Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Focus
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2018 Ford Focus
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Ford FocusS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LS Fleet | S |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2018 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Ford FocusS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,700 | $17,950 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $12,960 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $16,997 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $18,888 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 14 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Ford FocusS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| City MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 34 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal (best) | 12.4 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Ford FocusS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 163 hp (best) | 160 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft (best) | 146 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 2 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Ford FocusS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.7 cu ft (best) | 13.2 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,135 lbs | 2,928 lbs (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in (best) | 104.3 in |
| Length | 194.2 in (best) | 178.7 in |
| Width | 73 in (best) | 71.8 in |
| Height | 57.9 in (best) | 57.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Ford FocusS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 (best) | 7 |
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 | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LS Fleet $24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $17,950 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LS $25,800 MSRP | SE $19,245 MSRP |
| 3 | RS $26,800 MSRP | SE $20,540 MSRP |
| 4 | 1LT $28,100 MSRP | SEL $21,870 MSRP |
| 5 | 2LT $31,500 MSRP | SEL $22,070 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Titanium $24,270 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Titanium $24,470 MSRP |
| 8 | — | ST $25,170 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Electric $29,120 MSRP |
| 10 | — | RS $41,120 MSRP |
Live inventory
Chevrolet Malibu14 for sale
See all
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
2LT
Mineral Gray Metallic•Jet Black, Perforated Leather-Appointed Seat Trim74,259 mi$18,888Jay Hatfield GMC of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Mosaic Black Metallic•Jet Black, Premium Cloth Seat Trim75,729 mi$16,997Jay Hatfield GMC Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Mosaic Black Metallic•Jet Black, Premium Cloth Seat Trim65,354 mi$16,888Jay Hatfield GMC Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2018 Chevrolet Malibu
LT
Pepperdust Metallic•Jet Black, Premium Cloth Seat Trim87,947 mi$12,960Jay Hatfield Chevrolet of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Summit White•Jet Black, Premium Cloth Seat Trim66,502 mi$16,699Jay Hatfield Chevrolet of Pittsburg
Frontenac, KS
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Mosaic Black Metallic•Jet Black, Premium Cloth Seat Trim59,785 mi$16,999Jay Hatfield GMC Chanute
Chanute, KS
Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Focus FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2018 Ford Focus?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2018 Ford Focus on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2018 Ford Focus?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2018 Ford Focus starts lower at $17,950. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $12,960.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2018 Ford Focus?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,950).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2018 Ford Focus?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2018 Ford Focus?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (115).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2018 Ford Focus?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on horsepower in this comparison (350).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2018 Ford Focus?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall); Ford Focus (5/5 NHTSA overall).