2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Nissan Sentra
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu bursts onto the scene with a punchier 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, offering a more substantial feeling on the road compared to the nimble 2025 Nissan Sentra. While the Malibu boasts a larger footprint at 194.2 inches long and provides a generous 15.7 cu ft of cargo space, the Sentra counters with superior efficiency, netting an impressive 34 combined MPG versus the Malibu's 31 MPG. The Sentra holds a significant initial advantage with its lower MSRP of $21,590, undercutting the Malibu's $24,700 price by a full $3,110. Both rely on FWD and a CVT, but the Malibu’s focus leans toward a slightly more powerful, if less frugal, cruising experience, whereas the Sentra prioritizes keeping running costs low and maximizing distance between fill-ups.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 40 highway MPG compared to the Malibu's 36 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu offers a more spacious cabin and cargo area, measuring 15.7 cu ft versus the Sentra's 14.3 cu ft.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
Enthusiasts will appreciate the Malibu's higher output of 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque over the Sentra's 149 hp.
2025 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra provides better overall value by having a $3,110 lower starting MSRP while still delivering excellent efficiency.
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...
- You prioritize accessible power, benefiting from 163 horsepower over the Sentra's 149 hp.
- You need maximum hauling space, as the Malibu offers 15.7 cu ft of trunk capacity.
- You prefer the road presence of a larger sedan, given the Malibu's 194.2-inch length.
Choose the Nissan Sentra if...
- Saving money upfront is critical, as the Sentra starts at just $21,590, saving $3,110.
- Maximum fuel savings are essential, headlined by its 40 highway MPG rating.
- You prefer a more compact footprint for easier city maneuvering, noted by its 182.7-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2" | 182.7" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.5" |
| Height | 57.9" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 106.6" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Drum Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 149 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 146 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | 30/40 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.4/568.8 mi. | 372.0/496.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 12.4 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 | 4 |
| 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 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.5 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. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 34.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.3 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 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/65R16 | P205/60R H |
| 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 Sentra.
What is the primary trade-off between the 2025 Malibu and the 2025 Sentra?
The primary trade-off involves power versus economy. The Malibu delivers higher horsepower (163 hp vs 149 hp) and more torque (184 lb-ft vs 146 lb-ft) but sacrifices fuel efficiency, achieving only 31 combined MPG. The Sentra prioritizes the wallet with 34 combined MPG.
Which vehicle has more room for luggage?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu offers greater cargo capacity, providing 15.7 cubic feet. The 2025 Nissan Sentra holds 14.3 cubic feet, meaning the Malibu has an extra 1.4 cubic feet for family trips or groceries.
How significant is the price difference between these two sedans?
The price difference is substantial; the 2025 Nissan Sentra has an MSRP of $21,590, which is exactly $3,110 less than the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starting at $24,700. This cost savings can cover several years of fuel expenses.
Are either of these models sporty to drive based on the specifications?
While both use efficient CVTs and FWD, the Malibu is engineered for slightly more spirited driving with its superior 163 hp output. However, neither vehicle is positioned as a true performance machine, relying instead on accessible power for daily driving needs.
Do the MPG ratings suggest major differences in road tripping?
Yes, the Sentra's 40 highway MPG rating suggests noticeably fewer fuel stops than the Malibu's 36 highway MPG rating over long distances. This efficiency difference will be noticeable at the pump during extensive travel.
Since both use CVTs, is the driving feel identical?
Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), which generally provides smooth, gearless acceleration. However, the calibration will differ based on engine tuning; the Malibu’s higher torque output of 184 lb-ft may result in a stronger initial pull off the line compared to the Sentra.
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