Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Rabbit
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Volkswagen RabbitS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LS Fleet | S |
| Body style | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2009 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Volkswagen RabbitS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,700 | $16,300 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $13,359 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $17,396 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $20,398 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 17 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Volkswagen RabbitS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 21 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal (best) | 14.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Volkswagen RabbitS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 163 hp | 170 hp (best) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft (best) | 177 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I5 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Volkswagen RabbitS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 3 |
| Cargo volume | 15.7 cu ft (best) | 15 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,135 lbs | 2,975 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in (best) | 101.5 in |
| Length | 194.2 in (best) | 165.8 in |
| Width | 73 in (best) | 69.3 in |
| Height | 57.9 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet MalibuLS Fleet | Volkswagen RabbitS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| 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 (best) | 2 |
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 | Volkswagen Rabbit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LS Fleet $24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $16,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LS $25,800 MSRP | S $17,400 MSRP |
| 3 | RS $26,800 MSRP | S $19,340 MSRP |
| 4 | 1LT $28,100 MSRP | S PZEV $16,300 MSRP |
| 5 | 2LT $31,500 MSRP | S PZEV $17,400 MSRP |
| 6 | — | S PZEV $19,340 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Base $23,830 MSRP |
| 8 | — | PZEV $23,830 MSRP |
| 9 | — | PZEV $24,330 MSRP |
Live inventory
Chevrolet Malibu17 for sale
See all
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Mosaic Black Metallic•Jet Black, Premium Cloth Seat Trim65,354 mi$17,287Jay Hatfield Chevrolet Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Mosaic Black Metallic•Jet Black, Premium Cloth Seat Trim59,785 mi$17,398Jay Hatfield Chevrolet Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Mosaic Black Metallic•Jet Black, Premium Cloth Seat Trim75,729 mi$17,396Jay Hatfield Chevrolet Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2024 Chevrolet Malibu
1LT
Sterling Gray Metallic•Dark Atmosphere/ Medium Ash Gray, Premium Cloth Seat Trim68,156 mi$18,260Jay Hatfield Chevrolet Chanute
Chanute, KS
Used2019 Chevrolet Malibu
LT
Mosaic Black Metallic•Jet Black84,559 mi$15,046Jay Hatfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ponca City
Ponca City, OK
Used2023 Chevrolet Malibu
FWD 1LT
Dark Ash Metallic•Jet Black68,795 mi$16,233Jay Hatfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ponca City
Ponca City, OK
Chevrolet Malibu vs Volkswagen Rabbit FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit starts lower at $16,300. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $13,359.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (16,300).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (31).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit leads on horsepower in this comparison (200).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall).