Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L 6AT LTZ (2018) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026)

A full spec-by-spec comparison of Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L 6AT LTZ (2018) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.

Specification Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L 6AT LTZ (2018) Chevrolet ₱2,131,888 BYD Tang DM-i (2026) BYD ₱2,148,000
Overview
Model Year 2018 2026
Warranty 3-years/100,000km 6 years or 150,000 km
Availability Current Current
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Type Inline-4 Inline-4
Displacement 1998 1498cc
Valvetrain DOHC 16-valve DOHC 16-valve
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Aspiration Turbocharged Intercooled, Direct Injection Turbocharged
Fuel Type Gas PHEV
Max Power 250 PS @ 5300 rpm 271 PS
Max Torque 353 Nm @ 2000 - 5000 rpm 315 Nm
Transmission 6-speed A/T Automatic 6-Speed
Drivetrain FWD FWD
Body & Dimensions
Body Type Sedan Midsize Crossover SUV
Segment D Crossover
Construction Unibody Unibody
Doors 4 5
Seating Capacity 2+3 2+3+2
Length (mm) 4923 4870
Width (mm) 1854 1950
Height (mm) 1470 1720
Wheelbase (mm) 2829 2820
Curb Weight (kg) 1495 2130
Fuel Tank (L) 62 53
Exterior Colors Moonstone Grey, Pearl White, and Silver Sand Black
Chassis, Wheels & Brakes
Front Suspension MacPherson Strut w/ Stabilizer MacPherson Strut w/Coil Spring
Rear Suspension Multi-Link w/ Stabilizer Multi-link with Coil Spring
Front Wheels 18 alloy 20
Rear Wheels 18 alloy 20
Front Tires 245/45/R18 255/55R20
Rear Tires 245/45/R18 255/55R20
Front Brakes Disc Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes Disc Solid Disc
Steering Type EPS EPS
Steering Column Tilt & Telescopic Tilt & Telescope
Tire Pressure Monitoring Yes Yes
Differential Lock No No
Safety
Anti-lock Braking (ABS) Yes Yes
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution Yes Yes
Brake Assist Yes No
Parking Sensors Yes No
Stability Control Yes No
Traction Control Yes No
Vehicle Dynamic Control No Yes
Forward Collision Mitigation Yes No
Blind Spot Warning Yes No
Hill Start Assist Yes Yes
Hill Descent Control No Yes
Auto Stop/Start No No
Driver Airbag Yes No
Knee Airbag Yes No
Passenger Airbag Yes No
Front Curtain Airbags Yes No
Rear Curtain Airbags No No
Rear Side Airbags Yes No
Engine Immobilizer Yes Yes
Security Alarm Yes Yes
Door Locking Central Locking Central Locking
Comfort & Convenience
Air Conditioning Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control Automatic Climate Control Dual Zone
Rear A/C Vents Yes Yes
Seat Material Leather Leather
Parking Brake Foot Brake EPB
Key Type Keyless Entry Keyless Entry
Push-Button Start Yes No
Cruise Control Yes Yes
Multi-Info Display Yes Yes
Paddle Shifters No No
Reverse Camera Yes No
Auto Headlights Yes No
Power Windows Yes Yes
Power Seats Yes Yes
Remote Trunk Release Yes Yes
Eco Mode No No
Antenna yes yes
Infotainment & Audio
Speakers 9 12
Touchscreen Yes Yes
Navigation Yes No
Bluetooth Yes Yes
Apple CarPlay Yes Yes
Android Auto Yes No
USB Yes No
AUX Input Yes No
AM/FM Radio Yes Yes
CD Player No No
DVD Player No No
MP3 Playback Yes No
iPod Support Yes No
SD Card Slot No No
Lighting
Headlights HID LED
Fog Lights Yes No
Daytime Running Lights Yes Yes
Keep comparing Add another model to this matchup — line up to four side by side.

Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L 6AT LTZ (2018) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026): which should you buy?

For a Filipino buyer weighing a traditional sedan against a modern PHEV crossover, the choice hinges on power needs, warranty coverage, and practicality. The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ costs ₱2,131,888, slightly less than the 2026 BYD Tang DM‑i at ₱2,148,000. The Malibu delivers more torque (353 Nm) and a broader torque band (2000‑5000 rpm) than the Tang’s 315 Nm, while the Tang edges ahead in peak power (271 PS vs 250 PS). The Malibu’s 3‑year/100,000 km warranty is shorter than the Tang’s 6‑year/150,000 km, giving the BYD longer peace of mind. In terms of space, the Tang’s five‑door midsize crossover SUV offers three rows (2+3+2) versus the Malibu’s four‑door sedan with only two rows (2+3), making the Tang more suitable for larger families or occasional cargo. Both share front‑wheel drive and six‑speed automatic transmissions, but the Malibu runs on gasoline while the Tang is a plug‑in hybrid, which could lower fuel costs if you can charge regularly. If you prioritize lower upfront price, higher torque for city driving, and a conventional sedan layout, the Malibu is the better fit. If you need extra seating, a longer warranty, and are interested in hybrid efficiency despite a modest price premium, the BYD Tang DM‑i is the smarter pick.

Frequently asked questions

Which model is cheaper?

The Chevrolet Malibu LTZ is priced at ₱2,131,888, which is ₱16,112 less than the BYD Tang DM‑i priced at ₱2,148,000.

Which vehicle has more power?

The BYD Tang DM‑i produces 271 PS, surpassing the Malibu’s 250 PS, while the Malibu offers higher torque at 353 Nm compared to the Tang’s 315 Nm.

Which offers a longer warranty?

The BYD Tang DM‑i comes with a 6‑year or 150,000 km warranty, double the duration of the Malibu’s 3‑year/100,000 km warranty.

Which is more practical for a larger family?

The Tang’s five‑door crossover SUV provides three rows of seats (2+3+2) versus the Malibu’s two‑row sedan layout (2+3), making the Tang more suitable for bigger families or extra cargo.