2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2025 Nissan Versa

$24,700 · Sedan

$17,390 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most striking difference between the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Nissan Versa is the MSRP, showing a $7,310 gap with the Versa priced at $17,390 compared to the Malibu's $24,700. This price variation reflects significant performance differences; the Malibu produces a superior 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Versa's 122 hp and 114 lb-ft. Fuel economy remains close, with the Malibu achieving a 31 MPG combined rating against the Versa's 30 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Malibu offers a marginally larger cargo area at 15.7 cubic feet versus the Versa's 14.7 cubic feet. Dimensionally, the Malibu is 172.2 inches longer than the Versa, providing more cabin presence. While both are FWD sedans, their powertrains diverge, with the Malibu utilizing a CVT automatic and the Versa defaulting to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu's superior 31 MPG combined rating and standard CVT automatic transmission offer a more relaxed, efficient daily drive than the Versa's manual transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2025 Malibu provides more practical space with 15.7 cu ft of cargo capacity and a longer overall body length of 194.2 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

With 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the Malibu offers 41 more horsepower for more spirited acceleration compared to the Versa.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa delivers competitive fuel economy for $7,310 less than the Malibu, presenting a superior upfront cost proposition.

Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...

You prioritize higher performance, benefiting from 163 horsepower.
You require the extra utility of 15.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the ease and smoothness of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Nissan Versa if...

Your primary metric is acquisition cost, with an MSRP of only $17,390.
You are comfortable operating a standard 5-speed manual transmission.
You seek slightly better efficiency on the highway, achieving 35 MPG highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Malibu	Nissan Versa
Length	194.2"	177.0"
Width	73.0"	68.5"
Height	57.9"	57.3"
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	✓	✓
Rear Drum Brakes	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
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	5-speed manual
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	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.4/568.8 mi.	291.6/378.0 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	✓	✓

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	✓	✓

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.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	53.1 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.	36.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	31.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	50.1 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	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/65R16	P195/65R15
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Dimensions	—	15 x 6.5 in
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 Versa.

What is the primary difference in size between the 2025 Malibu and the 2025 Versa?

The Malibu is significantly larger, measuring 194.2 inches in length compared to the Versa's 177.0 inches. This results in the Malibu offering 1.0 cubic foot more cargo capacity, 15.7 cu ft versus 14.7 cu ft.

How much more powerful is the Malibu than the Versa?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu possesses 163 horsepower, giving it a substantial 41 hp advantage over the Nissan Versa's 122 horsepower rating. This power differential is supported by the Malibu's 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Versa's 114 lb-ft.

Are the fuel economies comparable between these two sedans?

Yes, their combined fuel economy ratings are nearly identical; the Malibu achieves 31 MPG combined while the Versa scores 30 MPG combined. Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel.

Which car offers a standard automatic transmission?

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the base 2025 Nissan Versa is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, requiring buyers to potentially opt for a higher trim for an automatic.

How large is the price difference for the base models?

There is a substantial $7,310 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Versa starts at $17,390, whereas the Malibu has a starting MSRP of $24,700.