Acura RSX vs Chevrolet Malibu
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
Overview
| Spec | Acura RSXBase | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | LS Fleet |
| Body style | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2006 | 2025 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RSXBase | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,325 (best) | $24,700 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RSXBase | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG | 31 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 24 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 15.8 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RSXBase | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 163 hp (best) |
| Torque | 139 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RSXBase | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 16 cu ft (best) | 15.7 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 2,734 lbs (best) | 3,135 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in | 111 in (best) |
| Length | 172.4 in | 194.2 in (best) |
| Width | 67.9 in | 73 in (best) |
| Height | 54.9 in | 57.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RSXBase | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RSX | Chevrolet Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $20,325 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LS Fleet $24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $21,225 MSRP | LS $25,800 MSRP |
| 3 | Base $21,475 MSRP | RS $26,800 MSRP |
| 4 | Base $22,375 MSRP | 1LT $28,100 MSRP |
| 5 | Type-S $23,845 MSRP | 2LT $31,500 MSRP |