Nissan Versa vs. Chevrolet Malibu
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Versa and Chevrolet Malibu 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 Nissan Versa and the Chevrolet Malibu.
When comparing the Nissan Versa's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Versa has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and overall quality score. The Chevrolet Malibu has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Versa's and the Chevrolet Malibu's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Nissan Versa ranges from $16,498 to $22,902 while a used 2025 Chevrolet Malibu is priced between $21,522 to $30,341. For a new model, the Nissan Versa's price is between $19,290 and $23,418, with the Chevrolet Malibu priced between $23,533 and $31,754.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Versa loses 37.4 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Malibu loses 49.6 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Versa retains 12.2 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 Nissan Versa is 7.9 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Malibu's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Versa being ranked 22 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Chevrolet Malibu being ranked 10 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Versa is 7.1 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Malibu the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Versa.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Versa’s base engine makes 122 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Malibu base engine makes 163 horsepower. The Versa is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 378 miles. The Malibu is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 569 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Malibu the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Versa. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Malibu, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Versa, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Nissan Versa 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:
19290 - 23418
Starting MSRP:
17190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
24145
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
17190 - 33950
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
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
19544
Price Range:
16498 - 22902
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
29074
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
19544 - 41274
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
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:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
6555
Depreciation %:
0.38131184
Resale Value $:
10635
Residual Value %:
0.61868816
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.40897695
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.38131184 - 0.42209893
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
Nissan Versa Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Chevrolet Malibu Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
7.5 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Versa
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
8.1 - 15.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.025
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6422432019857358
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.6 - 3.8
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
Nissan Versa Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 15Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
19 out of / 37Ranking
22 out of / 37Ranking
26 out of / 37Ranking
28 out of / 37Ranking
29 out of / 37Chevrolet 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 / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Versa Trim Levels
S, SR, SV
Chevrolet Malibu Trim Levels
LS, LS Fleet, LT, RS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 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:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
114 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
292 / 378 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
14.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
88.9 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2599 lbs
Width:
68.5 inches
Height:
57.5 inches
Length:
177 inches
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Fresh Powder
Blue
Not available
Purple
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Gray
Mineral Gray Metallic / Sterling Gray Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Summit White
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Purple
Night Shade Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Dark Atmosphere/Medium Ash Gray
