DecodedCarsChevrolet Malibu vs Honda Civic
2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Honda Civic — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Honda Civic is more fuel-efficient: 49 vs 31 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $800 a year less in fuel for the Honda Civic (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Chevrolet Malibu is the bigger car, about 15 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Chevrolet Malibu has had fewer recall campaigns (41 vs 43).
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 Civic is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,067 lb (1.5l 4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2024 Malibu and the 2024 Civic have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Malibu and the 2016 Civic.
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 want more room (15 in longer)
Choose the Honda Civic if…
- You want lower fuel bills (49 vs 31 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (15 in shorter)
- 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 Civic
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 49 MPG combined — 63% better than the average 2025 midsize car (30 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Many owner complaints106 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the steering.
Full 2025 Chevrolet Malibu specs →Full 2025 Honda Civic specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →