Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima
Overview | |
Years produced2001-2020 | Years produced1964-1965 |
MSRP$22,900 | MSRP$21,680 |
Listings3988 | Listings10228 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews9.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 |
Reviews SummaryEven though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car. | |
Reviews SummaryRodney Dangerfield was a legendary stand-up comedian, and while his on-stage shtick was all about how he didn’t get any respect, as a comedic talent he was held in the highest esteem. That’s not the case for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The oft-maligned Malibu literally gets no respect, which is too bad because with its most recent redesign for the 2016 model year, the car absolutely deserves it. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 160 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower160 hp @ 5700 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 160 hp I4 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower160 hp @ 5700 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space15.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3230 lbs | Curb Weight3086 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height57.6 in |
Length191.1 in | Length193.8 in |
Width73.2 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase111.4 in |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-2020 | 1964-1965 |
MSRP | $22,900 | $21,680 |
Listings | 10228 Shop all listings | |
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 9.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | Even though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car. | Rodney Dangerfield was a legendary stand-up comedian, and while his on-stage shtick was all about how he didn’t get any respect, as a comedic talent he was held in the highest esteem. That’s not the case for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The oft-maligned Malibu literally gets no respect, which is too bad because with its most recent redesign for the 2016 model year, the car absolutely deserves it. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 1.5L 160 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 160 hp @ 5700 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 1.5L 160 hp I4 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 160 hp @ 5700 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 15.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3230 lbs | 3086 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.6 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 193.8 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 111.4 in |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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