a combined 31 MPG versus the Mazda’s 30 MPG. If your priority is saving a little at the pump and maximizing interior room, the Malibu starts at $24,700, while the slightly pricier, more potent Mazda 3 comes in at $24,550 (note: the Mazda has a lower MSRP despite its power advantage).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu wins for commuters due to its better highway efficiency, achieving 36 MPG highway compared to the Mazda 3's equal 36 MPG highway but slightly lower combined 31 MPG rating.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The larger 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers 15.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is notably superior for family errands compared to the 13.2 cu ft in the Mazda 3.
2026 Mazda 3
The 2026 Mazda 3 is the enthusiast choice as it produces a significant 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Malibu’s 163 hp.
2026 Mazda 3
The 2026 Mazda 3 provides 23 more horsepower for only $150 less in base MSRP, making it the superior performance value proposition.
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...
- You prioritize maximum sedan cargo volume, as the Malibu offers 15.7 cu ft.
- You need the slightly better fuel economy edge, hitting 31 combined MPG.
- You prefer the roomier dimensions provided by the Malibu's 194.2-inch length.
Choose the Mazda 3 if...
- You want superior engine output, benefiting from 186 hp.
- You appreciate the traditional feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You are looking for the most performance per dollar, starting at a lower MSRP of $24,550.
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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
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 | 186 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | 27/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.4/568.8 mi. | 356.4/475.2 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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| 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. | 34.4 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 | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
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 2026 Mazda 3.
Is the 2025 Malibu or 2026 Mazda 3 faster in a straight line?
The 2026 Mazda 3 is expected to be notably faster, sporting 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2025 Malibu only produces 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This 23 hp difference means the Mazda will accelerate with more urgency.
How much more storage space does the Malibu have over the Mazda 3?
The Chevrolet Malibu has a clear advantage in trunk space, offering 15.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Mazda 3 sedan is tighter inside, measuring just 13.2 cubic feet, making the Malibu better for grocery runs.
Which car is better for highway driving efficiency?
Both cars are close, but the 2025 Malibu technically leads with a combined EPA rating of 31 MPG (28 city/36 highway). The 2026 Mazda 3 achieves 30 combined MPG (27 city/36 highway), meaning highway efficiency is identical, but the Malibu is better around town.
Do these cars use different types of transmissions?
Yes, they utilize very different setups; the Malibu employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the Mazda 3 sticks to a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Is there a big price difference between the base models?
The difference is minimal, making the Mazda 3 a strong value. The 2026 Mazda 3 starts at $24,550, while the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts at $24,700, meaning the Mazda undercuts the Chevy by $150.
What is the difference in physical size between the two sedans?
The Malibu is significantly longer, measuring 194.2 inches compared to the Mazda 3's 183.5 inches, making the Chevy a larger overall vehicle in footprint.
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