DecodedCarsChevrolet Malibu vs Honda Accord
2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Honda Accord — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Honda Accord is more fuel-efficient: 48 vs 31 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $750 a year less in fuel for the Honda Accord (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Honda Accord is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Chevrolet Malibu has had fewer recall campaigns (41 vs 49).
The two cars
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,126 lb (Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan).
The 2025 Honda Accord is a large car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive. It measures about 196 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,292 lb (Base 4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2024 Malibu and the 2024 Accord have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Malibu and the 2018 Accord.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if…
- You put reliability history first (41 vs 49 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Honda Accord if…
- You want lower fuel bills (48 vs 31 MPG)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Pros & cons of each
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
2025 Honda Accord
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 48 MPG combined — 91% better than the average 2025 large car (25.1 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Modest powerUp to 192 hp, versus about 260 hp for similar 2025 models.
- Many owner complaints120 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Full 2025 Chevrolet Malibu specs →Full 2025 Honda Accord specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →