Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Forte Price Comparison
TrueDelta features the Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and
features comparison between the Chevrolet Malibu and Kia Forte. Including:
- TrueDelta Car Value Comparison
- Price/Invoice Comparison
- Feature Comparison
- Specs Comparison
- What Our Members Are Saying
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Chevrolet Malibu
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Kia Forte
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Summary
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For the Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Forte price comparison, we have first equipped the cars with selected features. The specific options added are shown in the Malibu vs. Forte Price Comparison table. If you want to know how much the Malibu and Forte will cost with the features you specified, this is the table to check. In this case, the Kia Forte EX's price is $4,635 lower than the Chevrolet Malibu 2LT's price |
TrueDelta Value Comparison: Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Forte
| Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Kia Forte EX | |||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: 4,635 | |||
| TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: 4,436 | |||
| Model Year | 2013 | 2013 | 2010 |
| Model | Malibu | Malibu | Forte |
| Trim | 2LT | LTZ | EX |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Engine | 197hp I4 | 197hp I4 | 156hp I4 |
| Transmission | T6 | T6 | A4 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 22/34 MPG | 22/34 MPG | 25/34 MPG |
| Audio (watts, speakers | ?, 9 | ?, 9 | ?, 6 |
| Tire (rear if not all the same) | 235/50-18 | 235/50-18 | 205/55-16 |
| Total Price | 29,270 | 30,075 | 19,780 |
| Adjustments for Features | -4,855 | -4,580 | 0 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Price | 24,415 | 25,495 | 19,780 |
| Cost Above Minimum | 0 | 1,080 | 0 |
| Total Invoice | 27,721 | 28,341 | 18,687 |
| Adjustments for Features | -4,598 | -4,316 | 0 |
| Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice | 23,123 | 24,025 | 18,687 |
| Cost Above Minimum | 0 | 902 | 0 |
Invoice Comparison: Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Forte
Price Comparison (MSRP): Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia ForteThe sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices.
| Lowest Total Price: Kia Forte EX | |||
| Difference: 9,490 | |||
| Lowest Total Invoice: Kia Forte EX | |||
| Difference: 9,034 | |||
| Model Year | 2013 | 2013 | 2010 |
| Model | Malibu | Malibu | Forte |
| Trim | 2LT | LTZ | EX |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Base Price | 24,890 | 27,365 | 15,995 |
| Base Invoice | 23,769 | 25,859 | 15,230 |
| Leather Package | 1,000 | ||
| Electronics and Entertainment Package | 1,175 | 1,900 | |
| Forward collision alert | 395 | ||
| Sunroof | 1,000 | ||
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | 180 | ||
| Premium Package | 800 | ||
| Leather seating surfaces | 1,000 | ||
| Cargo net | 40 | ||
| Universal garage door opener | 70 | ||
| 4-speed automatic | 1,000 | ||
| Leather Package | 0 | ||
| Electronics and Entertainment Package | 0 | ||
| Forward collision alert | 0 | ||
| Sunroof | 0 | ||
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | 145 | ||
| Premium Package | 700 | ||
| Leather seating surfaces | 870 | ||
| Cargo net | 32 | ||
| Universal garage door opener | 55 | ||
| 4-speed automatic | 960 | ||
| Total options | 3,570 | 1,900 | 3,090 |
| Total options | 3,142 | 1,672 | 2,762 |
| Destination | 810 | 810 | 695 |
| Total Price | 29,270 | 30,075 | 19,780 |
| Total Invoice | 27,721 | 28,341 | 18,687 |
While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Chevrolet Malibu
| Price of the Chevrolet Malibu: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Got a really good lease deal. Didn't want to purchase a car at the time. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | I bought my malibu used with 9000 miles. I got a very good price so I am happy with my decision. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Paid $23,049 for 2LT with sunroof |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Value packed - easily beats the competition on price, and GM incentives plus warranty make it a no brainer. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | We found this car used with 15,000 miles for about $5,000 less than any other used Malibu available. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD | The Malibu is a very quiet and refined car. It has decent handling and offers a lot of features for its price! The dealer incentives, combined with many positive reviews make it in my opinion a car that provides good value for the money. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | I purchased new base model and have paid 2500 less than sticker price (60 month). |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 217-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | I bought it used, depreciation is very high so it was very inexpensive considering the features and performance offered. It cost only 50% of list when only 23 months old. Since I intend to keep it for at least three year depreciation is not a concern. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | Great vehicle to have! |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD | The price was over 10K less than Camry or Accord and actually had better safety and features. |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Price of the the Kia Forte
