Car Prices Blogs


Car Price Comparison: 2013 Ford Fusion vs. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

September 24th, 2012

Both Chevrolet and Ford are doing their best to regain their former glory in the automotive landscape.

The Koreans and the Japanese managed to put up a good fight. Hyundai gave us the redesigned Sonata midsize sedan, while Kia has the all-new Optima to raise the bar against the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

The Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are well known for their reliability, comfort, and fuel economy. However, you now have the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2013 Ford Fusion.

Do you happen to be searching for a new midsize sedan? Here is a brief car price comparison between the 2013 Ford Fusion and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

2013 Ford Fusion

Starting with a base price of $21,700, the 2013 Ford Fusion was completely redesigned to boost aerodynamic efficiency. It not only looks good on the outside, but the interior was also given an added treatment of refinement, comfort, and space.

The Fusion is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 170hp. Higher trim models get either a turbocharged 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter engine with 179hp and 237hp respectively. The base 2.5-liter engine can achieve 22/33 MPG in city and highway driving, while the 1.6-liter turbo engine can achieve a stellar 26/37 MPG.

Standard equipment includes full power accessories, air-conditioning, Sync audio interface with voice-activation technology, automatic headlights, keyless entry, and 16-inch wheels.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The U.S. market is familiar with the Chevrolet Malibu, but the 2013 Malibu is a completely different car. Starting with a base price of $22,390, the 2013 Malibu is wider yet shorter than the previous model, but most noticeable is the added degree of class and prestige inside the cabin–not to mention outstanding build quality.

The Malibu is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 197hp. The first model to be introduced was the much pricier Eco trim, powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a small electric motor. Power is rated at 182hp for the Malibu Eco. The base 2.5-liter engine achieves 22/34 MPG, while the Eco returns 25/37 MPG.

Not surprisingly, the base Malibu has the same level of equipment as the new Ford Fusion. It also has OnStar, Bluetooth, and full power accessories for added convenience.

Conclusion

The 2013 Ford Fusion provides fun and predictable handling. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is more at home on the highway, thanks in large part to Chevrolet’s efforts in making the cabin as quiet as a Lexus.

Both cars provide impressive amounts of interior space, and both have fuel efficient and clean burning gasoline engines. If you appreciate sporty handling and aggressive design cues, the 2013 Ford Fusion is certainly worth a look over other Japanese and Korean alternatives.

On the other hand, if you want added levels of refinement and sound deadening in your ride, you should include the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu in your shopping list.