2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Hyundai Elantra
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu arrives sporting a muscular, refined aesthetic, boasting 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine, ready to tackle highways with its generous 194.2-inch length. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra punches above its weight, turning heads with its sharp, angular design while prioritizing efficiency, sipping fuel to achieve an excellent 36 combined MPG. While the Malibu offers a fraction more cabin space (15.7 cu ft cargo vs. Elantra's 14.2 cu ft), the Elantra asserts its dominance in economy, beating the Malibu by 5 MPG on the combined cycle. The Malibu starts at a slightly higher $24,700 compared to the Elantra's competitive $22,125 entry price, setting up a classic contest between power presence and absolute economy in the modern sedan segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra wins for commuters due to its superior 36 combined MPG, significantly reducing running costs over long distances.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu offers greater interior volume, evidenced by its 15.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to 14.2 cubic feet in the Elantra.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra delivers exceptional value by starting over $2,500 cheaper ($22,125 vs $24,700) while providing better fuel economy.
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...
- You prioritize engine output, as the Malibu delivers 163 horsepower versus the Elantra's 147 hp.
- You need slightly more cargo hauling capability, offering 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space.
- You prefer a larger physical presence on the road, as the Malibu is nearly 9 inches longer (194.2 inches).
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- Maximum fuel savings are critical, with the Elantra achieving 5 MPG better in combined driving (36 MPG).
- Budget is a primary concern, with the Elantra priced nearly $2,600 less at the base MSRP.
- You drive frequently in stop-and-go city traffic, where the Elantra hits 32 MPG versus the Malibu's 28 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Malibu | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2" | 185.4" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 57.9" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 163 hp @ 5700 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 MPG | 32/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 36 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.4/568.8 mi. | 396.8/508.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 50.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.5 in | 15 x 6.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/65R16 | 195/65R15 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2025 Hyundai Elantra.
Which sedan is faster in a straight line: the 2025 Malibu or the 2025 Elantra?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu holds the performance edge, producing 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra offers a lower output, generating 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, making the Malibu the quicker option.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between these two FWD sedans?
The difference is quite notable over the long term; the Elantra earns a 36 combined MPG rating, beating the Malibu’s 31 combined MPG by five full miles per gallon. This translates directly to fewer stops at the regular unleaded pump for Elantra owners.
Does the larger size of the Malibu translate into meaningful space benefits for passengers or cargo?
Yes, the Malibu is substantially larger overall (194.2 inches long versus 185.4 inches). This manifests in a slightly larger cargo hold of 15.7 cu ft, compared to the Elantra's 14.2 cu ft.
Is the extra cost of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu justified by its features?
The Malibu starts at $24,700, which is $2,575 more than the Elantra's $22,125 starting price. Whether this premium is justified depends on whether you value the extra 16 horsepower and slightly larger frame over the Elantra's superior MPG figures.
Are there any differences in transmission type between these two models?
No, both the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Hyundai Elantra utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) for their standard front-wheel-drive configurations.
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