Malibu IX vs Camry XV70: which is better?
Chevrolet Malibu IX (2016–2024) vs Toyota Camry XV70 (2017–2024): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Chevrolet Malibu IX
Toyota Camry XV70Specifications
| Chevrolet Malibu IX | Toyota Camry XV70 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2016–2024 | 2017–2024 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.5 Turbo | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 163 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque, up to | 250 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 923 mm | 4 885 mm |
| Width | 1 854 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Height | 1 463 mm | 1 455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 829 mm | 2 825 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 155 mm |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Chevrolet Malibu IX
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Uzbekistan
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- GM 6T30/6T40/6T45 etc. gearbox: 3-5-R clutch pack wave spring failure (6T40/6T45)
Gearbox (GM 6T30/6T40/6T45, etc.): broken wave spring in the 3-5-R clutch pack (6T40/6T45); jerks when the valve body wears.
Toyota Camry XV70
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AR-FE engine (2.5): VVT-i actuator rattle on cold start
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2AR-FE (2.5)): VVT-i coupling rattle on cold start; water pump leak; at high mileage — increased oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- Malibu IX — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- Camry XV70 — if you care more about: power, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Malibu IX or Camry XV70?
Malibu IX: up to 163 hp, Camry XV70: up to 181 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Malibu IX — about 8 650 ₸, Camry XV70 — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.