Compare Chevrolet Malibu Vs Equinox Comparison

Which Family Vehicle Is Best for You? Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu to the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Finding the right vehicle for your family isn't always easy, especially when you have a variety of great choices from Chevrolet. Take the Malibu and the Equinox, for example. Though they both share Chevy quality, they also have a number of differences that might leave you wondering which one will better meet your needs. That's where we come in. Our Chevy model comparison pages are designed to take much of the difficulty out of the decision by giving you accurate information and direct, head-to-head comparisons. On this page, you'll see just how these two vehicles compare against each other.

Chevy Malibu vs Chevy Equinox: Size & Style

The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan, while the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV. This means you'll find differences in size and design. As a small SUV, the Chevrolet Equinox has a higher ground clearance that makes it better suited to travel beyond the paved road while carrying more cargo than the Malibu. As an iconic midsize sedan from Chevrolet, the Malibu sits lower to the ground, si you may find its handling and ride quality to be a bit better.

Despite their differences in size, the Malibu and the Equinox have similar passenger volume. The 2020 Chevy Malibu has 102.9 cubic feet, and the 2020 Chevy Equinox has 103.5 cubic feet. It's cargo space where the difference comes in. The Malibu has a spacious trunk that's 15.7 cubic feet in volume. However, the Equinox has 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

Chevy Malibu vs Chevy Equinox: Interior Features

At the entry level, these vehicles offer a similarly impressive level of refinement. However, there are still some differences when you take a look at technology. The 2020 Malibu offers a Bose® premium audio system with 9 speakers, while the available Bose® system in the 2020 Equinox has only 7 speakers. What's more, the 2020 Malibu comes with an 8-inch touchscreen at the entry level, while the Equinox starts off with a 7-inch touchscreen and offers an 8-inch option as an upgrade.

Chevy Malibu vs Chevy Equinox: Driver Assist Technology

These vehicles both offer driver assist features to help keep you and your passengers safer. However, there are a few differences in standard vs optional availability. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, and lane keep assist are some of the features you'll find standard on every 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. These features are available upgrades in the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu.

Chevy Malibu vs Chevy Equinox: Performance

Both of these vehicles give you two similar engine options. At the entry level on each, you'll get a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. In the Malibu, this engine generates 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque; the engine in the Equinox puts out 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. There's also an available 2-liter turbocharged engine in both vehicles; it puts out 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 2020 Malibu and 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 2020 Equinox.

There are other similarities, as well. MacPherson struts on the front and four-link rear suspension are standard on both vehicles, and they both come standard with front-wheel drive. However, all-wheel drive is an available upgrade on the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. You won't be able to get a Chevy Malibu with all-wheel drive.

Chevy Malibu vs Chevy Equinox: Conclusion

These vehicles are similar in performance, in size, and in value. The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu does have a slightly lower starting MSRP, and is an excellent choice for those who enjoy the more traditional sedan. However, if you need more space for cargo, like the versatility of all-wheel drive, or want standard driver assist features, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a better choice. We invite you to take both of these vehicles for a test drive at Mission Chevrolet.

*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.