Chevy Cruze vs Malibu vs Impala
As one of the country’s leading car brands, Chevrolet has a reputation for manufacturing vehicles that are not only tough, but also safe, comfortable, and fuel-efficient.
The Chevy Cruze, Malibu, and Impala certainly check off all these boxes. However, how can Plainfield, Danville, and Avon drivers know which is right for them?
In this comparison, the Andy Mohr Chevrolet team pits the Chevy Cruze vs. the Malibu vs. the Impala to help you determine which may fit your lifestyle.
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Cruze vs Malibu vs Impala: Performance Specs
With each of these different Chevy cars, you’ll have a different set of Chevy engines available. To give you the best idea of what each can do, let’s look at the base powertrains.
The 2018 Chevy Cruze as the smallest of these three sedans, also comes with the smallest base powertrain of the bunch. It has an ECOTEC® 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. While this may be more compact, turbocharging allows it to produce 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
The Chevy Malibu gives this powertrain a bit of a boost. It has a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
The 2018 Chevy Impala is the biggest of the three models, and naturally has the bigger standard engine. With an ECOTEC® 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, it can generate 197 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy
As you might guess, different powertrain sizes and enhancements produce different fuel economy rates.
The smaller Cruze conserves the most fuel of all at an EPA-estimated 38 MPG highway and 27 MPG city. With its available turbodiesel engine option, that EPA-estimated MPG is boosted to 47 highway and 31 city.
The Malibu gets close to this fuel economy. It can maintain an EPA-estimated 36 MPG highway and 27 MPG city. The Impala, meanwhile, conserves an EPA-estimated 30 MPG highway and 22 MPG city.
Cruze vs Malibu vs Impala: Interior
When it comes to the interior of these vehicles, the Chevrolet Cruze may just be the most versatile since it offers two different body styles. In addition to the sedan, you can also choose a Cruze hatchback.
With the hatchback style, the Cruze offers anywhere from 22.7 cubic feet to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo room with the back seats down. It’s an excellent road trip vehicle.
The 2018 Malibu and the Impala have smaller trunks. However, their overall passenger volume is more spacious.
The Chevy Malibu offers 102.9 cubic feet of passenger space, while the Impala offers 105 cubic feet. For daily driving, these are clearly the roomier choices.
Chevy MSRP
With differing cabin sizes, engine power, and overall fuel economy, it makes sense that each of these models varies in price, too. Here’s the starting MSRP for each:
• Cruze: $16,975
• Malibu: $21,680
• Impala: $27,895
Whether you’re choosing the more inexpensive model or one of the larger sedans, one thing is for certain: you’re guaranteed a high-performing engine and interior amenities.
Should I Buy the Chevy Malibu, Cruze, or Impala?
After pitting the Chevy Cruze vs. the Malibu and the Impala, the many differences in size and power are apparent. However, it should also be clear that each model offers something unique for different lifestyles.
Are you ready to try one here in the Plainfield, Danville, or Avon area? Schedule a test drive at Andy Mohr Chevrolet today!