What To Know
- However, the Malibu’s standard engine provides better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the Elantra’s 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
- Power, the Elantra has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100, while the Malibu has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100.
- Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both the Hyundai Elantra and the Chevrolet Malibu.
When it comes to midsize sedans, the Hyundai Elantra and the Chevrolet Malibu are two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer a comfortable ride, spacious interiors, and a variety of features. But which one is the right choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of the Hyundai Elantra vs. Malibu.
Power and Performance
The Elantra offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Malibu, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of performance, the Elantra’s turbocharged engine gives it a slight edge over the Malibu. The Elantra can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the Malibu takes 8.1 seconds. However, the Malibu’s standard engine provides better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway compared to the Elantra’s 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Features
Both the Elantra and the Malibu offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Elantra’s interior is more modern and stylish, with a clean and uncluttered design. The Malibu’s interior is more traditional, with a more conservative design.
In terms of features, both vehicles come standard with a variety of amenities, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Elantra offers a few more standard features than the Malibu, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. However, the Malibu offers some features that the Elantra doesn‘t, such as a sunroof and heated seats.
Safety
Both the Elantra and the Malibu have received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Elantra received a five-star overall safety rating, while the Malibu received a four-star overall safety rating.
In terms of safety features, both vehicles come standard with a variety of airbags, as well as electronic stability control and traction control. The Elantra offers a few more standard safety features than the Malibu, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Malibu offers some safety features that the Elantra doesn’t, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
Reliability
The Hyundai Elantra has a slightly better reliability rating than the Chevrolet Malibu. According to J.D. Power, the Elantra has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100, while the Malibu has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. This means that the Elantra is predicted to have fewer problems than the Malibu over time.
Price
The Hyundai Elantra has a lower starting price than the Chevrolet Malibu. The Elantra starts at $19,650, while the Malibu starts at $22,970. However, the Malibu offers more standard features than the Elantra, so it’s important to compare the prices of similarly equipped models.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both the Hyundai Elantra and the Chevrolet Malibu. This will give you a chance to experience the performance, features, and comfort of each vehicle firsthand. Once you’ve had a chance to test drive both cars, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your needs and budget.
The Verdict: Hyundai Elantra vs. Malibu
The Hyundai Elantra and the Chevrolet Malibu are both excellent midsize sedans. However, the Elantra offers a better combination of performance, features, safety, and reliability for a lower price. As a result, the Hyundai Elantra is our pick for the best midsize sedan in this comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The Hyundai Elantra has a more powerful engine than the Chevrolet Malibu. The Elantra’s 1.6-liter turbocharged engine produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, while the Malibu’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A: The Hyundai Elantra and the Chevrolet Malibu have similar interior dimensions. The Elantra has a slightly larger trunk than the Malibu, but the Malibu has a slightly more spacious back seat.
Q: Which car has more standard features?
A: The Chevrolet Malibu has more standard features than the Hyundai Elantra. Some of the features that come standard on the Malibu but not on the Elantra include a sunroof, heated seats, and a Bose premium audio system.
Q: Which car is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Chevrolet Malibu is more fuel-efficient than the Hyundai Elantra. The Malibu’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Elantra’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which car has a better safety rating?
A: The Hyundai Elantra has a slightly better safety rating than the Chevrolet Malibu. The Elantra received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Malibu received a four-star overall safety rating.