Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu Compare price, expert/user reviews, mpg, engines, safety, cargo capacity and other specs at a glance.

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2020 Kia Optima EX FWD

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2021 Chevrolet Malibu L FWD
Photo of 2020 model year shown

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User Ranking Drivers and owners ranked these cars in 9 categories.

#15
Best Midsize Sedans
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Based on 15 rankings.
#
Best 2021 Midsize Sedans
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New Car Pricing New listing price comparison and analysis.

2020 Kia Optima
EX FWD
MSRP
$27,190
Invoice
$26,103
Average Price Paid
$25,964
3 listings nationwide

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2021 Chevrolet Malibu
L FWD
Incentives Find if there are incentives in your area. Enter your zip code
2020 Kia Optima
EX FWD
No Data Available
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
L FWD
No Data Available

Used Car Pricing Used listing price comparison and analysis.

2020 Kia Optima
EX FWD
CarGurus Instant Market Value
$21,691
15 listings nationwide
3 GREAT deals
2 GOOD deals

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2021 Chevrolet Malibu
L FWD
CarGurus Instant Market Value
$22,602

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Expert Reviews Reviews from CarGurus experts.

2020 Kia Optima
EX FWD
Kyree Williams Preview:

The Kia Optima competes with other midsize family-sedans like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. It receives a few changes for 2020. You’ll find one of three power...

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2021 Chevrolet Malibu
L FWD
No Expert Reviews

User Reviews Reviews from CarGurus users who have driven or owned the car.

2020 Kia Optima
EX FWD
Harvey writes:
Power Ranked 2020 Honda Accord 2.0T EX-L FWD better.
"No Turbo lag, stomp the accelerator and it moves out fast."
Family Car Ranked 2020 Honda Accord 2.0T EX-L FWD better.
"Lots of room and convenience features. "
Full review »
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
L FWD
No User Reviews

Specs

2020 Kia Optima
EX FWD
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
L FWD
Powertrain 7-Speed Dual Clutch Continuously Variable Transmission
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Fuel Economy, City
27 MPG
29 MPG
Fuel Economy, Highway
37 MPG
36 MPG
Fuel Tank Volume 18.5 gal 15.8 gal
Engine
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Power
178 hp @ 5,500 RPM
160 hp @ 5,700 RPM
Torque
195 lb-ft @ 1,500 RPM
184 lb-ft @ 2,500 RPM
Cylinders
4 cylinders
4 cylinders
Compression Ratio
10:1
10:1
Displacement
1,600 cc
1,500 cc
Bore x Stroke
3.03 in x 3.35 in
2.91 in x 3.4 in
Safety
ABS Brakes Optional Standard
Driver Airbag Optional Standard
Passenger Airbag Optional Standard
Front Side Airbags Optional Standard
Rear Side Airbags -- Standard
Curtain Airbags Optional Standard
NHTSA Crash Test Results
Overall 5 stars 5 stars
Front Crash Overall 5 stars 5 stars
Front Crash Driver 5 stars 5 stars
Front Crash Passenger 4 stars 5 stars
Side Crash Overall 5 stars 4 stars
Side Barrier Driver 5 stars 4 stars
Side Barrier Passenger 5 stars 3 stars
Side Pole Driver 5 stars 5 stars
Comfort and Convenience
Leather Seats Standard --
Air Conditioning Optional Standard
Radio Optional Standard
Power Windows Optional Standard
Power Door Locks Optional Standard
Driver Power Seats Optional --
Interior
Maximum Seating 5 seats 5 seats
Front Legroom 45.5 in 41.5 in
Back Legroom 35.6 in 38.1 in
Payload and Towing
Cargo Volume 15.9 cu ft 15.7 cu ft
Exterior
Length 191.1 in 194.2 in
Width 73.2 in 73 in
Height 57.7 in 57.9 in
Wheelbase 110.4 in 111.4 in

Available Options

2020 Kia Optima
EX FWD

Exterior Colors

  • Ebony Black
  • Gravity Grey
  • Horizon Blue
  • Sangria
  • Snow White Pearl
  • Sparkling Silver
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
L FWD

Exterior Colors

  • Silver Ice Metallic
  • Summit White

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