The 2016 Nissan Altima vs Chevrolet Malibu. What's Your Choice?

Serving Hilton Head, Hardeeville, Bluffton SC

A mid-size sedan is the ideal vehicle for many of today's families. In terms of overall quality, the 2016 Nissan Altima remains one of the top options in its class. Featuring a new V-shaped grille, the new Altima certainly demands a great deal of attention on the road. While the base model is an exceptional bargain, the new SR trim offers an enhanced level of driving excitement. The redesigned Chevrolet Malibu is a big improvement over its processor. Not only does the new Malibu have a more modern look, but it also offers improved fuel economy. Let's find out how the 2016 Nissan Altima stacks up against the new Chevy Malibu.

Performance

The Nissan Altima comes standard with a proven four-cylinder engine. Noted for its long-term reliability, the 2.5-liter engine produces a satisfying 182 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Malibu's turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops only 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. With a 0-60 time of 7.7 seconds, the Altima easily beats the Malibu's 8.5-second dash to 60 mph. While the Altima returns 39 mpg on the open road, the Malibu has a highway fuel economy rating of 37 mpg. A powerful V-6 engine is also available for the Altima. Nissan has tuned it to churn out a muscular 270 horsepower. Although the Malibu's optional 2.0-liter engine is potent, its 260 horsepower output trails the Altima's V-6 engine. Equipped with a performance-tuned suspension, the new Altima SR model handles like a true sports sedan. Unfortunately, the Malibu is not available with a performance-tuned suspension.

Interior

Nissan designed the Altima to provide an outstanding amount of passenger room. The sedan's spacious backseat enables your family members to experience a comfy ride. You will also have plenty of cargo space in the trunk. Fortunately, the new Chevy Malibu now offers a family-friendly backseat. However, tall front-seat passengers will feel more at home in the Nissan Altima. In fact, the Altima provides a significant 3.0 inches more legroom in the front. Furthermore, the Altima features Nissan's innovative Zero Gravity seats. These NASA-inspired seats are engineered to keep your back in the most relaxing position.

Safety

Nissan takes great pride in producing well-built automobiles. When crash tested by the federal government, the Altima received an exceptional five-star safety rating. It has also been certified as Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The all-new Malibu has yet to be officially crash tested. In contrast to the Malibu, the Altima comes standard with a convenient Easy Fill Tire Alert system. Some of the common safety technologies include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The new Chevy Malibu is a much-improved family sedan. However, it has yet to knock the Nissan Altima off its pedestal. The Altima's strong performance and comfortable interior gives it a big advantage. To see how the new Altima performs on the road, stop by Vaden Nissan of Hilton Head to take a test drive. 

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