Chevrolet Malibu vs Ford Fusion: Which Used Buy Wins?
As used buys (July 2026), the Chevrolet Malibu typically lists for $13,000 against $12,995 for the Ford Fusion (same model years — 2018–2020 — national medians from live listings). The newest shared model year is 2020 — one of these nameplates is no longer sold new, so the comparison covers the older used market only. The Chevrolet Malibu takes fuel economy (26 MPG combined vs 25 MPG); the Ford Fusion leads on NCAP safety (4.8★ vs 4.6★ average). Every figure below is live market data, not book values.
Head to head
Used price by model year
| Year | Chevrolet Malibu typical | Ford Fusion typical | Difference | Chevrolet Malibu MPG | Ford Fusion MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $13,999 | $14,597 | Ford Fusion +$598 | 26–32 MPG | 23–42 MPG |
| 2019 | $13,000 | $12,995 | Chevrolet Malibu +$5 | 26–46 MPG | 20–42 MPG |
| 2018 | $11,995 | $12,513 | Ford Fusion +$518 | 26–46 MPG | 20–27 MPG |
| 2017 | $11,331 | $10,662 | Chevrolet Malibu +$669 | 26–46 MPG | 20–27 MPG |
| 2016 | $10,125 | $9,370 | Chevrolet Malibu +$755 | 26–46 MPG | 25–29 MPG |
| 2015 | $8,682 | $8,950 | Ford Fusion +$268 | 24–29 MPG | 25–29 MPG |
| 2014 | $7,787 | $7,995 | Ford Fusion +$208 | 24–29 MPG | 25–29 MPG |
| 2013 | $6,997 | $7,487 | Ford Fusion +$490 | 24–29 MPG | 25–29 MPG |
| 2012 | $6,595 | $6,831 | Ford Fusion +$236 | 20–26 MPG | 19–26 MPG |
| 2011 | $5,995 | $5,999 | Ford Fusion +$4 | 20–26 MPG | 19–26 MPG |
| 2010 | $5,942 | $5,988 | Ford Fusion +$46 | 20–29 MPG | 19–27 MPG |
| 2009 | $5,995 | $5,454 | Chevrolet Malibu +$541 | 20–29 MPG | 20–23 MPG |
| 2008 | $5,948 | $4,991 | Chevrolet Malibu +$957 | 20–27 MPG | 20 MPG |
| 2007 | $4,688 | $4,948 | Ford Fusion +$260 | 18–25 MPG | 19 MPG |
| 2006 | $4,998 | $4,995 | Chevrolet Malibu +$3 | 19–24 MPG | — |
Typical price = national median asking price of live listings for that model year (July 2026); MPG = EPA combined range across rated versions.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to buy used — Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion?
Comparing the same model years (2018–2020), the Ford Fusion is cheaper: it typically lists for $12,995 versus $13,000 for the Chevrolet Malibu (national medians, July 2026).
Which gets better fuel economy — Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion?
The Chevrolet Malibu: its typical rated version returns 26 MPG combined versus 25 MPG for the Ford Fusion (median across EPA-rated versions of the compared years).
Which is safer — Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion?
By NCAP overall crash-test rating the Ford Fusion averages 4.8 of 5 stars across rated years versus 4.6 for the Chevrolet Malibu. Always check the specific model year's rating in the table above.
Which is more reliable — Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion?
NHTSA lists an average of 4.2 recalls per model year for the Chevrolet Malibu and 8.6 for the Ford Fusion — an edge for the Chevrolet Malibu. Recall and complaint counts scale with sales volume, so treat them as context and check any specific car's VIN history.
https://vehisales.com/research/compare/chevrolet/malibu/vs/ford/fusion.
Dig deeper
Chevrolet Malibu — live listings & specs Ford Fusion — live listings & specs Chevrolet Malibu prices by year Ford Fusion prices by year Chevrolet Malibu MPG by year Ford Fusion MPG by year
See also: All model comparisons · Best used cars by budget · Used car prices by model.