2018 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2018 VW Passat

vs

Both the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2018 VW Passat are excellent vehicles with a lot to offer to a potential buyer. They are both competitively priced, reliable, and safe. There are definitely areas where one is more desirable than another, but at the bottom line, they are outstanding cars with great features and ratings. The safety ratings are arguably the most important due to the fact that you would be using the vehicle to transport yourself, your loved ones, and your other precious cargo. That being said, both of these vehicles scored five out of five stars on the NHTSA Crash Test Safety Ratings, which is definitely a sign of some well-built vehicles. If safety is important to you, both of these vehicles are excellent options.

However, if you’re interested in a vehicle that has other amazing specs in addition to safety, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu definitely has a “leg-up” on the competition. For example, the Chevrolet Malibu has superior handling, interior space, and powertrains. There are other reasons that the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is superior to the 2018 VW Passat, such as the fuel economy and the turbocharged engine. However, there are definitely reasons that customers choose the VW Passat, like the massive fuel tank capacity or the towing capacity, which is unusual for a midsize vehicle like this.

At the end of the day, the vehicle that you choose solely depends on which specs and features are most important to you. If you’re interested in a vehicle that is safe, reliable, dependable, and cost-effective, then you’re in the right place. Both the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2018 VW Passat are excellent choices if you’re searching for a midsize sedan. However, in terms of overall value, safety, and space, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is the top choice among these two impressive sedans.


Steering Wheel

Interior

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is surprisingly spacious for the size presented on the exterior. This pleasant surprise ensures that you have more space for the things or people that are important to you. When selecting a new vehicle, you’ll want to consider the amount of room that is available on the inside of the vehicle. Especially if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car for work or travel. The Chevrolet Malibu has copious amounts of head, shoulder, hip, and leg room for passengers in the front and the back. Additionally, there is a fair amount of cargo space for any items that you’re packing along with you. Overall, the interior dimensions are comparable with that of another vehicle in this class. Some of the highlights are as follows:

  • Front Head Room – 39.1 inches
  • Front Shoulder Room – 58.5 inches
  • Passenger Volume – 102.9 cubic feet

If you’re looking for a comfortable and reliable vehicle, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is definitely a contender. It is truly amazing that a vehicle that is relatively small on the exterior can feel so spacious on the interior.

2018 VW Passat

The 2018 VW Passat is consistent with the stats of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu when it comes to the interior dimensions. Here is how the VW Passat compares with the Chevrolet Malibu:

  • Front Head Room – 38.3 inches
  • Front Shoulder Room – 56.9 inches
  • Passenger Volume – 102 cubic feet

Although they are relatively similar, anyone who owns a small vehicle will be able to attest to the fact that every inch counts when it comes to interior space. The fact that the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is slightly larger ensures that the passengers are more comfortable and relaxed during the drive. However, if being just a little bit closer to the person seated next to you is not an issue, the VW Passat is a great choice.

back to top

Engine Icon

Efficiency

If you’re close to purchasing a new vehicle, you’ve likely determined what you’re looking to spend both upfront and monthly. For this reason, fuel efficiency becomes an important part of determining if a vehicle will fit in well with your given budget. When you’re looking for a car that won’t become a financial strain, you’ll want to find a vehicle that has a fair MSRP as well as a high fuel efficiency rating. This will save you tons of money in the long run!

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a vehicle that stands out among the other vehicles in its class for many reasons. One of these reasons is the fact that it is extremely efficient on gas and saves its drivers money on a weekly basis. Drivers typically don’t like to fill up their gas tanks very often, especially if they are busy with the demands of life. With the Chevrolet Malibu, you won’t have to fill up as often as you would with a vehicle that gets a lower MPG. The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu gets an impressive 27 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The fact that this vehicle is reliable, safe, and efficient on gas makes it a best-seller for many customers. Furthermore, the turbocharged engine ensures that this vehicle is both efficient and powerful. The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is truly the best of both worlds, it combines both power and efficiency in one compact package.

2018 VW Passat

The 2018 VW Passat gets impressive miles per gallon. However, it does not quite compare to the stats of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. It’s important to recognize just how much money a vehicle could be saving you in the long run if it is efficient on gas. Especially if you are the type of person, who likes to travel or is required to travel for work. Those long road trips are much easier when you are not required to get out of the vehicle to put gas into the tank as frequently. The 2018 VW Passat will get about 23 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, which are still excellent stats for a vehicle of this nature. It can be difficult to purchase a vehicle with lower MPG capabilities if you are aware that there is a better, more cost-effective, method out there. For that reason, the Chevrolet Malibu definitely takes the cake in this category.
It should also be noted that not only does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have the better fuel efficiency of these two sedans, but it also has a lower starting MSRP. This combination makes it the overall best-valued sedan by a long shot.

back to top

Shield Icon

Safety

When it’s time to purchase a new vehicle, it will be important to consider the safety features of the vehicles you’re interested in. Luckily, if you’re interested in the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, you’ll be pleased with both its onboard safety features as well as how it performed in crash testing.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is a safe and reliable vehicle, as represented by the NHTSA Crash Test Safety Ratings. This vehicle scored five out of five possible stars on the crash test, which indicates that it would protect you and your loved ones should an incident occur. The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu scored five out of five stars in most categories, a few of which are:

  • Overall Rating
  • Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
  • Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver
  • Overall Side Crash Rating
  • Side Barrier Rating
  • Side Barrier Rating Driver
  • Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat
  • Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat
  • …and more!

The fact that this vehicle earned a perfect score in the aforementioned categories shows that it is a safe vehicle for you and your loved ones. Overall, the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu is an outstanding vehicle with excellent safety ratings. Safety is definitely not a category that a customer would want to compromise on, and rightfully so. It’s imperative to have a vehicle that will be able to keep you and your loved ones safe, regardless of any unforeseen incidents. It’s no wonder that customers are loving the upgrades to the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.

2018 VW Passat

The 2018 VW Passat is a powerhouse of a vehicle with a lot of great features to offer. Many customers feel that safety is a top priority when purchasing a car, and for good reason. It’s important to know that your car will safely be able to transport you and your loved ones from point A to point B. Furthermore, should a collision occur, you want to know that the vehicle will do its job and protect those inside of it. The VW Passat scored five out of five possible points on the NHTSA Crash Test Safety Rating, which is directly in line with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Skimping in other categories can sometimes be understandable (for example, if a state-of-the-art infotainment system isn’t your thing), but safety is definitely not one of those categories. Both the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2018 VW Passat are safe and reliable vehicles that are well worth the investment.

back to top