Chevrolet Impala vs Chevrolet Malibu

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala once stood as a testament to the era when large American sedans dominated the roads. Despite the shift towards crossover SUVs for family transport, the Impala retained its charm with a spacious interior and a massive trunk, offering impressive value nestled between midsize models and entry-luxury sedans. However, the Impala's interior design, with its busy appearance and less-than-premium materials, left something to be desired. The exterior, on the other hand, was rakish and expressive, especially when equipped with larger wheels, making it the best-looking Chevrolet sedan of its time.

In contrast, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu emerged with a fresh design and improved interior space, thanks to a longer wheelbase. This midsize sedan shed its previous cramped reputation, offering a more spacious rear seat and a sleek, attractive exterior that turned heads. The Malibu's interior combined retro styling with modern elements, providing a comfortable and adjustable driving experience. The infotainment system was seamlessly integrated into the dash, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Despite a slight reduction in trunk space, the Malibu's design and functionality made it a standout in its class.

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala was powered by a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. This engine allowed the Impala to accelerate to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, making it quick for a full-size sedan. The 6-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, although the manual shift feature was less satisfying. The Impala's fuel economy ranged from 18 mpg in the city to 29 mpg on the highway, with a combined average of 21.7 mpg during testing. Despite its size, the Impala handled well, offering a comfortable ride on highways and surprising agility on twisty roads.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu offered two engine options, starting with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine prioritized efficiency, achieving 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. For those seeking more power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivered 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. The Malibu's 8-speed transmission and retuned suspension provided a responsive and agile driving experience, making it feel smaller and more nimble than its dimensions suggested.

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala offered a spacious interior, accommodating four passengers comfortably. However, fitting a fifth passenger between two child seats proved uncomfortable. The front seats were nearly perfect, lacking only ventilation, while rear legroom was generous. The dashboard featured a simple layout with traditional controls, but the quality of materials and fitment left room for improvement. The Impala's trunk was a standout feature, offering 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing most midsize sedans.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu benefited from a longer wheelbase, resulting in a more spacious rear seat. However, this came at the cost of reduced trunk space, now measuring 15.8 cubic feet. The Malibu's interior design combined retro and modern elements, providing a comfortable and adjustable driving position. The infotainment system was well-integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Despite the reduction in trunk space, the Malibu's design and functionality made it a practical choice for families.

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala featured OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi, making it a convenient mobile office. The MyLink infotainment system supported various services, including Pandora and text messaging alerts. Three USB ports were available, with one hidden behind the display screen for secure device storage. However, the climate-control system reduced output during Bluetooth calls to limit fan noise, which could lead to a warm cabin during long discussions.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu boasted advanced technology, including 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Qi wireless charging, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, only one smartphone system could be used at a time, and Android Auto connectivity issues were noted. The upgraded 8-inch touchscreen in the Premier trim offered improved functionality, although graphics quality was a step down. The Malibu also featured comprehensive safety systems, including automatic headlights, parking sensors, and driver intervention systems.

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala came equipped with 10 airbags and earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It received a Good rating in moderate overlap frontal and side impact tests from the IIHS. The Impala offered advanced safety technologies, including a blind-spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. However, some features required purchasing the most expensive trim and additional packages.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu featured standard safety systems, including antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and multiple airbags. OnStar provided additional safety features, such as automatic crash notification and roadside assistance. The Malibu earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating in the rollover test. The Malibu's comprehensive safety features and innovative Teen Driver system made it a safe choice for families.