2022 Mazda 3 vs. 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2022 Mazda 3 is a captivating sedan with excellent handling, a well-equipped interior and optional manual transmission. But how does it compare to the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, a moderately sized vehicle with a sharp appearance, outstanding turbo performance and advanced infotainment?

Design & Style

The Chevrolet Malibu has enough space to comfortably seat 4 adults and this year it comes with 2 new paint hues. Passengers within the cabin will be presented with eight inch touch displays and it has a conservative exterior that is well proportioned in every respect. It is a solid vehicle with excellent engineering and design.

The latest Mazda 3 can be purchased in the form of a hatchback or sedan. Drivers will get ritzy red leather in the cabin should they upgrade to the Carbon Edition. The exterior is sleek and oval shaped, with elegant curves and a grille that is forward canted. The seats are extremely comfortable and provide a broad adjustment range, and those that purchase the hatchback variant will maximize their trunk space at just over twenty cubic feet.

Technology & Safety

The Mazda 3 has outstanding safety credentials. It received both an IIHS Top Safety Pick award as well as five stars NHTSA rating. Its protective gear includes parking sensors for the front and back, automated emergency brakes, blind area monitoring, lane control and a camera with surround view. Luxuries within its cabin include rotary controller, audio system with eight speakers, keyless start and the choice of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

The Chevrolet Malibu has only received a four star rating for its safety features, and its performance for side impacts in the rear was not well received. In fact, the IIHS only gave it a moderate score for its frontal overlap test. Still, it has most of the safety features found in the Mazda and its luxury features include powered seats that can be heated, premium audio and driver assistance.

Performance

The Chevrolet Malibu has respectable acceleration. It is powered by a turbo 4, 1.5 liter engine that can generate 160 horsepower that is transferred to its front wheels through a transmission that is continuously variable. The Mazda 3 is powered by a turbo 4, 2.5 liter engine that can generate 227 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from zero to sixty in under six seconds.

The Bottom Line

The Mazda 3 outclasses the Chevrolet Malibu everywhere. It has far better safety credentials and performance, and this combined with the Malibu's lack of standardized safety gear and no hybrid option makes Mazda the winner.

Ready to Schedule a 2022 Mazda 3 Test Drive Today?

Do you want to discover more about this Mazda car model can do on the road? Come and visit us at Riley Mazda today! Our dedicated team of customer service representatives will assist you in meeting all your car purchasing, financing, and servicing needs. Call us today and book an appointment for your 2022 Mazda 3 test drive now!