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Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia K5

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Chevrolet logo

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

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Kia logo

2026 Kia K5

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Overview

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetKia K5LXS
Selected trimLS FleetLXS
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20252026

Pricing & market

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetKia K5LXS
MSRP$24,700 (best)$27,490
Lowest listing price$15,103$14,993 (best)
Median listing price$18,854 (best)$30,829
Highest listing price$23,831 (best)$41,233
For sale now36505 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetKia K5LXS
Combined MPG31 MPG (best)30 MPG
City MPG28 MPG (best)26 MPG
Highway MPG36 MPG37 MPG (best)
Fuel tank15.8 gal15.8 gal

Performance

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetKia K5LXS
Horsepower163 hp191 hp (best)
Torque184 lb-ft (best)181 lb-ft
Engine size1.5 L2.5 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetKia K5LXS
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume15.7 cu ft (best)15.6 cu ft
Curb weight3,135 lbs (best)3,230 lbs
Ground clearance—5.3 in (best)
Wheelbase111 in112.2 in (best)
Length194.2 in (best)193.1 in
Width73 in73.2 in (best)
Height57.9 in (best)56.9 in

Safety & recalls

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetKia K5LXS
NHTSA overall5 / 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 pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)11

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.

TrimChevrolet MalibuKia K5
1

LS Fleet

$24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing)

LXS

$27,490 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

LS

$25,800 MSRP

GT-Line

$28,490 MSRP

3

RS

$26,800 MSRP

GT-Line

$30,090 MSRP

4

1LT

$28,100 MSRP

GT

$33,590 MSRP

5

2LT

$31,500 MSRP

EX

$34,990 MSRP

Live inventory

Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia K5 FAQ

Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Kia K5?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Kia K5 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 2026 Kia K5?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts lower at $24,700. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $15,103. Live Kia K5 listings start at $14,993.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Kia K5?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,700).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Kia K5?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Kia K5?
The 2026 Kia K5 leads on horsepower in this comparison (290).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Kia K5?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall); Kia K5 (5/5 NHTSA overall).