The 2024 Chevy Malibu Only Has 1 Big Advantage Over the Toyota Camry
The Chevrolet Malibu is one of many players in the midsize sedan class, and it is often overshadowed by the sales champion of the group, the Toyota Camry. Part of the Malibu playing second fiddle to the Camry among buyers is the Chevy is viewed as an aged and nearly defunct model compared to many of its rivals. In fact, the Malibu has only one significant advantage over the Camry.
Tale of the tape: the 2024 Camry vs. the 2024 Malibu
The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu is motivated by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. The engine pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The 2024 Chevy Malibu is available in four trims. The LS is the base model and comes equipped with keyless entry and ignition, cloth upholstery, a manually-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a six-speaker sound system, and remote engine start. Driver’s aids include cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with steer assist, a rear seat reminder, and automatic headlights. An 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are also included in the base model. Lastly, 16-inch aluminum wheels are standard.
The 2024 Toyota Camry is powered by a four-cylinder engine developing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment for the Toyota includes 17-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Camry is equipped with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition as standard.
The Chevy Malibu has a pricing advantage over the Camry
The base Toyota Camry and Chevy Malibu share many of the same standard features, but the Chevy has a distinct advantage in base price over the Toyota.
The 2024 Malibu starts at $26,195 MSRP with destination charges, while the 2024 Camry commands $27,515, giving the Chevy a $1,320 lower starting price. Buyers can also opt for the Malibu’s RS trim, which includes added features like 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust, blacked-out exterior badges and grill, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-adjustable driver’s seat for $27,095, which is several hundred dollars less than the base Camry.
The 2024 Toyota Camry costs more but offers several notable advantages
Though the 2024 Chevy Malibu can be had for less dough at the dealer than the 2024 Toyota Camry, the Toyota has clear benefits in other crucial areas.
The Camry’s base engine delivers 43 more hp and is more efficient— the Malibu returns a 30 combined mpg rating to the Camry’s 32 mpg. Additionally, those who put a premium on fuel economy can opt for the Camry Hybrid, while a hybridized Malibu isn’t offered. The Camry can also be had with an optional V6 engine for additional power and has optional all-wheel drive, while the Malibu is only offered with FWD.
The Malibu’s interior offers slightly more passenger space, but the Toyota’s interior is slightly less bare bones. Toyota also has an earned reputation of steadfast reliability, something Chevrolet can’t necessarily tout.
