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Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Passat

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

Vehicles

Chevrolet logo

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

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Volkswagen logo

2022 Volkswagen Passat

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Overview

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen PassatSE
Selected trimLS FleetSE
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20252022

Pricing & market

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen PassatSE
MSRP$24,700 (best)$27,575
Lowest listing price$12,960 (best)—
Median listing price$16,997 (best)—
Highest listing price$18,888 (best)—
For sale now14 (best)0

Fuel economy & range

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen PassatSE
Combined MPG31 MPG (best)28 MPG
City MPG28 MPG (best)24 MPG
Highway MPG36 MPG36 MPG
Fuel tank15.8 gal18.5 gal (best)

Performance

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen PassatSE
Horsepower163 hp174 hp (best)
Torque184 lb-ft206 lb-ft (best)
Engine size1.5 L2 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen PassatSE
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume15.7 cu ft15.9 cu ft (best)
Payload—948 lbs (best)
Curb weight3,135 lbs (best)3,314 lbs
Wheelbase111 in (best)110.4 in
Length194.2 in (best)193.6 in
Width73 in (best)72.6 in
Height57.9 in58.7 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetVolkswagen PassatSE
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)3 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)3 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
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 MalibuVolkswagen Passat
1

LS Fleet

$24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing)

SE

$27,575 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

LS

$25,800 MSRP

R-Line

$29,575 MSRP

3

RS

$26,800 MSRP

Limited Edition

$30,575 MSRP

4

1LT

$28,100 MSRP

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5

2LT

$31,500 MSRP

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Live inventory

Chevrolet Malibu14 for sale

See all

Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Passat FAQ

Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat 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 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts lower at $24,700. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $12,960.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,700).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat leads on horsepower in this comparison (174).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Passat (4/5 NHTSA overall).