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Chevrolet Malibu vs Subaru Legacy

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

Vehicles

Chevrolet logo

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

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Subaru logo

2025 Subaru Legacy

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Overview

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetSubaru LegacyLegacy Sedan
Selected trimLS FleetLegacy Sedan
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20252025

Pricing & market

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetSubaru LegacyLegacy Sedan
MSRP$24,700 (best)$26,810
Lowest listing price$8,500 (best)$11,659
Median listing price$18,815 (best)$21,695
Highest listing price$23,831 (best)$26,888
For sale now39 (best)9

Fuel economy & range

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetSubaru LegacyLegacy Sedan
Combined MPG31 MPG (best)30 MPG
City MPG28 MPG (best)27 MPG
Highway MPG36 MPG (best)35 MPG
Fuel tank15.8 gal18.5 gal (best)

Performance

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetSubaru LegacyLegacy Sedan
Horsepower163 hp182 hp (best)
Torque184 lb-ft (best)176 lb-ft
Engine size1.5 L2.5 L (best)
CylindersI4flat 4

Size & capability

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetSubaru LegacyLegacy Sedan
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume15.7 cu ft (best)15.1 cu ft
Curb weight3,135 lbs (best)3,492 lbs
Wheelbase111 in (best)108.3 in
Length194.2 in (best)191.1 in
Width73 in (best)72.4 in
Height57.9 in59.1 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetSubaru LegacyLegacy Sedan
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 ★5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)1None 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.

TrimChevrolet MalibuSubaru Legacy
1

LS Fleet

$24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Legacy Sedan

$26,810 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

LS

$25,800 MSRP

Premium

$29,110 MSRP

3

RS

$26,800 MSRP

Limited

$35,920 MSRP

4

1LT

$28,100 MSRP

Sport

$36,410 MSRP

5

2LT

$31,500 MSRP

Touring XT

$40,110 MSRP

Live inventory

Chevrolet Malibu vs Subaru Legacy FAQ

Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Subaru Legacy 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 2025 Subaru Legacy?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts lower at $24,700. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $8,500. Live Subaru Legacy listings start at $11,659.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,700).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2025 Subaru Legacy?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Legacy (5/5 NHTSA overall).