2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Nissan Kicks Play
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play lies in power output, with the Malibu offering 41 more horsepower (163 hp vs. 122 hp) and 70 lb-ft more torque (184 lb-ft vs. 114 lb-ft). This performance gap comes with a $3,180 MSRP difference, positioning the Kicks Play at $21,520 against the Malibu’s $24,700. Efficiency slightly favors the Kicks Play, achieving 33 MPG combined compared to the Malibu's 31 MPG combined. Conversely, the Malibu's longer 194.2-inch frame yields slightly less usable space than the Kicks Play's superior 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Malibu's 15.7 cu ft. Both vehicles utilize FWD and a CVT, running on regular unleaded fuel, but the Kicks Play offers a significantly taller ride height at 63.3 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Nissan Kicks Play is the superior commuter vehicle due to its better combined fuel economy of 33 MPG versus the Malibu's 31 MPG.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
Families will benefit more from the Kicks Play’s substantial 25.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Malibu's 15.7 cu ft.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is the enthusiast choice, delivering 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, substantially outclassing the Kicks Play's 122 hp output.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Kicks Play offers greater utility and slightly better MPG for a lower starting price of $21,520, saving buyers $3,180.
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...
- You prioritize acceleration and passing power, evidenced by its 163 hp rating.
- You require a longer vehicle, with the Malibu measuring 194.2 inches in length.
- You prefer a traditional sedan profile over a taller hatchback design.
Choose the Nissan Kicks Play if...
- Maximizing cargo volume is critical, as it offers 25.3 cu ft versus the sedan's 15.7 cu ft.
- Achieving the highest fuel efficiency, 33 MPG combined, is a top priority.
- Desiring the lowest entry cost, starting $3,180 less than the Malibu at $21,520.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2" | 169.1" |
| Width | 73.0" | 69.3" |
| Height | 57.9" | 63.3" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 103.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Drum Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 163 hp @ 5700 rpm | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 114 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 31/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 33 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.4/568.8 mi. | 334.8/388.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 10.8 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 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) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 43.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 50.9 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. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 33.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 49.1 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 6.0 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/65R16 | P205/60R16 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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 Kicks Play.
Is the Kicks Play significantly smaller than the Malibu?
Yes, the Kicks Play is substantially shorter, measuring 169.1 inches in length compared to the Malibu's 194.2 inches. However, the Kicks Play is notably taller at 63.3 inches versus the Malibu's 57.9 inches.
How does the power deficit of the Kicks Play affect highway driving?
The Kicks Play produces 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Malibu offers 163 hp. While both use CVTs, the Malibu will likely provide quicker acceleration and better responsiveness at highway speeds given its 41 hp advantage.
Are there significant differences in fuel economy between the two models?
The Kicks Play holds a slight advantage with 33 MPG combined, while the Malibu achieves 31 MPG combined. Interestingly, both vehicles match at 36 MPG on the highway, utilizing regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle provides more usable storage space?
The Kicks Play hatchback format is the clear winner for cargo, offering 25.3 cu ft. The Malibu sedan provides only 15.7 cu ft of space, a difference of nearly 10 cubic feet.
What is the price difference for these two vehicles?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts at an MSRP of $24,700, making it $3,180 more expensive than the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play, which is priced at $21,520.
Do these vehicles offer different drivetrain options?
No, based on these specifications, both the Malibu and the Kicks Play are exclusively offered with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
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