| Price of the Kia Forte: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 2dr Coupe 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | Sticker price was $1500 cheaper than comparable local Mazda 3 and VW Golf/Jetta with the same or more features. |
| Price of the Kia Forte: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD | a few $K more than the Versa. |
Features Comparison: Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Forte
| Model Year | 2013 | 2013 | 2010 |
| Model | Malibu | Malibu | Forte |
| Trim | 2LT | LTZ | EX |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Transmission and Drivetrain | |||
| 6-speed manually-shiftable automatic | $1100 | $1100 | |
| 4-speed automatic | $800 | ||
| FWD | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Accessories | |||
| AC power outlet | $100 | $100 | |
| Remote start | $150 | $150 | |
| Tilt steering wheel, manual | $150 | ||
| Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual | $250 | $250 | |
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||
| Forward collision alert | $50 | ||
| Front seat active head restraints | $50 | ||
| Knee airbag, driver | $100 | $100 | |
| Knee airbag, passenger | $100 | $100 | |
| Lane departure warning system | $300 | ||
| Rear side airbags | $300 | $300 | |
| Rearview camera | $200 | $200 | |
| Rollover sensor | $100 | $100 | |
| Climate Control and Infotainment | |||
| App support | $125 | $125 | |
| Automatic climate control, front | $200 | $200 | |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | $25 | $25 | |
| Dual-zone climate control | $125 | $125 | |
| Telematics service, such as OnStar, with navigation | $400 | $400 | |
| Voice control for audio system | $50 | $50 | |
| Voice control for external devices | $50 | $50 | |
| Exterior | |||
| Bodyside moldings | $75 | ||
| Bright-finished exhaust tip(s) | $50 | ||
| Laminated side glass | $300 | $300 | |
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||
| Automatic headlights | $125 | $125 | |
| Automatic-off headlights | $25 | ||
| Exterior temperature display | $50 | $50 | |
| Fog lights | $125 | $125 | |
| Heated mirrors | $25 | $25 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, driver | $50 | $50 | |
| Illuminated visor mirror, passenger | $50 | $50 | |
| Interior ambient lighting | $150 | $150 | |
| Mirror tilt-down in reverse | $25 | $25 | |
| Trip computer | $150 | $150 | |
| Visor mirror, driver | $10 | ||
| Visor mirror, passenger | $10 | ||
| Seats and Interior Trim | |||
| Door sill trim plates | $100 | ||
| Manual height adjuster, driver seat | $50 | ||
| Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seat | $150 | $150 | |
| Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seat | $150 | $150 | |
| Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat | $100 | $100 | |
| Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat | $100 | $100 | |
| Power height adjuster, driver seat | $100 | $100 | |
| Power height adjuster, passenger seat | $100 | $100 | |
| Power recliner, driver seat | $100 | $100 | |
| Power recliner, passenger seat | $100 | $100 | |
| Power tilt adjuster, driver seat | $100 | $100 | |
| Power tilt adjuster, passenger seat | $100 | $100 | |
| Total Value of Features | $5,950 | $5,675 | $1,095 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | $4,855 | $4,580 | $0 |
| Value of Feature Adjustments | -4,598 | -4,316 | 0 |
Specifications Comparison: Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Forte
| Model Year | 2013 | 2010 |
| Model | Malibu | Forte |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 104.3 in |
| Length | 191.5 in | 178.3 in |
| Width | 73.0 in | 69.9 in |
| Height | 57.6 in | 57.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,393 lb. | 2,740 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.7 gal. |
| Row 1 Headroom | 39.0 in | 40.0 in |
| Row 1 Shoulder Room | 57.5 in | 55.7 in |
| Row 1 Hip Room | 55.0 in | 53.0 in |
| Row 1 Legroom | 42.1 in | 43.3 in |
| Row 2 Headroom | 37.5 in | 37.8 in |
| Row 2 Shoulder Room | 57.1 in | 54.7 in |
| Row 2 Hip Room | 54.3 in | 53.3 in |
| Row 2 Legroom | 36.8 in | 35.0 in |
| Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 14.7 ft3 |
Option Package Details
2LT
| Leather Package | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Leather seating surfaces | 900 | Yes |
| Heated front seats | 300 | Yes |
| Power recliner, passenger seat | 100 | No |
| Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat | 100 | No |
| Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seat | 150 | No |
| Power tilt adjuster, passenger seat | 100 | No |
| Total Requested | 1200 | 73% |
| Total Not Requested | 450 | 27% |
| Electronics and Entertainment Package | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | 150 | Yes |
| Cargo net | 40 | Yes |
| Bodyside moldings | 75 | No |
| Universal garage door opener | 100 | Yes |
| Rearview camera | 200 | No |
| AC power outlet | 100 | No |
| Mirror tilt-down in reverse | 25 | No |
| Pioneer, 9 speakers (with subwoofer) | 350 | No |
| Total Requested | 290 | 28% |
| Total Not Requested | 750 | 72% |
Option Package Details
LTZ
| Electronics and Entertainment Package | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Sunroof | 900 | Yes |
| Universal garage door opener | 100 | Yes |
| Rearview camera | 200 | No |
| AC power outlet | 100 | No |
| Mirror tilt-down in reverse | 25 | No |
| Pioneer, 9 speakers (with subwoofer) | 350 | No |
| Total Requested | 1000 | 60% |
| Total Not Requested | 675 | 40% |
Option Package Details
EX
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | 150 | Yes |
| Compass | 25 | Yes |
