Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient at 50 MPG combined, against 26 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) | 2,209 | 3,487 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Brakes |
| Crashes and fires | 72 and 17 | 255 and 22 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 82,000 miles | 7,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 10 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 26 MPG | 50 MPG |
| City and highway | 22 and 33 | 51 and 48 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,600 | $1,350 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 2,209 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 3,487 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, 10 for the Toyota Prius.