2019 Kia Optima vs 2019 Chevy Malibu

The midsize sedan segment might be the deepest classification on the market. There is a huge list of competitors from all the major brands and more, including of course the Kia Optima. Our entry into the segment is naturally our favorite, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s yours. So, we thought we’d see how it measures up to one of the biggest names in the segment: the Chevy Malibu. To do this, we’ve concocted a side-by-side comparison pitting the 2019 Kia Optima vs 2019 Chevy Malibu.

Advantages of the 2019 Optima

To really illustrate the differences between these two sedans and where each has the advantage, we thought we’d work our way through the table row by row. However, with just a glance up above, you can tell how similar the two sedans are and where each one pulls ahead. The first row kicks things off by looking at power, which is the Optima’s big advantage as it delivers an extra 15 horsepower. That’s not a game-changing advantage, but does give the Optima a leg up.
The second row looks instead to combined fuel efficiency, which is the area that the Malibu truly excels, as it delivers an extra 4 miles per gallon of fuel efficiency combined across city streets and the highway. Again, not a huge advantage, but admittedly the Malibu will save you a bit of cash at the pump over time. The third and fourth rows just show how similar the two sedan are, as the Optima’s trunk is only 0.1 cubic feet larger than the Malibu’s, and both offer seating for five.
If you favor power to efficiency, then the 2019 Kia Optima is the sedan for you. If you think you might be interested in getting one for yourself, be sure to get in touch with us right here at Classic Kia of Carrollton. We look forward to hearing from you!