2020 Chevy Malibu vs Ford Fusion

The midsize car is a classic choice for commuters everywhere, delivering a great combination of space, fuel efficiency, and drivability. Two great options in the class are the Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion; but, how can you decide which is the best option for your unique lifestyle needs?

The team at Andy Mohr Speedway Chevrolet is here to help you find an answer. We’ve compiled this Chevy Malibu vs. Ford Fusion comparison to give an in-depth look at what these vehicles have to offer for your commutes around Indianapolis, Fishers, and Speedway.

Chevy Malibu vs Ford Fusion: Standard Performance 

No matter which trim level you choose, you can expect that these vehicles will provide some serious performance from the get-go. That’s because they both feature finely tuned engines that provide the sporty and fuel-efficient ride you need on a commute.

When you take a look at the Ford Fusion, you’ll find that this vehicle is designed with a standard 2.5L engine that delivers up to 175 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain also provides an EPA-estimated 21 city MPG and 31 highway MPG.

However, the Chevy Malibu is sure to give you a sportier drive thanks to its 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This powertrain can give you up to 184 lb-ft of torque for some much peppier acceleration. Best of all, you can expect to travel far with up to an EPA-estimated 29 city MPG and 36 highway MPG.

Overall, if you want to experience a drive that’s better suited for commuting, the Chevy Malibu is the way to go.

Well-Designed Standard Transmissions

How are these vehicles able to achieve such excellent fuel economy? It’s all in the transmission. With a transmission designed with a high gear count, you can expect smoother shifting and much less strain on the engine.

That’s why the Ford Fusion comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission. With six gears at your disposal, this transmission ensures a steady distribution of power while you accelerate. The result is lower fuel consumption and your vehicle upshifts right when it needs to.

With the standard trim of the Chevy Malibu, on the other hand, you’ll be treated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This unique transmission does away with gears entirely and instead creates a spectrum of gear ratios using a belt and pulley. This system enhances your fuel economy significantly by always providing the power you need when you need it.

Driver-Assistance Features

Sometimes we can all use a little extra help, and the Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion are well-suited to make your drives a little easier. These vehicles are designed with technology that helps automate parts of the driving process, so you don’t find yourself getting fatigued from hours on the road.

Take the available Adaptive Cruise Control system, for example. Turn this feature on, and your sedan will keep you at a steady speed while still slowing down to keep a safe distance behind traffic. This is incredibly helpful when you’re on a long trip down the highway. Just turn this on, and your car will manage your speed while you steer.

If you really want an easy time driving through the city, though, the Chevy Malibu has some extra tech up its sleeve for you. This sedan has an available Automatic Parking Assist, which actively searches for a parking spot and then steers you into that spot automatically. This is a huge help when you’re looking for that ideal spot along the curb in a crowded city.

2020 Malibu vs 2020 Fusion: Safety Features

Safety is on everyone’s mind when looking for the right car, and you can rest assured that the Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion are well-equipped with plenty of safety features.

Both sedans are designed with Automatic Emergency Braking systems to help prevent collisions before they happen. If you’re coming up on another vehicle, your car can automatically employ the brakes to stop you.

If you have a new driver learning on your sedan, the Chevy Malibu comes equipped with a Teen Driver mode. This system limits certain features and turns on certain safety systems to facilitate more defensive driving. When your teen comes back, this mode will provide you with a report on their driving habits to help you get an idea of how they’re doing.

In the Cabin: Modern Tech Features 

Every new car should be equipped with plenty of modern interior tech features to keep you entertained and connected during your drives around Indianapolis, Fishers, and Carmel.

Keyless entry and push button start are standard on both sedans, making it quick and easy to get going. Plus, the 2020 Malibu comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system, and the Fusion has four speakers in its base trim.

The Malibu comes with a helpful Rear Seat Reminder system, which can remind you to double-check the back seat for forgotten items before exiting the vehicle. This is a great feature for parents with a silently snoozing child in the back seat.

In addition to that, the Malibu features an available wireless charging pad, which lets you charge up your phone without cluttering up your front seating area. Just set your phone down on this pad and it will charge automatically. This lets you have a convenient place to keep your phone while you’re out on your commute.

Should I Get the Chevy Malibu or Ford Fusion?

There’s a whole lot to like about the 2020 Chevy Malibu and 2020 Ford Fusion. When it comes down to it, though, we think the Chevy Malibu comes out on top. Thanks to its fuel-efficient performance and numerous safety features, this vehicle is a fantastic fit for commuters in the Indianapolis, Fishers, and Speedway areas.

Want to give the 2020 Malibu a try? Schedule a test drive with Andy Mohr Speedway Chevrolet today!