2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

$24,700 · Sedan

$25,450 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the dependable 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the hyper-efficient 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid can feel tough. If your main goal is saving money at the pump, the Elantra Hybrid stands out immediately, achieving an impressive 54 MPG combined compared to the Malibu's 31 MPG combined. However, the Malibu offers a slightly larger footprint at 194.2 inches long and boasts marginally more traditional power with 163 hp versus the Elantra Hybrid's 139 hp. Priced competitively at $24,700 versus $25,450, the Malibu edges out in upfront affordability. While the Malibu offers more passenger volume potential due to its larger dimensions, the fuel savings from the Elantra Hybrid could offset its slightly higher MSRP quickly. Choosing between daily efficiency and outright power in a sedan package hinges on whether you prioritize weekly fuel costs or highway passing punch.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The Elantra Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 54 MPG combined fuel economy, minimizing trips to the gas station.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2025 Malibu is likely better for families as it is physically larger, measuring 194.2 inches in length and offering slightly more cargo space at 15.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu is the better choice for enthusiasts as it delivers higher peak power with 163 hp compared to the Hybrid's 139 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher starting MSRP of $25,450, the Elantra Hybrid offers significantly better long-term value through its extreme fuel efficiency.

Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...

You prefer a traditional sedan feel and need the slightly higher 163 hp output.
You need maximum trunk space, as the Malibu offers 15.7 cu ft versus the Hybrid's 14.2 cu ft.
Your budget requires the absolute lowest starting price point at $24,700.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is your absolute top priority, highlighted by its 58 MPG highway rating.
You value the slight torque advantage, boasting 195 lb-ft to the Malibu's 184 lb-ft.
You are comfortable with a slightly smaller vehicle profile (185.4 inches long) in exchange for massive fuel savings.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Malibu	Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
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	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	163 hp @ 5700 rpm	139 hp
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	195 lb-ft
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	6-speed automated manual
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	51/58 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	54 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.4/568.8 mi.	561.0/638.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	11.0 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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

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	✓	✓

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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 7.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/65R16	205/55R16

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.

How much more efficient is the Elantra Hybrid compared to the Malibu?

The difference in efficiency is substantial; the Elantra Hybrid achieves 54 MPG combined, while the standard Malibu is rated at only 31 MPG combined. That's a 23 MPG advantage for the Elantra on paper.

Which car is quicker based on horsepower ratings?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is technically quicker, producing 163 hp from its engine compared to the Elantra Hybrid's 139 hp. However, the Elantra counters with slightly higher torque at 195 lb-ft versus the Malibu's 184 lb-ft.

Is the Malibu significantly larger inside than the Elantra Hybrid?

Yes, the Malibu is the physically larger sedan, measuring 194.2 inches in length compared to the Elantra's 185.4 inches. This translates to more interior space and slightly greater cargo capacity at 15.7 cu ft versus 14.2 cu ft.

What is the price difference between these two models?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu has a lower base MSRP starting at $24,700. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is priced slightly higher, beginning at $25,450, meaning the upfront cost difference is $750.

Do both sedans use regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, happily, both the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid specify regular unleaded fuel for their drivetrains, meaning no premium fuel costs for either option.