2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Hyundai Venue

$24,700 · Sedan

$20,550 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2026 Hyundai Venue lies in their initial pricing, with the Venue offering an MSRP of $20,550 against the Malibu's $24,700—a $4,150 saving. Performance metrics clearly favor the Malibu, which boasts 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Venue's 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power disparity, both sedans achieve an identical 31 MPG combined rating, though the Malibu achieves superior highway efficiency at 36 MPG versus the Venue’s 33 MPG. Dimensional differences show the Malibu is significantly longer at 194.2 inches, whereas the Venue compensates with a taller stance (61.6 inches high) and marginally superior utility, offering 18.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the Malibu's 15.7 cu ft. Both utilize a FWD layout and a CVT transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu provides a better highway cruising experience with superior fuel economy (36 MPG highway) and significantly more horsepower (163 hp).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Venue

The 2026 Hyundai Venue offers more practical interior utility with 18.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, making it slightly more accommodating than the Malibu's 15.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

With 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the Malibu offers substantially more power for performance needs than the Venue's 121 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Venue

The 2026 Hyundai Venue undercuts the Malibu by $4,150 while matching its combined 31 MPG rating, delivering a lower cost of entry.

Choose the Chevrolet Malibu if...

Absolute power output is a priority, as the Malibu generates 163 hp versus the Venue's 121 hp.
Long-distance highway driving is frequent, indicated by the Malibu’s superior 36 MPG highway rating.
A longer, more traditional sedan footprint (194.2 inches in length) is preferred over a compact hatchback.

Choose the Hyundai Venue if...

Initial purchase price is the primary concern, given the Venue's $20,550 MSRP advantage over the Malibu.
Maximum usable storage is required, as the Venue provides 18.7 cu ft versus the Malibu's 15.7 cu ft.
A taller vehicle profile (61.6 inches height) for easier ingress/egress is desired.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Malibu	Hyundai Venue
Length	194.2"	159.1"
Width	73.0"	69.7"
Height	57.9"	61.6"
Wheelbase	111.0"	99.2"

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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Drum Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
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	121 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	113 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	29/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	442.4/568.8 mi.	345.1/392.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	11.9 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	✓	✓

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	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	53.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	52.1 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	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	34.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	53.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	43.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

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	185/65R15
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 Venue.

Which vehicle is better equipped for fuel efficiency on long trips?

Both vehicles share an identical 31 MPG combined rating. However, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu edges out the 2026 Hyundai Venue on the highway, achieving 36 MPG compared to the Venue's 33 MPG.

How significant is the performance gap between the Malibu and the Venue?

The performance gap is substantial; the Malibu generates 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Venue produces only 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque, giving the Malibu a clear advantage in acceleration metrics.

Does the smaller Venue offer better cargo space than the larger Malibu?

Yes, surprisingly, the smaller 2026 Hyundai Venue hatchback provides 18.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which surpasses the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu sedan’s 15.7 cubic feet.

What is the primary reason to opt for the more expensive Chevrolet Malibu?

The primary reason to select the Malibu is the significant performance upgrade, specifically the 42 additional horsepower, and its slightly more efficient highway fuel economy rating.

Are these vehicles different in terms of drivetrain configuration?

No, both the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2026 Hyundai Venue utilize a standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration paired with a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission (CVT).