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Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Highlander - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (163 HP vs 265 HP), trunk space and price (25,800 $ vs 39,300 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Chevrolet Malibu or Toyota Highlander?

Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Highlander: Key differences

Chevrolet Malibu

  • considerably cheaper
  • clearly lighter

Toyota Highlander

  • clearly more power

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Malibu

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Chevrolet Malibu is considerably cheaper – starting at 25,800 $ , while the Toyota Highlander costs 39,300 $ . That’s a price difference of around 13,470 $.

Highlander

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Toyota Highlander offers clearly more power – delivering 265 HP compared to 163 HP. That’s roughly 102 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Toyota Highlander delivers substantially more torque with 310 lb-ft compared to 184 lb-ft. That’s about 126 lb-ft more.

Malibu

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Toyota Highlander offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Chevrolet Malibu is clearly lighter – 3,135 lbs compared to 4,155 lbs. The difference is around 1,020 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota Highlander leads convincingly in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $39,300
Highlander

Toyota Highlander

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 243 - 265 HP
details

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View detailed analysis

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View detailed analysis

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General
View detailed analysis

Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is a calm, comfortable commuter that nails the basics with a smooth ride, a spacious cabin, and grown-up styling. It won’t shout about thrills, but it delivers easygoing value, intuitive tech, and an overall polish that makes everyday driving feel a bit more first-class.

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Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a trusty family hauler that blends calm road manners with a thoughtfully finished cabin and a bonus row for occasional adults. It won’t set your hair on fire, but with a refined hybrid option, easy-to-use tech, and resale strength that makes rivals sweat, it’s the sensible choice that still feels a bit special.

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Chevrolet Malibu
Toyota Highlander

Costs and Consumption
Price
25,800 - 31,500 $
Price
39,300 - 53,400 $
FuelEconomy City
-
FuelEconomy City
21 - 36 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
-
FuelEconomy Hwy
28 - 35 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
15.8 gal
Fuel tank capacity
17.1 - 17.9 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7 - 8
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,135 - 3,223 lbs
Curb weight
4,155 - 4,595 lbs
Trunk Volume
15.7 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume
-
Length
194.2 in.
Length
194.9 - 197.4 in.
Width
73 in.
Width
76 in.
Height
57 in.
Height
68 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
163 HP
Power HP
243 - 265 HP
Torque
184 lb-ft
Torque
175 - 310 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
-
Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
Brand
Chevrolet
Brand
Toyota
What is the price of the Chevrolet Malibu?

The Chevrolet Malibu starts at 25,800 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.