2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Toyota Camry

$24,700 · Sedan

$29,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the dependable 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the all-new 2026 Toyota Camry often boils down to budget versus long-term running costs and performance. Buyers looking to save upfront will immediately notice the Malibu starts at a very attractive $24,700, significantly undercutting the Camry's $29,000 MSRP by $4,300. However, that initial savings comes at the expense of efficiency; the Malibu returns a combined 31 MPG, whereas the hybrid Camry boasts an exceptional 51 MPG combined, meaning the Camry will save substantial money at the pump over time. Furthermore, performance enthusiasts will lean toward the Camry, which delivers 225 hp compared to the Malibu's 163 hp, showcasing a clear 62 hp gap. Despite these differences, both sedans offer comparable dimensions, with the Malibu being slightly longer at 194.2 inches, while the Camry is narrower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Camry

The 2026 Camry's massive 51 MPG combined rating offers vastly superior daily running economy for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu offers a slightly roomier exterior package at 194.2 inches in length and has a slightly larger 15.7 cu ft cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Camry

The Camry is significantly more potent, generating 225 hp versus the Malibu's 163 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu secures the value win due to its $4,300 lower starting MSRP of $24,700.

Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...

You prioritize the lowest possible initial purchase price, saving $4,300 upfront.
Your driving is primarily highway-based where the Malibu's 36 MPG highway rating is competitive.
You need marginally more physical space, as the Malibu is 1.2 inches taller and has 0.6 cu ft more cargo space.

Choose the Toyota Camry if...

You want superior long-term running costs due to the Camry's 51 MPG combined fuel economy.
You desire substantially better acceleration, benefitting from the 225 hp engine.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint for city parking (72.4 inches width).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Malibu	Toyota Camry
Length	194.2"	193.5"
Width	73.0"	72.4"
Height	57.9"	56.9"
Wheelbase	111.0"	111.2"

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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	163 hp @ 5700 rpm	225 hp
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	52/49 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	51 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.4/568.8 mi.	676.0/637.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	13.0 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	55.4 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.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	54.6 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	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/65R16	P205/65R16
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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 2026 Toyota Camry.

How much more efficient is the 2026 Camry than the 2025 Malibu?

The efficiency gap is substantial; the 2026 Toyota Camry achieves an impressive 51 MPG combined, while the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers 31 MPG combined. This means you will be stopping for gas significantly less often with the Camry.

Is the performance difference between the two sedans noticeable?

Yes, the performance difference is quite noticeable, favoring the Camry. The Camry produces 225 hp, a 62 hp advantage over the Malibu's 163 hp rating. This will translate to quicker merging and passing power in the Camry.

Which sedan is cheaper to buy right now?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is the clear budget choice with an MSRP of $24,700 compared to the Camry's $29,000. If upfront cost is your main concern, the Malibu saves you $4,300 on the sticker price.

Which car has more power when using regular unleaded fuel?

Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel, but the 2026 Toyota Camry offers significantly more power at 225 hp. The Malibu provides 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Are the sizes very different for parking?

Not drastically, but the Camry is slightly smaller in two dimensions, measuring 193.5 inches long and 72.4 inches wide. The Malibu is 194.2 inches long and 73.0 inches wide, making the Malibu marginally larger overall.

What is the cargo capacity difference between the two models?

The 2025 Malibu offers a slight edge in trunk space with 15.7 cubic feet of capacity. The 2026 Camry trails slightly with 15.1 cubic feet, a difference of 0.6 cubic feet.