2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Nissan Altima
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu sparks interest with its approachable price point starting at $24,700, delivering a respectable 163 hp and reaching an impressive 36 MPG highway. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Altima aims higher, boasting a spirited 188 hp derived from its engine, though its MSRP creeps up to $27,000. While the Malibu is slightly longer at 194.2 inches, the Altima claims a slight edge in fuel efficiency with 32 combined MPG versus the Malibu's 31. Both utilize efficient CVTs and front-wheel drive for predictable daily driving. The Altima feels tangibly quicker due to its 25 hp advantage, while the Malibu counters by offering marginally more cargo space at 15.7 cubic feet, making these midsize sedans compelling choices depending on whether efficiency or outright power takes priority for the driver.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Altima
The 2025 Nissan Altima wins for commuters due to its slightly superior combined fuel economy rating of 32 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers better practicality for families with a slightly larger cargo capacity of 15.7 cubic feet.
2025 Nissan Altima
Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the 2025 Nissan Altima for its commanding 188 horsepower output compared to the Malibu's 163 hp.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu provides superior value with a starting MSRP of $24,700, making it $2,300 less expensive than the Altima.
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...
- You prioritize saving money upfront, as the 2025 Malibu starts at just $24,700.
- You seek the absolute maximum utility, benefiting from its 15.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You value high highway fuel economy, achieving up to 36 MPG on the open road.
Choose the Nissan Altima if...
- You demand more immediate throttle response and acceleration from your daily driver (188 hp).
- You prefer marginally better overall fuel efficiency with 32 combined MPG.
- You like a slightly smaller footprint, as the Altima is shorter by 1.3 inches (192.9 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2" | 192.9" |
| Width | 73.0" | 72.9" |
| Height | 57.9" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 163 hp @ 5700 rpm | 188 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 180 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 MPG | 27/39 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.4/568.8 mi. | 437.4/631.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 16.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 54.7 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.5 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.5 in | 16 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/65R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2025 Nissan Altima.
How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Malibu and Altima?
The difference is noticeable; the 2025 Altima produces 188 horsepower, giving it a significant 25 hp advantage over the Malibu's 163 hp. This power delta means the Altima will feel punchier during highway merging and passing maneuvers.
Which sedan offers better efficiency for heavy driving distances?
The 2025 Nissan Altima edges out the competition with a combined rating of 32 MPG and a higher highway figure of 39 MPG. While the Malibu is close at 31 combined and 36 highway, the Altima is theoretically cheaper to run over long distances.
Is the price difference between the two models worth the performance upgrade?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu costs $2,300 less ($24,700 vs $27,000), making it the better value choice if performance is secondary. If the extra 25 horsepower is crucial, the Altima's premium may be justified by its dynamic capabilities.
Do either of these sedans come with All-Wheel Drive options?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Nissan Altima are listed strictly as front-wheel drive vehicles. Both utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
How do the trunk sizes compare for family hauling?
Cargo capacity is very similar, but the 2025 Malibu offers a slightly larger trunk at 15.7 cubic feet compared to the Altima's 15.4 cubic feet. For slightly bulkier loads, the Malibu holds a minor advantage.
Are the dimensions drastically different for parking in tight spots?
The dimensions are nearly identical, but the Altima is slightly more compact; it is 1.3 inches shorter in length (192.9 inches) and slightly lower in height (56.7 inches) than the Malibu, which may slightly benefit tight parking situations.
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