Finding the right sedan has never been easier than in today’s automotive market. We are flooded with choices that are full of value from brands drivers have come to rely on over the years. There are now many avenues to saving money while still getting behind the wheel of a vehicle with all the performance, tech, and safety you crave. If you’re going to invest in a vehicle, it’s important to get the most out of what you want in one place. After all, you deserve it. Many models share a lot of great qualities and are often compared side by side when determining which vehicle in its class is truly the best.
When examining the current midsize sedan class, two standout models that are often compared are the 2023 Chevy Malibu and the 2023 Nissan Altima. Chevrolet and Nissan both have rich histories of building sedans that meet the needs of their target audience. That’s why when you look at the 2023 Chevy Malibu vs 2023 Nissan Altima, you’re looking at a matchup that is truly competitive. Here, we’ll explore what similarities and differences might steer you towards one or the other. While one of these vehicles might not win, the ultimate winner is you, the consumer.
An Overview of the 2023 Chevy Malibu
For 2023, Chevrolet continues to wow with their premiere midsize sedan. It’s tailor-made for a comfortable experience for the driver and passengers alike. The Malibu is roomy for up to five passengers, with an assortment of fun infotainment features to keep you enjoying your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, or your family, the suite of safety and driver assistance features via Chevy Safety Assist make the 2023 Chevy Malibu the perfect choice for driving with confidence. The Malibu has been a long-running model for the brand, evolving with the decades and proving why it’s had such a stellar run.
An Overview of the 2023 Nissan Altima
Like the Malibu, the Altima has been a best-seller for Nissan for decades. The Altima offers impeccable handling and performance, and the all-wheel drive system gives it that extra edge. The Altima is also a midsize sedan, offering a similarly spacious interior. The exterior received a refresh for the 2023 model year, with sleek elements found throughout. The powertrain is designed for performance and efficiency, getting you where you need to go with fewer trips to the gas station. Plus, Nissan incorporates their own suite of safety and driver assistance features that help you stay focused on what really matters.
A Deeper Look at the Powertrains
Efficiency was a big motivator for Chevy with the 2023 Malibu. Under the hood, a standard 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine leads the charge. It delivers 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque to help navigate you through heavy traffic or the open highway. The small, turbocharged engine allows for peak efficiency in the fuel department. With fewer trips to the pump, you’ll save time and money thanks to the Malibu’s EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Every driving experience is enhanced due to Chevy’s use of the MacPherson strut front suspension and 4-link rear suspension. It handles beautifully on sharp turns and bumpy roads, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) moves seamlessly through gear ratios, making acceleration and deceleration a breeze.
For those looking for a little more power under the hood, the Malibu offers another engine option in the form of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, giving you an impressive 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s also worth noting that this increase in power comes at the cost of a drop in fuel economy, with the 2.0L getting an EPA-estimated rating of 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. It is also paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission for flawless performance no matter where your travels take you.
Like the Malibu, the 2023 Altima gives you two engine options, each offering its own set of capabilities. The first option is the 2.5L four-cylinder engine, which produces 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The second option, available on certain trims, comes with a 2.0L VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine. Thanks to its larger size, it has an output of 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Going with the 2.5L is the more thrifty option when it comes to fuel economy, receiving an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. The turbocharged counterpart earns a lower EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
What About the Interiors?
While both vehicles are fairly close in size, the Malibu pulls ahead when it comes to its interior design. It has slightly more cargo space, a larger standard infotainment center, and plenty of convenience tech that helps simplify any commute. Both vehicles have a handful of different trim levels, so you can hand-pick based on which features are most important to you. Both brands offer base-level trims designed to save you money and several more upscale options so that you can add features like heated seats, leather upholstery, and wireless charging.
The 2023 Chevy Malibu is available in four different trim levels, with available special edition packages to elevate your styling even more. The trim levels include the LS, RS, 1LT, and 2LT. Furthermore, if you pick the 1LT or 2LT, you can enhance your Malibu with the Redline Edition, Midnight Edition, or Sport Edition packages. The comfortable and ergonomic design of the seats makes even the longest commute feel more refreshing.
Most trim levels come with soft fabric upholstery, but leather-appointed seats are available that can be both heated and ventilated. The back-row seating has ample passenger legroom at 38.1 inches and offers plenty of storage for personal belongings, and you get 15.7 cu.ft. of cargo space for things like groceries, luggage, or sporting equipment. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment center offers plenty of helpful tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an available WiFi hotspot, and available wireless charging.
Looking at the interior of the 2023 Nissan Altima, you’ll also find the features that make commuting more convenient. Specifics will depend on the trim level, so you’ll have to determine which of the five best meets your criteria. The five trims for 2023 include the S, SV, SR, SL, and SR VC-Turbo. You lose just a bit of cargo space, with the total measuring 15.4 cu.ft. The base level infotainment center also measures one inch less than that of the Malibu, so if you enjoy a larger display, you’ll have to dish out for a higher trim. Overall, the Altima interior is comfortable, with soft armrests and quality materials throughout. Higher trim levels like the SR, SL, and SR VC-Turbo offer bonus features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, leather-appointed seating, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless integration for your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The Malibu Simply Offers More Value
Comparing the 2023 Chevy Malibu with the 2023 Nissan Altima turns out to be a close call. Both are quality vehicles that are very close in size, power, and features; however, a few notable elements of the Chevy Malibu push it ahead of the competition. Plus, if you’re shopping for value, the starting price and every trim level price are less than that of the Altima, putting money directly back into your pocket.
The base price of the Malibu is hundreds less than the Altima, and the further you go into the higher trims, the more obvious the price discrepancies become, with the highest level Malibu costing around $32,000, while the highest level Nissan will run you about $36,000. If we’re comparing value, the Malibu delivers more. With great gas mileage, a spacious interior, and the tech that helps streamline your commute, the choice is obvious. The 2023 Malibu is here to make your midsize sedan dreams come true.
