Malibu Vs Camry

Oddly enough the face-off between two quintessentially practical sedans is one of the highlights of the new automotive season. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco versus the Toyota Camry starts as a lopsided match up in favor of the Japanese entry — the perennial anchor of Toyota’s unshakeable brand loyalty.

But the new Chevrolet Malibu rolls with a cleaner exterior design of bold yet discreet muscular definition — while the Camry’s look is the fluid form design — appealing at first — but eventually a little bland.

The Camry tops the Chevy Malibu in the small details of the interior — a hallmark of Toyota’s people-pleasing success. The upholstery, soft trim and command and control functions, though similarly inspired, are a bit cushier and and smarter in the Camry. On the plus side — Chevrolet’s somewhat Spartan ethic in the Malibu is more sporty chic than the old days of plastic fantastic GM interiors.

The Camry offers economy with a 43 mpg Camry Hybrid, in addition to fuel stingy 4 and 6 cylinder gas engine options. The Chevy Malibu Eco counters with a 2.4L 4 cylinder delivering 25 city and 37 highway mpg.