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Midsize sedans remain the go-to choices for many drivers, and two notable contenders are the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2025 Nissan Altima. Both supply a mix of comfort, fuel efficiency, and technology. At Huffines Chevrolet Plano, we've analyzed both to see how they perform, what they offer, and whether they're worth the price. Let's compare the cars and determine which fits your Plano lifestyle.
How Much Do They Cost?
The 2025 Chevrolet Malibu speaks a language that you'll appreciate if you're a budget-conscious buyer. Starting at $25,800 MSRP, it's $1,200 less than the Nissan Altima's starting MSRP of $27,000.
The Malibu's price ranges from $25,800 MSRP for the LS to $31,500 for the premium 2LT; the midtier models RS and 1LT start at $26,800 and $28,100, respectively. Altima prices start at $27,000 MSRP for the base S FWD and go to $33,330 MSRP for the high-end SL. Altima's intermediate models, the SV and SR, start at $27,430 and 28,830, respectively. This gives the Malibu an edge in pricing, but it's not all one-sided — Altima's top-end models' extra standard features might appeal to you.
Performance and Engine Options
We'll take a look at the car comparison specs. The 2025 Malibu is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuous variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels, it combines peppiness with fuel efficiency.
Altima takes a different approach with a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 188 horsepower but slightly less torque at 180 pound-feet. The Malibu's turbo delivers torque earlier, providing better response without high revs. As a result, you might prefer how the Malibu handles during your daily drive. Both engines use CVTs to maximize efficiency and provide smooth acceleration.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Neither sedan will drain your wallet at the pump. The 2025 Malibu achieves 28 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on highways, averaging 31 mpg combined. Its 15.8-gallon tank means you can drive 427 miles in city conditions or 553 highway miles before refueling.
The Altima's fuel economy is a little better. It gets 27 mpg in the city but excels with 39 mpg on the highway, averaging 32 mpg combined. It has a larger 16.19-gallon tank, so you can travel 437 city miles or 632 highway miles per fill-up. If you're a regular commuter or take frequent road trips, that extra 79 miles of highway range could be meaningful.
Exterior Design and Styling
Both sedans have fresh, contemporary looks. They're very close in size, though the Malibu is 2 inches longer.
Their design approaches differ noticeably. Chevrolet designed the Malibu with a muscular stance; its wide grille and sharp side creases create an athletic look without being flashy. The Altima is more about flowing curves, featuring a V-shaped front grille and a floating-roof effect. Wheel options range from practical 16-inch rims on base models to stylish 19-inch alloys on higher trims. The Malibu's base model has standard 16-inch aluminum wheels; the 2LT includes 19-inch aluminum or available black-painted aluminum wheels.
Interior Features, Comfort, and Technology
Both sedans have practical, comfortable cabins. The 2025 Malibu offers slightly more cargo room with 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space compared to the Altima's 15.4 cubic feet — a small difference that might matter only for fully packed family trips. The seat materials are similar in both, though the Malibu's softer suspension may provide a smoother ride on rough roads.
Modern cars must work as mobile tech hubs, and both sedans deliver. Malibu's 8-inch screen includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus optional Wi-Fi and Alexa integration for a connected experience without luxury-car pricing. The Altima starts with an 8-inch touchscreen but offers a 12.3-inch screen on higher trims, which is also optional on lower-end models. Wireless connectivity is only available on higher trims. If music is important, you might prefer the Altima for its optional Bose system for superior sound
Each model has a standout tech feature: The Malibu offers Teen Driver mode for parents of new drivers, while the Altima includes ProPILOT Assist to reduce highway fatigue. Their tech approaches differ; The Malibu emphasizes convenience, while the Altima focuses on premium experiences and driving assistance.
Safety Features and Ratings
This Nissan Altima vs. Chevrolet Malibu matchup provides some insight into their respective safety capabilities; both offer comprehensive safety tech. The Malibu features Chevy Safety Assist with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and Chevy's IntelliBeam smart headlights. The Altima includes Nissan's ProPILOT Assist, Safety Shield 360, automatic emergency braking, and cross-traffic alerts.
Pros and Cons Summary
The 2025 Malibu's main advantage is its price; you get more car for less money. Add slightly more trunk space and wireless phone integration, and there's a lot to like if you're practically minded. The turbocharged engine feels zippy in city driving but falls short where it matters to some — its highway fuel economy trails the Altima's.
The Altima costs more initially but delivers clear benefits. Its impressive 39 mpg highway rating and five-star National Highway Transportation Safety Association score matter. Available all-wheel drive (absent in the Malibu) might justify the cost alone if you're a snow-belt driver, but this isn't an issue in Plano. If you're a tech fan, you'll love the big optional screen and premium audio but have to compromise on price and cargo space.
Visit Huffines Chevrolet Plano for a Test Drive
Specs only tell part of the story. The feel of the seat, the placement of the controls, and visibility matter just as much. Test-drive both cars on familiar Plano roads and try to identify what matters most to you on your daily drive. If you want to try the Malibu, visit Huffines Chevrolet Plano for a test drive. Our staff will guide you through all its features and help you decide if this value-packed sedan is right for you.