Chevrolet Malibu vs Mazda 3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Mazda 3
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LS Fleet | 2.5 S |
| 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 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,700 | $24,550 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $8,500 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $18,787 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $23,831 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 40 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| City MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 163 hp | 186 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.7 cu ft (best) | 13.2 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,135 lbs | 3,111 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in (best) | 107.3 in |
| Length | 194.2 in (best) | 183.5 in |
| Width | 73 in (best) | 70.7 in |
| Height | 57.9 in (best) | 56.9 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| 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) | 1 | None reported (best) |
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 | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LS Fleet $24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 S $24,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LS $25,800 MSRP | 2.5 S $25,550 MSRP |
| 3 | RS $26,800 MSRP | 2.5 S Select Sport $25,440 MSRP |
| 4 | 1LT $28,100 MSRP | 2.5 S Select Sport $26,740 MSRP |
| 5 | 2LT $31,500 MSRP | 2.5 S Preferred $27,090 MSRP |
| 6 | — | 2.5 S Preferred $28,440 MSRP |
| 7 | — | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $30,210 MSRP |
| 8 | — | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $31,360 MSRP |
| 9 | — | 2.5 S Premium $31,450 MSRP |
| 10 | — | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $36,740 MSRP |
| 11 | — | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $37,890 MSRP |
Live inventory
Chevrolet Malibu40 for sale
See all
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Sterling Grey Metallic•Jet Black31,003 mi$20,597Northwest Motor Group
Pasco, WA
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Summit White•Jet Black34,941 mi$20,999Northwest Motor Group
Pasco, WA
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
LT
Sterling Gray Metallic•Jet Black53,171 mi$18,288Classic Kia Smithfield
Smithfield, NC
Used2025 Chevrolet Malibu
RS
Sterling Gray Metallic•Black30,764 mi$23,831Fred Anderson Toyota of Charleston
Charleston, SC
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
LT
Sterling Gray Metallic•Black57,393 mi$18,674Honda of Lake City
Lake City, FL
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
LT
Gray•Black57,000 mi$19,796Nissan of Orange Park
Jacksonville, FL
Chevrolet Malibu vs Mazda 3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Mazda 3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Mazda 3 starts lower at $24,550. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $8,500.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,550).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (227).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Mazda 3?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall).