Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2020 Kia Optima
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LS Fleet | LX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2020 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,700 | $23,390 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| City MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 35 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal | 18.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 163 hp | 185 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.7 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,135 lbs (best) | 3,230 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in (best) | 110.4 in |
| Length | 194.2 in (best) | 191.1 in |
| Width | 73 in | 73.2 in (best) |
| Height | 57.9 in (best) | 57.7 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Kia OptimaLX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ★ | 5 / 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 | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Optima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LS Fleet $24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LS $25,800 MSRP | S $24,890 MSRP |
| 3 | RS $26,800 MSRP | SE $26,390 MSRP |
| 4 | 1LT $28,100 MSRP | EX $27,190 MSRP |
| 5 | 2LT $31,500 MSRP | EX $29,310 MSRP |
| 6 | — | EX Premium $30,190 MSRP |
| 7 | — | SX $32,190 MSRP |
| 8 | — | EX $36,090 MSRP |