Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is more fuel-efficient at 30 MPG combined, against 26 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. At EPA assumptions that is about $350 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 2,356 | 1,770 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Air bags |
| Crashes and fires | 64 and 13 | 276 and 16 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 100,000 miles | 24,000 miles |
| Recalls | 5 | 13 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| City and highway | 22 and 33 | 27 and 35 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,600 | $2,250 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 2,356 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 1,770 for the Toyota Corolla. 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: 5 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 13 for the Toyota Corolla.