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Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Beetle

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

Vehicles

Chevrolet logo

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Volkswagen logo

2019 Volkswagen Beetle

Overview

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
Selected trimLS Fleet2.0T S
Body styleSedanHatchback
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20252019

Pricing & market

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
MSRP$24,700$20,895 (best)
Lowest listing price$8,500 (best)$29,990
Median listing price$18,787 (best)$29,990
Highest listing price$23,831 (best)$29,990
For sale now40 (best)1

Fuel economy & range

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
Combined MPG31 MPG (best)29 MPG
City MPG28 MPG (best)26 MPG
Highway MPG36 MPG (best)33 MPG
Fuel tank15.8 gal (best)14.5 gal

Performance

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
Horsepower163 hp174 hp (best)
Torque184 lb-ft184 lb-ft
Engine size1.5 L2 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
Seating5 seats (best)4 seats
Doors4 (best)3
Cargo volume15.7 cu ft29.9 cu ft (best)
Payload705 lbs (best)
Curb weight3,135 lbs3,045 lbs (best)
Ground clearance5.7 in (best)
Wheelbase111 in (best)100.1 in
Length194.2 in (best)168.8 in
Width73 in (best)71.9 in
Height57.9 in58.6 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen Beetle2.0T S
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Rollover4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)1 (best)3

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 MalibuVolkswagen Beetle
1

LS Fleet

$24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2.0T S

$20,895 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

LS

$25,800 MSRP

2.0T S

$25,995 MSRP

3

RS

$26,800 MSRP

2.0T Final Edition SE

$23,045 MSRP

4

1LT

$28,100 MSRP

2.0T Final Edition SE

$27,295 MSRP

5

2LT

$31,500 MSRP

2.0T SE

$24,395 MSRP

6

2.0T SE

$28,395 MSRP

7

2.0T Final Edition SEL

$25,995 MSRP

8

2.0T Final Edition SEL

$29,995 MSRP

Live inventory

Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Beetle FAQ

Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2019 Volkswagen Beetle 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 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2019 Volkswagen Beetle starts lower at $20,895. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $8,500. Live Volkswagen Beetle listings start at $29,990.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,895).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle leads on horsepower in this comparison (174).
Which has better seats: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on seats in this comparison (5).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2019 Volkswagen Beetle?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Beetle (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).