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Chevrolet Malibu vs Nissan Altima

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Chevrolet logo

2025 Chevrolet Malibu

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Nissan logo

2026 Nissan Altima

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Overview

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetNissan AltimaSV
Selected trimLS FleetSV
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20252026

Pricing & market

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetNissan AltimaSV
MSRP$24,700 (best)$27,580
Lowest listing price$8,500 (best)$10,995
Median listing price$18,524 (best)$19,791
Highest listing price$23,831 (best)$30,470
For sale now4153 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetNissan AltimaSV
Combined MPG31 MPG32 MPG (best)
City MPG28 MPG (best)27 MPG
Highway MPG36 MPG39 MPG (best)
Fuel tank15.8 gal16 gal (best)

Performance

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetNissan AltimaSV
Horsepower163 hp188 hp (best)
Torque184 lb-ft (best)180 lb-ft
Engine size1.5 L2.5 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetNissan AltimaSV
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume15.7 cu ft (best)—
Curb weight3,135 lbs (best)3,281 lbs
Ground clearance—5 in (best)
Wheelbase111 in111 in
Length194.2 in (best)193 in
Width73 in73 in
Height57.9 in (best)57 in

Safety & recalls

SpecChevrolet MalibuLS FleetNissan AltimaSV
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover4 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)1None reported (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimChevrolet MalibuNissan Altima
1

LS Fleet

$24,700 MSRP(Currently comparing)

SV

$27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

LS

$25,800 MSRP

SV

$29,080 MSRP

3

RS

$26,800 MSRP

SR

$28,980 MSRP

4

1LT

$28,100 MSRP

SR AWD

$30,480 MSRP

5

2LT

$31,500 MSRP

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Live inventory

Chevrolet Malibu vs Nissan Altima FAQ

Which is better: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Nissan Altima?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Nissan Altima on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Nissan Altima?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu starts lower at $24,700. Live Chevrolet Malibu listings start at $8,500. Live Nissan Altima listings start at $10,995.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,700).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (32).
Which has better horsepower: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu or 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on horsepower in this comparison (188).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2026 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Chevrolet Malibu (5/5 NHTSA overall); Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall).