Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima
This page compares the Chevrolet Malibu and the Kia Optima across the 11 model years both appear in our data (2010–2020). Both are classed as Saloon/Sedan on this site. Both average about 34 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Kia Optima (4.3 against 4.6), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2020
| Measure | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Optima |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 34 | 34 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 194 | 195 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,359 | $2,377 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 98 | 104 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 6 of 10 | 10 of 10 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 4.6 | 4.3 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 681 | 589 |
| Engine options across these years | 7 | 5 |
Year by Year
| Year | Chevrolet Malibu MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Kia Optima MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 31 | — | 4 | 1,363 | 30 | — | 1 | 75 |
| 2011 | 31 | 4★ | 4 | 978 | 32 | 5★ | 6 | 627 |
| 2012 | 31 | 4★ | 3 | 907 | 32 | 5★ | 6 | 1,028 |
| 2013 | 31 | 5★ | 10 | 923 | 32 | 5★ | 10 | 1,438 |
| 2014 | 35 | 5★ | 6 | 363 | 31 | 5★ | 7 | 617 |
| 2015 | 35 | 5★ | 3 | 270 | 31 | 5★ | 4 | 1,021 |
| 2016 | 36 | 5★ | 9 | 861 | 37 | 5★ | 5 | 760 |
| 2017 | 36 | 5★ | 4 | 724 | 37 | 5★ | 4 | 305 |
| 2018 | 36 | 5★ | 6 | 710 | 37 | 5★ | 3 | 243 |
| 2019 | 38 | 4★ | 1 | 193 | 37 | 5★ | 1 | 211 |
| 2020 | 38 | 4★ | 1 | 198 | 37 | 5★ | 0 | 150 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Chevrolet Malibu · Kia Optima.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Kia Optima?
Both average about 34 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Chevrolet Malibu has 6 of 10 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Kia Optima has 10 of 10. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Chevrolet Malibu averages 4.6 recall campaigns and 681 owner complaints; the Kia Optima averages 4.3 and 589. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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