Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is more fuel-efficient at 34 MPG combined, against 32 MPG for the Chevrolet Malibu. At EPA assumptions that is about $150 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 337 | 410 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Engine |
| Crashes and fires | 16 and 0 | 35 and 2 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 69,000 miles | 10,000 miles |
| Recalls | 1 | 3 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 32 MPG | 34 MPG |
| City and highway | 29 and 36 | 31 and 40 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,100 | $1,950 |
| NHTSA overall safety |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 337 complaints for the Chevrolet Malibu and 410 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.
NHTSA's overall safety ratings: 4 stars for the Chevrolet Malibu, 5 stars for the Toyota Corolla.
Safety recalls on file: 1 for the Chevrolet Malibu, 3 for the Toyota Corolla.