Honda Wins the Race: 2021 Honda Accord vs 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Honda and Chevrolet are two of the biggest and most reputable manufacturers in the automotive industry. Honda cars are known for their reliability, just as Chevrolet cars are known for their performance – but Honda also has a long tradition of building performance cars. This inspired our team here at Ralph Honda to take a closer look at Honda vs Chevrolet to determine which one comes out ahead. Are you curious? Join us as we compare the manufacturers’ most popular midsize sedans – the Honda Accord vs the Chevrolet Malibu.

Officially, the Chevrolet Malibu is just over a decade older than the Honda Accord. The Malibu, which was named after the coastal town of Malibu, California, was introduced in 1964 while the Accord hit the market in 1976. However, the Malibu was discontinued in 1983 and did not return to the market until 1997, meaning that the Accord has actually had a longer production run. While the original Malibu was a popular muscle car that signified fun and adventure, the reintroduced Malibu lost nearly all of its sporty nature. In contrast, the Accord has only grown from its original economy car nature, offering more power and performance with every generation.

Both the 2021 Honda Accord and the 2021 Chevy Malibu offer the choice between two turbocharged four-cylinder engines – a standard 1.5L and an optional 2.0L. However, the similarities end there. The base Chevy engine only provides 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the base Honda engine packs an impressive 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. On top of offering significantly more power, the Accord also offers superior fuel economy at 33 MPG combined against 32 MPG combined for the Malibu.^[a] In short, there simply is no comparison between the base engines – Honda is far in the lead.

When it comes to the upgraded engines, Chevy tries harder but still comes up short. The Malibu’s 2.0L produces 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, but the Accord’s 2.0L takes the lead with 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. That advantage only grows thanks to the Accord’s ten-speed automatic transmission, which is more advanced than the nine-speed automatic found in the Malibu. Not only does the Accord offer greater performance, it does so at a much lower price. The 2.0L engine in the Malibu is only available on the top Premier trim, while you can get a 2.0L engine in the Accord on the second-lowest Sport trim.

Finally, the Accord is also available with a hybrid powertrain, while the Malibu is not. The Accord Hybrid produces an impressive 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque (significantly more than the base model Malibu) while still achieving an incredible 48 MPG combined.^[a] This is possibly the most well-rounded power plant available in the segment, protecting the environment and providing plenty of performance in true Honda style.

Another notable difference that puts the Honda Accord ahead of the Chevrolet Malibu is the safety suite. Every single 2021 Honda Accord comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assist technologies to keep you safe on the road. The suite includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System, the Road Departure Mitigation System, the Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and an Adaptive Cruise Control. This incredibly robust package comes at no extra cost when you purchase a new Honda Accord.

In comparison, the 2021 Chevy Malibu does not come standard with a single active safety feature. Not one. In fact, they aren’t even available as an option on the base trim. While upgrading to the higher trims of the 2021 Malibu will give you the option of advanced safety features, not even the top Premier trim comes with any of these features standard. That is correct – a base trim Honda Accord provides infinitely more safety features than even a top trim Chevy Malibu despite costing roughly $10,000 less. When you choose Honda for a midsize sedan, you will be getting a safer, higher performance, and less expensive vehicle than choosing Chevy.

Both Honda and Chevrolet are known for offering the latest in technology, and that’s no different on the Accord and the Malibu. The 2021 Accord ensures drivers have all the technology needed to allow them to focus on the road while offering plenty of entertainment. This technology is accessed through an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display. From the display, drivers have access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, both of which give drivers access to their music library, maps, navigation, and text messages from their smartphone without the need to plug it in.

The Accord also offers a WiFi hotspot, SiriusXM Satellite radio, and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation with 3-D maps and live search functionality. HondaLink is another connectivity feature that works on smartphones and allows drivers to lock and unlock the Accord’s doors, check the fuel status, monitor vehicle maintenance, and more. These features make the Accord one of the most connected and technology-rich sedans on the road today.

Like the Accord, the 2021 Malibu is rich in technology, offering many of the same features. The Chevy sedan also comes with an 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it has the option of SiriusXM satellite radio and built-in navigation. However, when it comes to audio, the Malibu does fall behind. A nine-speaker sound system is available, but only on the top Premier trim – the other trims have to make do with a basic six-speaker system. Meanwhile, Honda not only includes a superior ten-speaker sound system on the Accord’s two highest trims – but it also provides a solid eight-speaker system on the middle trims.

While the 2021 Honda Accord and 2021 Chevy Malibu occupy the same market segment and provide similar features on the surface, we are sure that you will agree with us that the Accord is clearly the superior vehicle. When it comes to performance, the Accord offers more power and greater fuel economy, as well as a capable hybrid powertrain. When it comes to safety, the Accord offers a robust collection of standard features, and when it comes to technology, the Accord claims another win with its superior audio systems. While the Malibu may have been an iconic name in the past, there are few traces of its former glory remaining today.

Are you ready to test drive a Honda and experience its impressive performance and features firsthand? If so, it’s time to make a trip to Ralph Honda. Conveniently located in Rochester, Ralph Honda is committed to offering exceptional service through our experienced sales staff, our finance experts, and our service and parts department. That’s why we’re one of the leading dealers in the area. Our team is available six days a week to answer your questions and help you find the vehicle you need. So give Honda and us a try today and discover a manufacturer and dealership committed to providing you with the best vehicles and service possible.

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^[a] Based on 2021 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.