Chevrolet Malibu vs Mazda 6
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Mazda 6
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 6Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LS Fleet | Sport |
| 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 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 6Sport |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,700 | $24,475 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $8,500 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $18,815 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $23,831 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 39 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 6Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| City MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 35 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal | 16.4 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 6Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 163 hp | 187 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 6Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.7 cu ft (best) | 14.7 cu ft |
| Payload | — | 1,036 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,135 lbs (best) | 3,437 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 6.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | 111.4 in (best) |
| Length | 194.2 in (best) | 192.7 in |
| Width | 73 in (best) | 72.4 in |
| Height | 57.9 in (best) | 57.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Mazda 6Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 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 6 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LS Fleet $24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Sport $24,475 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LS $25,800 MSRP | Touring $27,075 MSRP |
| 3 | RS $26,800 MSRP | Grand Touring $30,175 MSRP |
| 4 | 1LT $28,100 MSRP | Grand Touring Reserve $32,675 MSRP |
| 5 | 2LT $31,500 MSRP | Carbon Edition $32,950 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Signature $35,900 MSRP |
Live inventory
Chevrolet Malibu39 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 6 FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2021 Mazda 6?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2021 Mazda 6 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 2021 Mazda 6?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Mazda 6 starts lower at $24,475. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $8,500.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2021 Mazda 6?
- The 2021 Mazda 6 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,475).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2021 Mazda 6?
- The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2021 Mazda 6?
- The 2021 Mazda 6 leads on horsepower in this comparison (227).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2021 Mazda 6?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall).