Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Ford Explorer Ford Explorer 2012

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Chevrolet Malibu vs. Ford Explorer Price Comparison (MSRP)

The 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.

Chevrolet Malibu vs. Ford Explorer Invoice Comparison

Lowest Total Price: $30,960

Chevrolet Malibu LTZ   
Difference: $6,355

Lowest Total Invoice: $29,299

Chevrolet Malibu LTZ   
Difference: $5,289

Calculate Payments

  Down Payment Interest Rate Term
Model Year201220122012
ModelMalibuExplorerExplorer
TrimLTZXLTLimited
Body4dr Sedan4dr SUV4dr SUV
Base Price $28,600 $32,095 $37,855
Base Invoice $27,027 $30,027 $35,268
3.6L V6 1,600    
Package 205A   2,800  
Panoramic sunroof   1,595 1,595
3.6L V6 1,512    
Package 205A   2,380  
Panoramic sunroof   1,356 1,356
Options (change) 1,600 4,395 1,595
Options (change) 1,512 3,736 1,356
Destination 760 825 825
Total Price $30,960 $37,315 $40,275
Total Invoice $29,299 $34,588 $37,449

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While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.

Dealer Price Quotes

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Request free, no-obligation Chevrolet Malibu dealer quotes or Ford Explorer dealer quotes from dealers using our car quote form.

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TrueDelta Value Comparison: Chevrolet Malibu vs. Ford Explorer

Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice: Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
TrueDelta Adjusted Price Difference: $2,965
TrueDelta Adjusted Invoice Difference: $2,147
Model Year201220122012
ModelMalibuExplorerExplorer
TrimLTZXLTLimited
Body4dr Sedan4dr SUV4dr SUV
Engine252hp V6290hp V6290hp V6
TransmissionT6T6T6
DrivetrainFWDFWDFWD
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway)17/26 MPG17/25 MPG17/25 MPG
Audio (watts, speakers)?, 8?, 8390, 12
Tire (rear if not all the same)225/50-18245/60-18255/50-20
Total Price$30,960$37,315$40,275
Adjustments for Features0-3,390-4,955
Feature-Adjusted Total Price$30,960$33,925$35,320
Cost Above Minimum$0$0$1,395
Total Invoice$29,299$34,588$37,449
Adjustments for Features0-3,142-4,607
Feature-Adjusted Total Invoice$29,299$31,446$32,842
Cost Above Minimum$0$0$1,396

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Features Comparison: Chevrolet Malibu vs. Ford Explorer

Model Year201220122012
ModelMalibuExplorerExplorer
TrimLTZXLTLimited
Body4dr Sedan4dr SUV4dr SUV
Transmission and Drivetrain 
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic$1100$1100$1100
FWD$0$0$0
Accessories 
AC power outlet$100 $100
Keyless entry keypad $50$50
Power-adjustable pedals  $125
Proximity key  $250
Remote start$150 $150
Universal garage door opener  $100
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety 
911 assist $25$25
Curve control $50$50
Obstacle detection, rear $250$250
Rearview camera $200$200
Rollover sensor $50$50
Safety key $5$5
Side curtain airbags$350  
Side curtain airbags, three rows $500$500
Trailer sway control $25$25
Vehicle health reports $0$0
Cargo Management 
Cargo mat$40  
Cargo net  $40
Overhead sunglass holder $25$25
Roof rails $250$250
Climate Control 
Dual-zone climate control $125$125
Interior air filter $0$0
Rear air vents with manual controls $150$150
Rear HVAC unit $400$400
Rear wiper $175$175
Exterior 
Bodyside cladding (gray/black) $250$250
Bodyside moldings$75  
Deep-tinted rear windows $275$275
Laminated front side windows$200  
Panoramic sunroof $1200$1200
Rear spoiler $200$200
Sunroof$900  
Wheel-lip moldings $75$75
Infotainment 
Bluetooth audio streaming $25$25
HD radio  $50
Navigation, turn-by-turn $25$25
SD Card slot $25$25
SMS text-to-speech reader $25$25
Surround sound  $250
Telematics service, such as OnStar, with navigation$225  
Traffic + travel information $25$25
Voice control for audio system $25$25
Voice control for external devices $0$0
Wi-Fi hotspot capability $0$0
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors 
Compass$0  
Interior ambient lighting$150 $150
Large color reconfigurable instrument cluster display $250$250
Power-folding mirrors  $50
Spotter mirror(s) $50$50
Trip computer $150$150
Turn signals on or near mirrors $25$25
Seats and Interior Trim 
Center armrest(s), second row $50$50
Door sill trim plates$100 $100
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seat $50$50
Manual recliner, second row seats $75$75
Memory system, driver seat  $200
Stowable third row seats $600$600
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires 
Performance steering system (optional)$0  
Total Value of Features$3,390$6,780$8,345
Value of Feature Adjustments$0$3,390$4,955
Value of Feature Adjustments0-3,142-4,607

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Specifications Comparison: Chevrolet Malibu vs. Ford Explorer

Model Year20122012
ModelMalibuExplorer
Body4dr Sedan4dr SUV
Wheelbase112.3 in112.6 in
Length191.8 in197.1 in
Width70.3 in78.9 in
Height57.1 in70.4 in
Curb Weight3,645 lb.4,557 lb.
Fuel Capacity16.0 gal.18.6 gal.
Row 1 Headroom39.4 in40.6 in
Row 1 Shoulder Room55.9 in61.3 in
Row 1 Hip Room53.0 in57.3 in
Row 1 Legroom42.2 in40.6 in
Row 2 Headroom37.2 in40.5 in
Row 2 Shoulder Room53.9 in61.0 in
Row 2 Hip Room52.1 in56.7 in
Row 2 Legroom37.6 in39.8 in
Row 3 Headroom0.0 in37.8 in
Row 3 Shoulder Room0.0 in50.8 in
Row 3 Hip Room0.0 in40.7 in
Row 3 Legroom0.0 in33.2 in
Cargo Volume,
Minimum
15.1 ft321.0 ft3
Cargo Volume,
Behind R2
15.143.8 ft3
Cargo Volume,
Maximum
15.180.7 ft3

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Option Package Details
Ford Explorer XLT

Package 205A
FeatureValueRequested?
Automatic climate control, front200Yes
Auto-dimming rearview mirror150Yes
Rearview camera200No
Dual-zone climate control125No
Large color reconfigurable instrument cluster display250No
Unbranded, 8 speakers350No
Leather seating surfaces900Yes
Heated front seats200Yes
Power recliner, driver seat100Yes
Power lumbar adjuster, driver seat50Yes
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat100Yes
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seat50No
Center armrest(s), second row50No
Power height adjuster, passenger seat100Yes
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seat100Yes
A/V input jacks25No
SD Card slot25No
Wi-Fi hotspot capability0No
Traffic + travel information25No
Navigation, turn-by-turn25No
Total Requested190063%
Total Not Requested112537%

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