Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient at 46 MPG combined, against 25 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,250 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Prius | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,386 | 1,298 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Lighting |
| Crashes and fires | 67 and 38 | 133 and 5 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 89,000 miles | 78,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 6 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 25 MPG | 46 MPG |
| City and highway | 21 and 32 | 48 and 45 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,700 | $1,450 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,386 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 1,298 for the Toyota Prius. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 3 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 6 for the Toyota Prius.