| Total Requested | 175 | 100% |
| Total Not Requested | 0 | 0% |
| Leather seating surfaces | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Leather seating surfaces | 900 | Yes |
| Heated front seats | 300 | Yes |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | 150 | Yes |
| Total Requested | 1350 | 100% |
| Total Not Requested | 0 | 0% |
| Premium Package | ||
| Feature | Value | Requested? |
| Sunroof | 900 | Yes |
| Alloy wheels | 350 | Yes |
| 205/55HR16 tires | 400 | No |
| Total Requested | 1250 | 76% |
| Total Not Requested | 400 | 24% |
Dealer Price Quotes
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Want to find out how much dealers are willing to discount these cars? Request free, no-obligation Chevrolet Malibu price quotes or Kia Forte price quotes from dealers using our car quote form. You can also request quotes from our partner PriceQuotes.com in the sidebar and motivate dealers to compete for your business by offering the lowest possible price. The process is easy and takes just a minute or two. You'll receive price quotes from local approved dealers within 48 hours. |
What Our Members Are Saying about Chevrolet Malibu Materials and Workmanship
| Available Features of the Chevrolet Malibu: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Best of any car I have recently purchased; appears to have been carefully assembled with attention to detail which I thought had been forgotten with distant-past GM purchases; for my needs this vehicle appears to be an exceptional value. |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Solid, well put together car...no quality control issues other than drivers seat |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The fit and finish of the malibu looks more upscale than other sedans at the same price point. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
quality, comfort & quietness |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
fit & finish is excellent throughout the exterior and interior |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The soft touch fabrics, as well as the chrome trim really help with the appearance of high quality. In addition , the lack of squeaks or rattles seems to show that the engineers took care in designing it. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight seams inside and out. Small details hidden everywhere you look. Good mix of materials inside including non-bland color schemes, soft touch materials in many areas, chrome accents highlighting controls, great tactile feel. |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
above average |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
soft touch marlterials feels much more expensive |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
This fit and finish are first rate. Much higher than expected for the price range. |
| 2006 | 4dr Hatch 240-horsepower 3.9L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The materials feel solid and of good quality. Again, this car has been driven hard by my wife for 3 years, yet it has never been to the shop, and has worked flawlessly. |
| Materials and Workmanship of the Chevrolet Malibu: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
In the LT1 trim, the seats are cloth which is very good but door panels are hard plastic. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Where did GM find such terrible materials? The leather - hard and grainy. The plastics - strange colors, and noticeably thin. Why does the door not make an assuring "thud" when shut like my Optima does? GM could have done a LOT better in this department. |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The car seems cheap, especially the interior materials--very plasticky. Of course, it was a rental. |
| 2007 | 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The interior is on an austerity plan, and the steering column makes click-thunk noises (a common issue on these cars). Also, the door locks failed (warranty issue...also common). |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 217-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to previous car (VW Passat) the interior plastics are cheap and squeaky. Seat material looks very hard wearing but also very cheap. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Cheap materials on seats. |
| 2005 | 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Most of the parts are made in Korea. The fuel sender unit had silver contacts and corroded after using high-sulphur cheap gas. Front struts are weeping. |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Cheap plastics. Panels not fitting correctly. Interior has many rattles. Many buttons failed and had to be replaced. |
| 2004 | 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear sunroof shade pops out of position if wind hits it. Front seat bottom has come loose. |
| 2002 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 3.1L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Generally poor build quality in the interior. Steering wheel showed signs of aging after 40k miles; button label worn off. |
What Our Members Are Saying about Kia Forte Materials and Workmanship
| Materials and Workmanship of the Kia Forte: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Some of the interior materials seemed a little, uh, spartan. |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
It seemed to be a fine yeoman effort. No one can deny the Korean manufacturers have made great gains. But again most cars glow in the showroom. I envision a number of squeaks and rattles in the future as the panel gaps were tight but not uniform. |
