Compare Nissan Altima vs Chevy Malibu

The Nissan Altima Takes on the Sedan Competition

The Nissan Altima has been dominating the sedan field for decades. First released in 1992, the Altima quickly became one of the most popular four-door cars in the St. Louis area, as well as here at AutoCenters Nissan.

Roomy legroom for five people, a cavernous trunk that can accommodate large suitcases or a lot of groceries, an upscale interior, and cutting-edge features and technology are all hallmarks of the Altima model line. Drivers around the St. Louis area know they can count on this stalwart sedan to offer them the quality, reliability, and pampering they want in a new car.

While we appreciate everything Nissan puts into the new Altima to make it one of the best cars on the road today, we also understand it may not be the only sedan calling your attention. To help make your decision-making process a little easier, however, we’ve done our homework. Read on for an in-depth, side-by-side comparison of the Altima and the Chevy Malibu, to see all the perks that make the Altima the better option for your next car.

The Nissan Altima vs. the Chevy Malibu

All-wheel drive

Finding a sedan with available all-wheel drive is a rare treat. Finding one that’s not attached to an expensive, premium, luxury brand is even harder. But, the Nissan Altima has all-wheel drive available, and it doesn’t have the hefty price tag of a pretentious, luxury brand name attached to it. See how easily the new Nissan Altima can handle variable St. Louis weather patterns thanks to its all-wheel drive system, while the Chevy Malibu doesn’t offer it at all in its lineup.

Power

Not only does the Nissan Altima give you the peace of mind of all-wheel drive, it also has more power under the hood to back it up. Two engines are available for the Altima, depending on which trim level you choose, including a 188-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and a 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The Chevy Malibu, on the other hand, while also offering two engine options, doesn’t come close in terms of power, with only a 160-horsepower engine and a 182-horsepower hybrid system available.

Safety features

The Nissan Altima also offers drivers more standard safety features than the Chevy Malibu. While the Altima comes standard with automatic headlights, forward collision warning, and a remote engine start system, the Malibu doesn’t have any of these same features standard. In fact, you either need to move up in trim levels or add on extra packages to get the same level of amenities that the Altima comes with standard.

Passenger space

Both of these sedans offer similar numbers in terms of headroom, shoulder room, and cargo space. But, the Altima outshines the Malibu when it comes to legroom. You and your passenger will be especially grateful for the vast amount of front seat legroom, which is more than two inches greater than the amount offered in the front seat of the Malibu.

Discover the Perfect Nissan Altima for You near St. Louis

With its additional power, optional all-wheel drive, legendary Nissan quality, and innovative features, there’s no denying on paper that the Altima out performs the Chevy Malibu. But, the best way for you to discover all of the elements that make it the better choice is to test drive it for yourself.

Stop by and visit us at our showroom on East Affton Road in Herculaneum, MO to experience the new Nissan Altima sedan in person. Our sales team will introduce you to our latest models and show you everything that sets it apart in the competing sedan market.