2023 Altima vs. 2023 Malibu in Owensboro, KY

The midsize sedan remains a perfect family vehicle for those who aren't enticed by the SUV bandwagon. If you don’t need an elevated driving position or potential off-roadability, stylish and capable options such as the 2023 Nissan Altima and the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu are extremely smart choices.

The 2023 Altima comes from the sixth generation of Nissan's midsize nameplate, also known as the Teana in other countries. The US-market Altima comes out from Nissan’s Canton plant in Mississippi. The 2023 Malibu is based on 2016’s ninth-generation model and is produced in Kansas. Nissan updated the Altima for the 2023 model year, while the Malibu got an update in 2019.

Let's compare the 2023 Altima vs. Malibu to find out which is ahead in the best midsize sedan race. We'll consider their respective performance, safety, and interior characteristics. And if you'd like to know more about the 2023 Altima, contact the sales associates of Don Moore Nissan in Owensboro, KY. We’ll be glad to assist.

Interior Comparison

The 2023 Altima and the 2023 Malibu can accommodate up to five adults in similar-size cabins. Both offer ample luggage for a family trip in trunks that differ by just one cubic foot. However, you’ll find the 2023 Altima’s cabin and dashboard built to a higher standard, featuring better materials and fresher designs. Meanwhile, the 2023 Malibu is starting to show its age, as it’s from an older era of Chevy’s design language.

The 2023 Altima comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, which is offered on higher-level trims of the 2023 Malibu. Both cars have 8-inch touch-screen infotainment systems supporting Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ across their respective ranges. Plus, you can avail yourself of a nice 12.3-inch touch screen on higher trims of the 2023 Altima, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charger.

Performance Comparison

You’ve got a choice of two efficient powertrains in the 2023 Altima. First, there’s a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower, coupled with a CVT gearbox and front-wheel-drive. You can spec an all-wheel-drive system on this variant. However, power drops to 182 horsepower if you do. Regardless, it can still do zero to 60 in 7.4 seconds, as tested by Car and Driver, and can accomplish 28 mpg on the EPA combined cycle in front-wheel-drive form. The all-wheel-drive variant scores 26 mpg.

If you want more power, choose the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder VC (Variable Compression) engine that serves up 248 horsepower and delivers it to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. Zero to 60 can be accomplished in under six seconds, as per Car and Driver’s testing. Furthermore, if you choose the SR trim, you receive a sportier suspension system and larger 19-inch wheels. The fuel efficiency of this powerful variant isn't that far off, at 25 mpg on the EPA combined cycle.

The 2023 Malibu only offers a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 163 horsepower, sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. Zero to 60 takes 7.8 seconds, as timed by Car and Driver. There isn’t a more powerful variant on offer, and you can’t have an all-wheel-drive system either.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2023 Altima comes with standard automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. All these are optional on the 2023 Malibu. Both cars have airbags, stability control, daytime running lamps, and child safety locks. Adaptive cruise control is optional on both cars.

Find the 2023 Altima in Owensboro, KY

The 2023 Altima comprehensively beats the 2023 Malibu on all three of our evaluation criteria. It’s got a better-equipped cabin, more powerful engine options, and better standard safety features. It’s our pick, and we’d like to invite you over to Don Moore Nissan in Owensboro, KY, to test drive the new Altima.