2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra
Comparison Overview
The primary quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra is fuel economy, where the Elantra achieves 35 combined MPG compared to the Malibu's 31 combined MPG, offering a 4 MPG advantage. The Elantra maintains this efficiency lead with 31/40 MPG city/highway versus the Malibu's 28/36 MPG. However, the Malibu compensates with superior power, delivering 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque against the Elantra's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Pricewise, the Elantra starts lower at an MSRP of $22,625, undercutting the Malibu's $24,700 entry price. In terms of size, the Malibu is notably larger, measuring 194.2 inches in length and offering 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing the Elantra's 14.2 cubic feet. The selection hinges on prioritizing the Elantra's superior efficiency and lower initial cost versus the Malibu's increased size and higher performance metrics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Elantra
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra wins for commuters due to its class-leading 35 combined MPG rating, resulting in lower operational costs over daily drives.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is superior for families by offering more usable interior volume, specifically 15.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 14.2 cu ft.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu appeals more to driving enthusiasts by producing 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Elantra's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Elantra
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra presents better value, starting at an MSRP of $22,625 while simultaneously delivering better fuel economy figures.
Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...
- You prioritize outright power, benefiting from the 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the maximum available cargo space, as the Malibu offers 15.7 cu ft.
- Your driving style benefits from the longer 194.2-inch wheelbase for potential highway stability.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- Saving money at the pump is crucial, thanks to its 35 combined MPG rating.
- You need the lowest possible entry price point with an MSRP of $22,625.
- City driving is a major component of your usage, highlighted by its 31 MPG city rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Malibu | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 163 hp @ 5700 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| 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 | 31/40 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.4/568.8 mi. | 384.4/496.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 12.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.5 in | 15 x 6.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/65R16 | 195/65R15 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and 2026 Hyundai Elantra.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Malibu and the 2026 Elantra?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu holds a measurable performance advantage, generating 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, making the Malibu the quicker vehicle.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra compared to the Malibu?
The Elantra achieves 35 combined MPG (31 city/40 highway), which is a 4 MPG advantage over the Malibu's 31 combined MPG (28 city/36 highway). This difference translates to fewer trips to the fuel pump for Elantra owners.
Which sedan offers better utility in terms of storage capacity?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu provides superior physical utility with 15.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Hyundai Elantra offers slightly less room at 14.2 cubic feet, which is important for buyers frequently transporting large items.
Are there significant differences in the base pricing for these models?
Yes, there is a $2,075 difference in the stated MSRPs. The 2026 Hyundai Elantra starts at $22,625, whereas the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu commands a higher entry price of $24,700.
Do these vehicles utilize different types of transmissions?
No, both vehicles are equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Both also employ a front-wheel drive layout, meaning neither offers a performance advantage in terms of drivetrain configuration.
How do the external dimensions compare between the two sedans?
The Chevrolet Malibu is the physically larger vehicle across all external metrics. It is nearly 9 inches longer than the Elantra (194.2 vs 185.4 inches) and is both wider and taller, contributing to its larger interior volume.
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