The Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord are easily two of the best mid-size sedans on the market. Both vehicles have a history of reliability, so it makes sense if you aren’t sure which to purchase. With that said, let’s compare the Chevy Malibu vs. Honda Accord.
2024 Chevy Malibu vs. 2024 Honda Accord
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu and 2024 Honda Accord will surely be two of the most popular sedans on the market. Last year, the Malibu and Accord were two of the top-selling vehicles. But why is that?
Price
The best thing about Chevrolet and Honda is that neither charges a lot for their vehicles – and aside from compacts, mid-size sedans are the cheapest cars anyone can purchase. Of these two, the Chevrolet Malibu LS is the most affordable option, with a starting MSRP of $25,100. However, the Accord isn’t too far behind at $27,895.
The difference is about $3K, which isn’t that much when you’re paying for a car.
Fuel Economy
Mid-size sedans tend to get high gas mileage. In fact, it’s one of the reasons many people purchase them. Both the Malibu and the Accord get high mileage, which is why they’re two of the top choices, but the Chevrolet is clearly the winner of this battle.
The Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine, which gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Comparatively, the Honda Accord has a 1.5-liter engine that achieves 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Of course, that mileage comes with a trade-off. The Accord’s larger engine means worse mileage, but more get-up-and-go. If power is your main concern, it may be worth it to get a Honda Accord.
Reliability
In the past, both of these vehicles have had excellent reliability, and that isn’t changing with the 2023 models. While it may surprise some, the Chevrolet Malibu has the best reliability rating with J.D. Power and Associates. It received a 85 score out of 100, placing it among the best cars out there. The Honda Accord isn’t too far behind with 81 out 100, which is better than most. U.S. News ranked the Honda Accord as the third best mid-size car for reliability, while the Chevrolet Malibu is number one.
Handling
As mentioned before, the Honda Accord has much more power than the Chevrolet Malibu. This plays a part in handling. Driving this vehicle feels quicker than others. It’s responsive, composed, and easy-to-drive, making it accessible for any driver. The 2024 Accord model has been redesigned this year with a much more polished ride.
The Chevrolet Malibu handles itself well, but it definitely suffers from the tuning of its 1.5-liter engine. The acceleration is mediocre at best. The sporty handling and strong brakes make it an ideal car for a first-time driver. Despite the feel, some drivers may feel the need to upgrade the engine, which can cost more and may affect your mileage.
