2024 Subaru Impreza vs. 2024 Chevy Malibu
Choosing between the newest-gen 2024 Subaru Impreza and the 2024 Chevy Malibu can be difficult, especially if you don't know what each model offers. With this being a big year for both vehicles, it's worth comparing which car does better where and why each one shines.
Luckily, this article has all the information you need to make an informed decision between the 2024 Impreza and 2024 Malibu, so keep reading!
What's New For 2024?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza and Chevy Malibu both see changes this model year, with the Impreza boasting more upgrades and added features. Here is what changed between each vehicle:
2024 Subaru Impreza:
- All-new sixth-generation model
- Return of the RS trim with a 182-hp engine
- CVT standard on all trims
- Exclusively sold in a five-door hatchback body
- 11.6-inch touch display available
2024 Chevy Malibu:
- Standard tire inflation kit
- Lakeshore Blue Metallic added to the color palette
One thing to note, most 2024 Malibu specs will be identical to 2023.
The Impreza, however, sees the return of the RS trim, CVT on all trims, new infotainment, and a sleek hatchback body, so there's a lot more going on in the revamp department. The 2024 Impreza hatch also gets a larger fuel tank, holding 16.6 gallons, higher than the previous car's 13.2 gallons.
Engine And Performance
Between the 2024 Subaru Impreza and the 2024 Chevy Malibu, you can expect impressive engine specs and performance across the board.
The 2024 Impreza, the base, and Sport trims feature a 2.0-liter flat-four engine boasting 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Moving to the new RS model, you have a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, offering 182 horses and 178 pound-feet.
The RS is your sportiest trim and will be the fastest bet for Subaru shoppers.
On the 2024 Chevy Malibu, drivers have one engine option: a 160-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Unlike the Impreza, you get one choice, offering about 20 horses less.
- 2024 Subaru Impreza 0-60 MPH: 7.8 seconds
- 2024 Chevy Malibu 0-60 MPH: 7.5 seconds
It's worth noting that the 2024 Impreza RS ties the Chevy Malibu in a 0-60 MPH test at 7.5 seconds, so both vehicles are relatively fast.
Interior Specs
Moving to the design of the 2024 Chevy Malibu and 2024 Subaru Impreza, drivers are in for plenty of comfort, tech, upgrades, and useability.
Starting inside the 2024 Chevy Malibu:
- Maximum Seating: 5 seats
- Front Legroom: 41.5 inches
- Back Legroom: 38.1 inches
- Cargo Volume: 15.7 cubic feet
Some interior features in a 2024 Malibu include competitive passenger space and options, a symmetrical dashboard, a large opening beneath the center stack, a wide area for back seat passengers' feet, and plenty of cargo room. It's simple and straight to the point.
Now to the 2024 Subaru Impreza:
- Maximum Seating: 5 seats
- Front Legroom: 42.9 inches
- Back Legroom: 36.5 inches
- Cargo Volume: 20.4 cubic feet
Some interior details include dual-zone climate controls as standard, 60/40 folding rear seats, a more ergonomic front-seat design, and a quieter cabin. Subaru has focused on refining the Impreza, keeping its interior clean, modern, and usable.
Exterior Specs
Comparing the 2024 Impreza and Malibu's exteriors, you see a more adventure-ready hatchback design with Subaru, while Chevy went with a sharper-looking four-door sedan. Between them, the Subaru Impreza has more space, in and out, appearing larger and ready for whatever comes its way.
Details on the 2024 Subaru Impreza include:
- Upgraded headlights and fog lights.
- A rounded frame.
- 18-inch alloy wheels.
- Dark gray exterior detailing.
On the 2024 Chevy Malibu, you'll see chrome accents, a distinctive grille, smooth contours, and a nice color selection.
Both four-door models are great, although aesthetically, the 2024 Impreza has a more modern, ready-for-life look.
- 2024 Subaru Impreza: Hatchback styling and upgraded lighting.
- 2024 Chevy Malibu: A distinctive front grille and striking color palette.
Safety
One of the most important (and impressive) categories for the 2024 Subaru Impreza is its safety. Between both models, the Impreza has been given IIHS' Top Safety Pick+ award and passed all its testing with near-perfect scores.
That's not to overshadow the 2024 Malibu, which also received an overall 5-star frontal crash safety rating from the IIHS (per 2023 scoring as this is a carryover vehicle). However, the 2024 Impreza performed far better than the Malibu overall in safety and crash testing.
Below are some safety features of both models.
2024 Impreza:
- Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Upgraded standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Automatic Pre-Collision Braking
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with lane-centering
2024 Malibu:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Technology
The tech inside these four-door vehicles for 2024 will be impressive, with each model hosting its own bells and whistles. The Impreza boasts a Starlink multimedia system, while the Malibu offers an expansive entertainment display, plus other available features.
2024 Subaru Impreza technology:
- Starlink multimedia system standard on Sport and RS models
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 11.6-inch touchscreen display
- Safety and Security Connect Services, such as SOS Emergency Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service
- An available Harmon Kardon 10-speaker sound system
2024 Chevy Malibu technology:
- A touchscreen infotainment display
- HD rear vision camera
- Teen Driver technology
- Rear park assist
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Mobile mobile Wi-Fi hotspot
Between the two vehicles, you have better accessibility to the infotainment cluster in the 2024 Subaru Impreza, so that is something to consider.
Fuel Economy
Now, onto fuel economy in the 2024 Subaru Impreza and 2024 Chevy Malibu, some differences are worth noting. For the 2024 Impreza hatchback, here are your EPA fuel figures:Â
- 2024 Subaru Impreza 4 cyl, 2.0 L: 30 combined, 27 city, 34 highway
- 2024 Subaru Impreza 4 cyl, 2.5 L: 29 combined, 26 city, 33 highway
Moving on to the 2024 Chevy Malibu's fuel economy, drivers can expect the following EPA figures:
- 2023/2024 Chevrolet Malibu 4 cyl, 1.5 L: 30 combined, 27 city, 35 highway
The EPA still needs to test the 2024 model, although this will be identical to the 2023 engine. Moreover, you have a single engine to choose from for 2023 and 2024, with this being the only rating.
Shop The 2024 Subaru Impreza At Granite Subaru Today!
With this comparison out of the way, the clear winner is the 2024 Subaru Impreza. The Impreza continues to dominate the four-door hatchback category with impressive engine specs, a reintroduced RS model, a top safety award, and endless tech and safety.
Drive safe, and we'll see you soon at Granite Subaru in beautiful Hudson, New Hampshire!
