Vehicle comparison
Chevrolet Malibu vs Toyota Camry
Side-by-side fuel and ownership cost comparison. Estimates use 12,000 mi/year at average US gas prices.
- Updated for 2026
- EPA-style MPG
- US avg fuel prices
- US units
- Transparent assumptions
Lowest running cost
Toyota Camry wins on fuel cost
At 12,000 miles per year, the Toyota Camry costs about $1294 per year, roughly $86 less than the Chevrolet Malibu. Over 5 years, that's about $431 in fuel savings.
Spec & cost comparison
MPG/MPGe figures are estimates based on typical recent model years.
| Spec | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Type | SEDAN | SEDAN |
| Fuel | Regular gas | Regular gas |
| City MPG/MPGe | 27 | 28 |
| Highway MPG/MPGe | 35 | 39 |
| Combined MPG/MPGe | 30 | 32 |
| Tank / Battery | 15.8 gal | 15.8 gal |
| Energy cost | $3.45/gal | $3.45/gal |
| Cost per mile | $0.115 | $0.108 |
Annual cost at 8k / 12k / 15k miles
Estimated yearly fuel spend at common US mileage levels.
| Miles/year | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Camry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | $920/yr · $77/mo | $863/yr · $72/mo | $58 (Toyota Camry) |
| 12,000 | $1380/yr · $115/mo | $1294/yr · $108/mo | $86 (Toyota Camry) |
| 15,000 | $1725/yr · $144/mo | $1617/yr · $135/mo | $108 (Toyota Camry) |
Estimates only. Real costs depend on driving style, terrain, local gas/electricity prices and weather.
Which one is best for…
Best for commuting
Toyota Camry
Highest combined MPG/MPGe and lowest cost per mile means cheaper daily driving.
See Toyota CamryBest for road trips
Toyota Camry
Better highway efficiency, larger tank/battery and longer range between stops.
See Toyota CamryBest for families
Toyota Camry
SUVs, minivans and three-row vehicles win on space and child-seat flexibility.
See Toyota CamryBest for lowest running cost
Toyota Camry
Cheaper energy use and lower cost per mile at every common mileage tier.
See Toyota CamryHow we compare these vehicles
- Annual mileage
- Modeled at 12,000 mi/yr unless a scenario specifies otherwise.
- Cost per mile
- $/gal ÷ MPG, or $/kWh ÷ (MPGe ÷ 33.7) for EVs.
- EV vs gas
- Compared at average US gas and residential electricity prices — fast-charging can be 2–3× higher.
- Maintenance
- Fuel cost only — EVs typically save another $400–$1,000/yr in service and brake wear.
Sources & assumptions
- EPA fuel economy data — City / highway / combined MPG and MPGe baselines.
- U.S. Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov) — Vehicle efficiency and EV range references.
- AAA gas price trends — Recent national and regional retail fuel averages.
- EIA electricity rates — Average residential per-kWh prices used for EV charging.
We summarize publicly available data — no scraping, no external API calls. Figures are calibrated periodically; use the calculators above for your exact inputs.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to drive, the Chevrolet Malibu or Toyota Camry?
At 12,000 miles per year, the Toyota Camry costs about $1294 per year vs $1380 for the Chevrolet Malibu — roughly $86 less per year.
What's the MPG difference between the Chevrolet Malibu and Toyota Camry?
The Chevrolet Malibu is rated around 30 combined MPG versus 32 MPG for the Toyota Camry. Highway figures are 35 vs 39.
How much will I spend on fuel over 5 years?
Driving 12,000 miles a year for five years, expect about $6900 for the Chevrolet Malibu and $6469 for the Toyota Camry, a difference of roughly $431.
Is the Chevrolet Malibu or Toyota Camry better for commuting?
For pure cost per mile, the Toyota Camry wins. EVs charged at home typically deliver the lowest commuting cost, followed by hybrids and efficient compacts.
Which one is better for road trips?
Toyota Camry is generally the better road-trip choice — gas and hybrid vehicles win on long highway routes thanks to faster refueling, while EVs work best when charging stops fit your route.
Are these fuel cost numbers accurate for my driving?
They're estimates based on EPA-style combined MPG and average US gas prices. Real-world cost depends on local fuel prices, driving style, terrain, weather and how much city vs highway driving you do.