2019 CHEVY MALIBU VS CHEVY CRUZE

PERFORMANCE: POWER VS EFFICIENCY

Muscle and fuel efficiency are cornerstones of the Chevy brand as a whole. However, when you set the Malibu and the Cruze side by side, you’ll find that one model prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the other model focuses on engine power.

The Malibu, being the midsize sedan between the two, offers a little bit more room for a bigger engine. Its top choice is the available 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine, which is capable of producing 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Drivers looking for higher speeds and more acceleration might be better suited for this powertrain option.

The Chevy Cruze is smaller and ends up maxing out at 153 horsepower in its standard engine. However, in its available turbo-diesel powertrain (something you won’t find in its bigger sibling), you do end up with more efficiency.

Thanks to turbo-diesel power, you can achieve as much as an EPA-estimated 48 MPG highway and 31 MPG city. With a 648-mile range on one tank, gas stops will be far and few between.

CHEVY MALIBU VS CRUZE: SIZES AND STYLES

In terms of seating, you’ll find that these sedans have a core commonality: Each seats five, which makes it a good choice for your small family or for a night out on the town with friends.

However, drivers will find that they have a little more overall space in the Malibu, which is the midsize option in the lineup. In addition to adding a bigger engine option, it has an overall bigger body than the more compact Chevy Cruze.

Being more compact has its advantages, of course. The Cruze is highly maneuverable and easier to park in a tight city space. If you live in a more crowded area, it’s an excellent choice.

PRIORITIZING YOUR SAFETY

While these sedans are different in a lot of ways, they converge in the safety arena, each offering a suite of driver-assisting safety tech to keep you protected.

The idea behind these driver-assisting features is that they can monitor the roads for you. Using sensors, they can determine when you may be veering out of your lane or approaching a car in front of you too fast.

In some cases, driver-assisting tech will only send warnings to keep you aware. In others, these features will act autonomously. For example, each sedan features available Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking. When you’re following behind another vehicle, your Chevy will hit the brakes to avoid rear-ending them.