Toyota Camry vs Chevrolet Malibu

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, particularly in its Premier trim, made a strong first impression with its Arctic Blue Metallic paint and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This model was detailed immaculately, offering a stark contrast to typical rental cars. The Malibu's design was cohesive and attractive, though some interior elements seemed less integrated. The cabin, predominantly black, could benefit from more contrast, but the brightwork on the dashboard helped alleviate some of the gloom. The Malibu's bodywork was artfully sculpted, and while the 18-inch alloys were polished, larger wheels would have complemented its design better.

In contrast, the 2018 Toyota Camry aimed to stay relevant in a market leaning towards crossovers. Its design was sharp, with trims like the SE and XSE offering a sportier look. The Camry's two-tone paint job was intended to mimic a sport coupe, though it appeared visually odd. The XSE trim, with its 19-inch wheels and Blue Streak color, featured a sculpted hood and flared fenders, but the faux rear diffuser and quad exhaust tips seemed excessive. Inside, the Camry's cabin layout was visually appealing, though it prioritized form over function, with some controls causing discomfort. The Camry's trims offered a range of features, from basic to luxurious, catering to different preferences.

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu offered three powertrains, with the Premier trim featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and refined driving experience. The Malibu's steering, braking, and suspension tuning were commendable, offering a secure and connected feel on highways. The Malibu Premier achieved an average of 27.3 mpg, slightly above its EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. Its driving dynamics, including rapid acceleration and well-calibrated transmission, made it enjoyable to drive.

The 2018 Toyota Camry came with a base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower, with the XSE trim offering 206 horsepower. The XSE and XLE trims could also be equipped with a 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The Camry's 8-speed automatic transmission featured a manual shift mode, and the Drive Mode selector offered Normal, Sport, and Eco modes. The 4-cylinder Camry achieved an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined, while the V6 returned 26 mpg combined. The Camry's sporty driving experience was a pleasant surprise, with solid acceleration, responsive steering, and minimal body roll. However, performance tires on the test model resulted in more cabin vibration.

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu featured a low-cut dashboard for improved visibility, though it exposed some components, giving an unfinished look. The Malibu's front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and dense padding. Rear seat space was improved, though not the most spacious in its class. The Malibu offered adequate interior storage, though the wireless charging slot was awkwardly placed. The trunk held 15.8 cubic feet of cargo, competitive for its segment, but lacked a clean way to close the lid without dirtying fingers.

The 2018 Toyota Camry's interior controls followed a traditional layout despite its unique styling. The front and rear seats were spacious and supportive, providing ample leg- and headroom. The Camry's trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, slightly below average compared to competitors like the Accord and Fusion. However, the Camry's rear seat space was a highlight, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu's MyLink infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OnStar services, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Teen Driver technology allowed parents to set driving limits and receive a report on their child's driving behavior, enhancing safety and peace of mind.

The 2018 Toyota Camry came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen as part of Entune 3.0, offering apps like iHeartRadio and Pandora, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLE V6 and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with a 9-speaker JBL audio system and RemoteConnect with Wi-Fi. The absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be a drawback for tech-savvy users.

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu included a Rear Seat Reminder to prevent leaving children or pets in the car. The Premier trim offered comprehensive driver-assistance features through Driver Confidence packages, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist. The Malibu received 5-star ratings from the federal government, except for a few 4-star ratings.

The 2018 Toyota Camry came standard with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense P, which included forward-collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a blind-spot monitor and intelligent clearance sonar. These safety features made the Camry a standout in its segment.