Chevrolet Malibu vs. Nissan Sentra
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Sentra contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chevrolet Malibu and the Nissan Sentra.
In comparing the Chevrolet Malibu's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Malibu's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Sentra is a better car than the Chevrolet Malibu.
Pricing: A used 2025 Chevrolet Malibu ranges from $21,522 to $30,341 while a used 2025 Nissan Sentra is priced between $18,991 to $26,042. For a new model, the Chevrolet Malibu's price is between $23,533 and $31,754, with the Nissan Sentra priced between $21,426 and $28,113.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Malibu loses 49.6 percent of its value and the Nissan Sentra loses 40.7 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Sentra retains 8.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Malibu.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 7.6 out of 10 while the Nissan Sentra's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 10 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 37 Best Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Malibu is 7.4 out of 10. For the Nissan Sentra the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Sentra.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Malibu’s base engine makes 163 horsepower, and the Nissan Sentra base engine makes 149 horsepower. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 496 miles.This gives the Nissan Sentra the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Chevrolet Malibu the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Sentra, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more and front leg room. The Chevrolet Malibu, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Nissan Sentra has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Malibu, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.47 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
23533 - 31754
Starting MSRP:
24700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
26816
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
24700 - 28295
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
21426 - 28113
Starting MSRP:
21590
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
25761
Price Range:
21522 - 30341
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
27493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
25110 - 29237
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
22070
Price Range:
18991 - 26042
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12288
Depreciation %:
0.49749174
Resale Value $:
12412
Residual Value %:
0.5025082599999999
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
0.43738499
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
0.35336067 - 0.49749174
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
8708
Depreciation %:
0.40335587
Resale Value $:
12882
Residual Value %:
0.59664413
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
Chevrolet Malibu Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
7.5 / 10
Nissan Sentra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Malibu
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
7.8 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.081
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Sentra
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.026
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6245745377787513
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.6 - 7.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.78710396149456
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Chevrolet Malibu Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Nissan Sentra Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
10 out of / 22Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
16 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
20 out of / 37Ranking
24 out of / 37Ranking
24 out of / 37Ranking
27 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels
LS, LS Fleet, LT, RS
Nissan Sentra Trim Levels
S, SR, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.47 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
163 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
149 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 36 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
442 / 569 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 40 / 34
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 496 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
14.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
110.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3135 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
57.9 inches
Length:
194.2 inches
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3036 lbs
Width:
71.5 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
182.9 inches
Wheelbase:
106.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Gray Metallic / Sterling Gray Metallic
Purple
Night Shade Metallic
White
Summit White
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Purple
Not available
White
Fresh Powder
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
