Pre-Owned Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion: Which One Is Best?
Still looking for a pre-owned mid-size sedan? You are among the small minority of people who don’t prefer SUVs and it’s perfectly fine! We agree, driving a car is often much more fun.
Models like the Mazda6 or the Honda Accord are good choices if you favour driving pleasure. The Accord is also a reliable option, just like the Toyota Camry. However, if you think these are a bit too expensive, or if American cars are your thing, you should consider the Chevrolet Malibu and the Ford Fusion.
But which one should you choose between the two?
First of all, we must tell you that the Malibu has an advantage: it’s still being manufactured (but not for long), and you can find a like-new used example that’s still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. This is more difficult with the Fusion, which was retired at the end of model year 2020.
But the sedan with the bowtie isn’t necessarily more modern than its rival with the blue oval. You see, it received its latest update back in 2019, which included a few aesthetic modifications and some new useful features. The two vehicles’ interiors are very similar, though, just like their multimedia systems.
In terms of space, the Fusion offers a bit more room to its passengers, but its 453-litre trunk isn’t much bigger than the Malibu’s (445 litres).
On the road, Ford’s sedan does a little more to please the driver, with superior manoeuvrability and handling, as well as an all-wheel drive in some cases. It also offers more powerful engines in both the base and the top-end trims. By the way, the old Fusion Sport was powered by a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 producing 325 horsepower.
However, for better fuel economy, go for the Malibu, whether it has a traditional powertrain or a hybrid one. But there’s an exception: the Fusion Energi, a rechargeable hybrid with up to 42 km of electric range. If you drive mostly short distances in the city, it will make a big difference.
Lastly, be aware that the Fusion’ reliability record is a little better than its rival’s, as shown by Consumer Reports data, and that both cars have been hit with multiple recalls, which requires some checking before you make your final decision.