Which Chevy Is Your Chevy? 2018 Impala vs. 2018 Malibu | | CommunityCars.com Blog

Chevrolet makes so many great products that it’s often hard for consumers to choose which Chevy they want. The automaker gets some of the highest marks available from reviewers for its vehicles’ comfort and reliability. Often the choice between Chevy vehicles comes down to what vehicle best suits consumers’ needs and budget.

Consider the 2018 Chevy Malibu and the 2018 Chevy Impala. Both vehicles, now available at Spencer Chevrolet dealers, are well-regarded sedans that offer buyers a variety of different features. A closer look at the two vehicles will help consumers find the Chevy that’s right for them.

Performance

The Impala is the vehicle you want for quick acceleration and outstanding response, but the Malibu is no slouch, either.

The Malibu’s base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter that generates 160 horsepower. The Malibu’s base engine provides enough power to make urban driving pleasant, but its acceleration isn’t anything to write home about. Consumers can opt for a more powerful 2.0-liter engine that generates 260 horsepower that’s a lot more fun, but be prepared to pay extra for it.

On the road, reviewers say the Malibu is a more-than-competent commuter vehicle. The Malibu offers a smooth, composed ride and handles well in the city and on the highway.

The Impala’s base engine is a four-cylinder that puts out 197 horsepower. Consumers can also opt for a 305-horsepower V6.

While the base Impala engine delivers more horsepower than the base Malibu engine, the base Malibu accelerates better, thanks to the Malibu’s smaller size. The Impala’s V6 blows the Malibu’s 2.0-liter out of the water, however, providing superior acceleration and a very fun driving experience.

On the road, reviewers say the Impala offers a good driving experience. While the base engine is a little under-powered, the V6 makes zipping around other vehicles on the highway a breeze. The Impala handles curves and cornering well for a larger sedan, and the vehicle offers a smooth ride over most surfaces.

Fuel Economy

The Impala’s larger size weighs against it when stacked against the Malibu to evaluate fuel economy. The base Malibu gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The Impala gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. For drivers who see fuel economy as their biggest concern, the difference between the two vehicles’ mileage makes the Malibu the preferred choice.

While fuel prices are currently low, there’s no predicting what market forces or geopolitical events could cause them to spike again. Motorists should certainly take fuel efficiency and the environment into consideration when purchasing a new vehicle.

Interior

The Impala has a big advantage over the Malibu in terms of cabin room and the quality of cabin materials. The Impala’s cabin uses almost luxury level materials, making it very comfortable and pleasant.

The Malibu has pretty good head and legroom, but you can’t stretch out as much as you can in the Impala. Both vehicles seat up to five people, but the back seat can get a little crowded in the Malibu.

The Malibu is fairly ordinary in terms of interior materials. The seats are comfortable and there are abundant soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin. The Malibu’s interior by no means looks cheap, but it’s just not up to the same standard as the Impala. On upper trim levels of the Malibu, buyers can opt for premium features such as leather upholstery and chrome trim.

The Impala and the Malibu each are equipped with LATCH car-seat connectors, but they’re a little easier to find in the Malibu.

The Impala has some pretty generous standard tech features, including three USB ports, satellite radio, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen, OnStar with 4G LTE, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Malibu’s standard tech features are less generous.

One of the great things about Chevy vehicles is their MyLink infotainment system. MyLink is one of the most user-friendly and reliable infotainment systems on the market, and both the Impala and the Malibu are equipped with it; however, MyLink is only available on upper trim levels of the Malibu.

Cargo Space

Consumers seeking a large cargo area for hauling office supplies or luggage will be impressed with the space offered by the Impala. The Impala has one of the largest trunks in its class, offering 18.8 cubic feet of room for groceries and gear. The Malibu offers 15.8 cubic feet of space in its trunk, which is about average for a vehicle its size. According to reviewers, the Impala’s trunk is also easier to access and use than that of the Malibu.

Reliability

Chevy is one of the best American automakers in terms of reliability, with Chevrolet cars consistently scoring well on J.D. Power and Associates annual studies. The Malibu has a significant advantage in terms of reliability, however. Malibus have a near-perfect 4.5-star rating from J.D. Power and Associates, while Impalas earn a still-impressive 3.5-star rating. Each vehicle is backed by a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Good reliability means that your vehicle will have a lower cost of ownership over time, as you will spend less time and money in auto repair shops. A good reliability score alone won’t guarantee that you’ll stay out of the shop, however. You also must drive responsibly and keep up with the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Safety

The Chevy Malibu has an edge over its larger sibling when it comes to safety. While both the 2018 Impala and the 2018 Malibu earn five-star overall ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Malibu offers a few more safety features.

The Malibu and Impala each offer a rearview camera, forward collision monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Consumers can get even more safety features with the Malibu, however. Malibu vehicles come standard with a system that reminds them to check their back seats for children or pets after parking the vehicle.

Malibu buyers can also opt for a 360-degree camera and the Chevy Teen Driver system. The Chevy Teen Driver system allows parents to set speed and audio volume limits when their young drivers are operating the vehicle.

Price

If budget is your primary concern when purchasing a new vehicle, the Malibu is probably the vehicle for you. A base model Malibu is significantly less expensive than a new Impala. The MSRP for a 2018 Chevy Malibu is $21,680, while the MSRP for a new Impala is $26,779.

A fully loaded Malibu will set you back about $30,975, while a fully loaded Impala costs around $36,420. For consumers intending to finance the purchase of a new vehicle, now is the time to do it, as interest rates remain at record lows.

Both the 2018 Chevy Impala and the 2018 Chevy Malibu are incredibly solid automobiles that are reliable and offer plenty of features to their buyers. For families in need of a practical, affordable sedan, the Malibu is an excellent choice. For consumers who want a little more cargo space, more upscale trappings, and a more powerful engine, upper trim levels of the Impala are the right pick.

The dealer you do business with matters because good dealers are better able to work with you on price and will provide the maintenance support you need after the sale. Community Chevy is a Spencer Chevrolet dealership offering Indiana residents great deals on new and pre-owned Chevrolet vehicles. If you’re shopping for a new Impala or Malibu, stop by today and check out the dealership’s large inventory of Chevrolet cars.

Sources

1.https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/chevrolet-impala-vs-chevrolet-malibu

2. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/chevrolet/impala

3.https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/chevrolet/malibu/2018/specs/malibu-premier-390996

Photo Credit: Chevrolet Media