2025 Mazda 3 vs. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Choosing the right midsize car today means weighing aesthetics, advanced tech, and everyday drivability. The 2025 Mazda 3 and the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu are two standouts that bring different strengths to the table. Whether you prioritize performance, interior quality, or cutting-edge features, both offer compelling reasons to be considered. However, side-by-side comparison reveals important differences that can help you make a more informed decision.

Let's take a closer look at how these two models stack up across design, technology, performance, and overall value.

Design & Style

The 2025 Mazda 3 continues its reputation for upscale styling with a refined exterior that feels sportier and more premium than most in its class. Offered in both sedan and hatchback configurations, it features clean body lines, a signature front grille, and an attention to detail that echoes luxury design. The interior offers a driver-focused layout with high-quality materials, a minimalist dash, and optional leather trim that elevates the entire cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu holds on to a more traditional midsize sedan silhouette. It retains its sleek, aerodynamic profile and delivers a practical, spacious layout with room for comfort. The Malibu offers four trims-LS, RS, LT, and 2LT-each with slight styling variations like black accents or larger wheels. While attractive in its own right, it feels more utilitarian, prioritizing comfort and simplicity over refinement and driver-centric aesthetics.

Technology & Safety

Inside the 2025 Mazda 3, technology is intuitive and seamlessly integrated. The available 10.25-inch center display is crisp and easy to navigate using the rotary controller, and features like wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Alexa Built-in, and an 8-speaker or optional Bose® audio system keep things connected. On the safety front, Mazda's i-Activsense® suite includes Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Driver Attention Alert, offering peace of mind on every trip.

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen that supports wireless smartphone integration. Chevrolet Safety Assist is standard across all trims and includes features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Alert. However, the Malibu's tech feels slightly dated compared to newer models in the segment, and its infotainment system is less visually engaging and not as fluid in operation. While both vehicles emphasize safety, the Mazda 3 offers a more advanced and polished tech interface overall.

Performance

When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2025 Mazda 3 offers two engine options. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder generates 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the available turbocharged variant ups the ante with up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Paired with a six-speed automatic or an available manual transmission on certain hatchback trims, it delivers a responsive and engaging driving experience, with precise steering and refined ride quality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is powered by a single turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Malibu emphasizes efficiency over excitement. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, which is respectable but not exceptional. The lack of powertrain options and a more passive driving feel make the Malibu less thrilling behind the wheel than its competitor.

The Bottom Line

Both the 2025 Mazda 3 and 2025 Chevrolet Malibu bring useful features and comfortable cabins to the midsize category. The Malibu appeals to those who want simplicity, predictable handling, and straightforward value. It's an easygoing daily driver with essential tech and solid safety features at a reasonable price point.

However, the Mazda 3 offers more powertrain variety, a higher-quality interior, and sportier road manners. It combines elegant styling with modern technology and driver-focused engineering that makes everyday driving more enjoyable. While both cars meet the basic needs of most drivers, one clearly goes further in offering a refined, rewarding ownership experience.

Schedule a Test Drive Today

Ready to experience the superior craftsmanship and performance of the 2025 Mazda 3? Visit us at Riley Mazda in Stamford, CT. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you explore every feature, answer your questions, and get behind the wheel for a test drive that speaks for itself. Contact us today to schedule your personalized visit and discover why so many drivers choose their next vehicle with us.