DecodedCarsChevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry
2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Toyota Camry — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota Camry is more fuel-efficient: 51 vs 31 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $850 a year less in fuel for the Toyota Camry (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Chevrolet Malibu has had fewer recall campaigns (41 vs 44).
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 Toyota Camry is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,627 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
Buying used? The 2024 Malibu and the 2024 Camry have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Malibu and the 2018 Camry.
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…
It doesn't clearly beat the Toyota Camry on any measure we track.
Choose the Toyota Camry if…
- You want lower fuel bills (51 vs 31 MPG)
- You need AWD or 4WD
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
2025 Toyota Camry
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 51 MPG combined — 70% better than the average 2025 midsize car (30 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Modest powerUp to 184 hp, versus about 260 hp for similar 2025 models.
- Many owner complaints173 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Full 2025 Chevrolet Malibu specs →Full 2025 Toyota Camry specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →