Head-to-Head: 2024 Nissan Altima vs 2024 Chevy Malibu

While some drivers may focus on the more flashy parts of the vehicle, drivers looking for the ideal commuter car need substance over style in terms of fuel efficiency and reliability. Not only that, but the ride needs to be comfortable with minimal road noise and great connectivity, safety, and convenience features. With these things in mind, the team here at Illini Nissan invites you to learn more about the Nissan Altima and how it compares to other vehicles in its class. For instance, when comparing the 2024 Nissan Altima vs 2024 Chevy Malibu, how do these two popular midsize sedans stack up?

Two Popular Midsize Models

In the competitive midsize sedan market, the 2024 Nissan Altima and 2024 Chevy Malibu both bring strengths to the table. The Altima, known for its stylish look and advanced technology, offers a comfortable ride with its optional all-wheel drive system and a powerful turbocharged engine. On the other hand, the 2024 Chevy Malibu offers a classic design and affordable pricing. Choosing between the two might come down to the smallest of details, which is why we’ve put those details in a head-to-head battle so that you can choose the best match for you.

The 2024 version of the Nissan Altima builds on the redesign from the 2023 model year by extending the previous six-month trial to NissanConnect Services to a three-year trial. This means you get support with remote lock and unlock, remote engine start, emergency calls, and more. You’ll also find five trim options to choose from, including the SR VC-Turbo, which is the top-tier performance-oriented model. The Chevrolet Malibu has also been around for a while, helping drivers get from point A to point B. However, today’s Malibu only offers you the choice of four trim levels, and its top engine option was recently discontinued.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Regarding performance—which might not be the top priority for commuters but is still important—you’ll find that the 2024 Altima has a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine providing you with 188 hp. In comparison, the 2024 Malibu offers a 1.5L turbocharged engine that generates just 163 hp. In other words, you’ll get more power when choosing the Altima, even if you stick to the base model. The SR VC-Turbo option increases power and performance by offering you a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 248 hp. However, one of the biggest advantages of the Altima is that it offers available all-wheel drive––something that the Malibu lacks entirely. If you want confident all-weather performance but don’t want to upsize to an SUV, this is a huge advantage for Nissan.

One of the main reasons that the 2024 Altima is a top contender for commuters is its fuel economy. When choosing the standard front-wheel drive option, you’ll enjoy an estimated 27 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. With the all-wheel drive option, efficiency drops slightly, but it’s still top-notch, with 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Finally, the SR VC-Turbo offers 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. Whichever powertrain you choose, the probability that you can skip past the gas station on your way to work is high. For the 2024 Malibu, you’ll find an estimated 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway, which is a little less than the Altima. Plus, it’s important to remember that the Malibu offers a smaller engine, which may affect other aspects of the drive.

Comfort and Road Noise

When you’re on the road for an extended period of time, every bump, grind, and knock is heard and felt. However, the amount that they are heard and felt depends on your car. For the Altima, comfort is key. This is seen throughout the interior, starting with the class-exclusive Zero Gravity Seats. These seats are specific to the Nissan brand, reducing fatigue during the drive and minimizing pressure on your body, regardless of how many miles you drive. In the Malibu, you’ll find a wide base for the front seats, which can result in a sense of support throughout the drive. However, the base narrows as it moves to the back of the seat, which might not be comfortable for drivers who spend a lot of time in their car.

The Altima also has available Active Noise Cancellation, which helps create a calm interior that leaves outside noises where they belong—outside. And just in case you needed more evidence of the Altima’s peaceful ride, Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, along with the monotube rear shocks, offer stability and comfort from mile one and beyond. These small innovative additions aren’t present in the Chevy Malibu. When comparing the features of the Chevy model to the specialized seating that the Altima offers as well as the focus on advanced noise cancellation, you might find the ride in the Altima a quieter and more comfortable one.

Driver-Assist Technologies

One of the many things that Nissan is known for is its dedication to safety in its vehicles. For the 2024 Nissan Altima, you’ll find standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. All of these features combine to provide you with added peace of mind and confidence during the drive.

Chevrolet also focuses on safety by offering six standard driver assist safety features, which include Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams. The main differences are the absence of Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, and Blind Spot Warning when choosing the Malibu, all of which are incredibly valuable features whether you’re reversing out of a busy parking garage or trying to change lanes in traffic.

Connectivity Features

Last but not least is the ability to stay connected during the drive. Both the Altima and Malibu offer a variety of infotainment features, including a seamless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Altima dramatically increases the size of the infotainment touchscreen with an available 12.3-inch screen when choosing the SV and SR trims. Upgrading to the SL or SR VC-Turbo makes the larger screen standard. Meanwhile, the Malibu only offers an eight-inch screen across all trim levels.

Check Out the 2024 Nissan Altima Today!

As you can see, both the Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu offer many amenities for commuters. However, the Altima edges out the Malibu in a few significant ways, which can help you enjoy the drive more, whether your commute is a few blocks away or further. You can see the Altima for yourself when you visit our dealership at Illini Nissan. While you’re here, don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have. We’ll ensure you not only find the right vehicle for your commute but that you have the service and support you need after the sale, thanks to your factory-trained technicians and our state-of-the-art service center. When you’re ready to upgrade your current commuter vehicle, stop by and talk with our team.