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.
| 2025 Chevrolet Malibu | 2025 Honda Accord | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Midsize Cars | Large Cars |
| Engines | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | ★★★★★ | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 31 MPG | 48 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 28 city | 51 city |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $2,150 | $1,400 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | – | 192 hp |
| Driver-assist features standard | 10 | 12 |
| Length | 193.7 in | 195.7 in |
| Width | 72.8 in | 73.2 in |
| Height | 57.5 in | 57.1 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 3,126 lb | 3,292 lb |
| Recalls (2025) | 1 | 3 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 41 | 49 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 12 | 120 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 20,204 | 44,520 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Year to avoid | 2016 | 2018 |
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 →