Finding a car that you love is a challenge all in itself. There are a variety of makes and models available in the marketplace, making it difficult to choose just one. To help narrow down your search, we’ve compared the 2018 Chevy Malibu vs 2018 Nissan Altima here. Read on to see how these cars stack up against each other.
For starters, both the 2018 Chevy Malibu and 2018 Nissan Altima are midsize sedans. They seat a total of five and feature an array of models that are packed with features. The 2018 Chevy Malibu is considered a family car while the 2018 Nissan Altima is regarded as a functional four-door sedan. Both are offered in an array of paint colors so that you can customize your car to your exact taste.
Power And Performance
Power and performance are really where these two vehicles stack up. The 2018 Chevy Malibu features a 1.5 or 2.0 L turbocharged engine with a top power rating of 250 hp. The engine is mated with a six or nine-speed transmission, depending on the model. A hybrid version of the 2018 Chevy Malibu is also available.
The 2018 Nissan Altima also provides plenty of power with a 2.5 or 3.5 L engine rated up to 270 hp. The powertrain is equipped with a continuously variable (CV) transmission. Unlike the 2018 Chevy Malibu, the 2018 Nissan Altima’s CV transmission is designed to provide a smoother ride as it automatically shifts gears and is a more efficient drivetrain option.
When we look at the fuel economy of the 2018 Chevy Malibu vs 2018 Nissan Altima, we see almost identical numbers for both the 1.5L Chevy and 2.5L Nissan. The 2018 Chevy Malibu provides 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The 2018 Nissan Altima comes up a little hair higher at 27 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Both vehicles, however, are strong performers when it comes to fuel efficiency and would make an ideal car for high mileage driving.
Entertainment Capabilities
You’ll have a variety of entertainment and connectivity options with the 2018 Chevy Malibu. This car offers both Apply Play and Android Auto on a display screen right in the vehicle. This will help you listen to music or navigate your way around town. The car also offers internet access for up to seven users as well as USB ports and wireless charging. The advanced features of this vehicle will surely keep the tech-savvy happy.
When we look at the entertainment features of the 2018 Nissan Altima, we see some similarities to the 2018 Chevy Malibu. The 2018 Nissan Altima also has compatibility with both Apple and Android phones also, allowing you to navigate, listen to music or pull up your favorite restaurant from the comfort of your car. The entertainment system has Bluetooth capabilities and offers USB charging ports near the illuminated display. The 2018 Nissan Altima does lack when it comes to providing internet access for your passengers but does offer its own navigation system and the ability to provide driver assist to new drivers.
Interior Design
As you take a look inside the 2018 Chevy Malibu, you’ll see and feel the luxury upon contact. The car has leather as well as fabric seat offerings. It features a sporty interior that was developed to provide comfort to you and all your passengers. You’ll find the interior exceeds your expectations and offers plenty of roominess inside. A sunroof rounds out the vehicle package, making it feel even roomier.
With the 2018 Nissan Altima, you also have the option of leather or cloth seats in an array of designs and patterns. The car has lots of leg and headroom, so your passengers, as well as yourself, are comfortable even with five in the vehicle. You’ll appreciate the low maintenance interior that is easy to care for and provides a stylish look no matter what type of seat option you select.
Exterior Appearance
When we compare the exterior appearance of the 2018 Chevy Malibu vs 2018 Nissan Altima, we see both manufacturers upping the ante with designs that scream performance. These vehicles have been engineered to retain a luxury appeal while feeling sporty when driving.
The 2018 Chevy Malibu includes aerodynamic contouring with the option to add LED daytime running lights and dual exhaust outlets for added sportiness as you drive. LED tail lights are also available on the vehicle.
With the 2018 Nissan Altima, you also get sleek lines and fine details. The car still has its iconic grille design, so you and everyone else on the road will know that you are driving a 2018 Nissan Altima. LED headlights are included as well as an aerodynamic design for an enhanced appearance. You’ll definitely turn heads as you drive this car.
Available Options
Both the 2018 Chevy Malibu and the 2018 Nissan Altima have a variety of options that you can add to the vehicle to truly make it your own. The 2018 Chevy Malibu features low speed forward automatic braking and lane changing alert with side blind zone alert. You can also select to have a rear cross traffic alert for added safety.
The 2018 Nissan Altima is not to be outdone by the options available in the 2018 Chevy Malibu. It too features speed alerts, valet alerts, boundary alerts, and curfew alerts. You’ll also enjoy the remote access from your smartphone and the automatic collision notification that calls or help if you are in an accident where your airbags deploy.
Even more safety features are built into the 2018 Nissan Altima with automatic emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert. You’ll find the 2018 Nissan Altima has all the safety capabilities that you are looking for in a family vehicle.
Warranty Coverage
When we look at the 2018 Chevy Malibu vs 2018 Nissan Altima, both offer a strong warranty program. The 2018 Chevy Malibu comes with a five-year or 60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. It also includes a three-year or 36,000-mile limited bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as a six-year or 100,000-mile rust-through protection. This provides the ideal driving situation as you will know if anything goes wrong with your 2018 Chevy Malibu, it will be taken care of with this warranty coverage.
Basic warranty coverage on the 2018 Nissan Altima extends three-year or 36,000 miles. The powertrain has a five-year or 60,000 warranty. The car also comes with corrosion coverage for five years and unlimited miles. The warranty program of the 2018 Nissan Altima is not as dependable as the 2018 Chevy Malibu, but it will cover you should anything go wrong with the vehicle. The 2018 Nissan Altima also has roadside assistance offered with the vehicle.
The Verdict
Deciding between the 2018 Chevy Malibu and the 2018 Nissan Altima is a tough decision. Both vehicles hit the mark in different categories, giving them both strong points for ownership. If you are looking for a dependable vehicle that has a luxury feel to it, the 2018 Chevy Malibu is the way to go. If you are looking for reliability, safety, and function, you’ll do well with the 2018 Nissan Altima. Both vehicles are ideal for families and would make sound purchases for anyone looking to buy a new car.
