Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Kia Optima
$471
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Chevrolet Malibu
$532
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
4
Excellent
The Kia Optima Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $471 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Optima.
4
Excellent
The Chevrolet Malibu Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $532 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Malibu is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
The Kia Optima ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
“I HAVE OWNED TIS CAR FOR TWO YEARS IT HAD 13,000 ON IT WHEN WE GOT IT WERE AT 80,000 NOW AND THE ONLY THING I HAVE REPLACED IS THE FACTORY BATTERY AWESOME CAR I HAVE BEEN A ASE MASTERTECH FOR YEARS...”
“I HAVE OWNED TIS CAR FOR TWO YEARS IT HAD 13,000 ON IT WHEN WE GOT IT WERE AT 80,000 NOW AND THE...”
The Chevrolet Malibu ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in comfort.
83% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“This car is the worst, by far, I have ever owned. Constant steering problems, steering system replaced 4 times. Power steering failures, rear wiper fixed twice. At least 20 times this car has been...”
“This car is the worst, by far, I have ever owned. Constant steering problems, steering system...”
The Chevrolet Malibu and the Kia Optima are two different midsize, four-door sedans. Both the Malibu and Optima come with front-wheel drive.
The Chevrolet Malibu comes with a standard engine that has 160 horsepower, while the Kia Optima has a standard engine with 185 horsepower. The Malibu fights back with its optional 250-horsepower engine, five horses more than the Sonata’s 245-horsepower option. The Malibu and the Optima both offer a hybrid version. Extra bonus: The Optima also offers a plug-in hybrid version that can be driven up to 29 miles on electric power only.
Going inside, the Optima boasts 104.8 cubic feet of interior volume, a little more than the Malibu’s 102.9 cubic feet. Trunk space is nearly identical, with the Optima’s 15.9 cubic feet edging the Malibu’s 15.8. Both the Malibu and the Optima have plenty of space for people and stuff.
Overall, the Kia Optima gives you more standard horsepower, a bit more interior space, and the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It also includes Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which the Malibu does not have. If you plan to keep your car for many years, this is an excellent benefit. The Kia Optima wins this comparison.