Mid-size Comparison: Hyundai Sonata vs. Chevy Malibu
The midsize sedan class has a larger selection of makes and models than any other car class and two of the best performers are the Chevy Malibu and the Hyundai Sonata. Tied with a fourth place ranking on _ U.S. News & World Report’s _ list of Best Midsize cars, the Hyundai Sonata and Chevy Malibu give each other a run for their money. Here’s a closer look at how both models are similar and different.
Main Overview
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is a capable vehicle that offers good gas mileage, a large scale trunk and supports a comfortable ride.
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu offers similar gas mileage, excellent predicted reliability for the current generation and intuitive infotainment system.
Standard Features
Standard features between both vehicles are similar, from Front-wheel drive to Bluetooth capabilities, however the Chevy Malibu provides auxiliary power outlet, keyless start, Wi-Fi hotspot and the standard option of remote engine start.
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is available with three engine options. The standard engine on the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is a 2.4-liter I4 engine that produces 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.The other two engine options include a 187-horsepower 1.6-liter I4 turbo engine and a 245-horsepower 2.0L I4 turbo engine.
The Chevy Malibu is also available with three engine options. The Chevy Malibu comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter ECOTEC engine that provides 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Buyers also have the option of a 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine that produces 250 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque as well as a fuel efficient 1.8-liter Hybrid 4-cylinder engine.
Both vehicles have good fuel economies when equipped with their standard engines, but overall the Chevy Malibu has the Hyundai Sonata beat because it has an available hybrid option. When the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with the base engine it has a fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, and the Chevy Malibu’s standard engine gives it a fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. However, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid has a fuel economy of 49 mpg in the city and 43 mpg in the highway — so buyers are able to save a lot in fuel costs.
Interior Comparison
The Chevy Malibu and Hyundai Sonata are both comfortable midsize sedans that offer seating for five passengers, but the Chevy Malibu offers 3 inches of more legroom for front seat passengers and 2.4 inches of more legroom for backseat passengers, and that can make a big difference for tall passengers or drivers.
While both vehicles offer premium cloth seating, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata has heated seats in all but two trims. The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu only offers heated seats in the premier level trim. Both vehicles offer similar spacing and comfort for passengers and seating capacity.
Technology features including a 7-inch touchscreen to guide their infotainment system are standard for all trims on both models. Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility, Bluetooth technology and USB ports are available for both vehicles. No edge for either vehicle as both have modern, easy-to-use technology.
Safety Features
Standard safety features have become increasingly better over the last several years and both the Chevy Malibu and Hyundai Sonata come with plenty of the latest tech features to satisfy most potential buyers.
Both were IIHS Top Safety Picks in 2017 and will probably retain many of their superior ratings for crash testing, making both options very safe and secure for drivers and passengers included.
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata comes standard with rear camera and parking sensors, Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning, rear cross-traffic alert with blind-spot monitoring. These standard features are great as they are offered with every trim.
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu offers an available driver confidence package that provides many features that provide additional safety. Front pedestrian braking, IntelliBeam high beam assist, Forward Collision Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Following Distance Indicator and Lane Keep Assist all come with this package made only for the Malibu LT, Hybrid or Premier of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu.
Pricing
You’ll find a better deal on the base model of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu as it has a starting MSRP or $21,680 (plus destination fee) compared to the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, which starts at $22,050 (plus destination fee). The highest trim for the Chevrolet Malibu, the Malibu Premier has a starting MSRP of $31,020 (plus destination fee), which is $1,430 less than the highest Sonata trim, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T. You can save slightly more money with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu over the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.
Overall
The choice to make is yours, but we note higher value for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu with a lower starting price and more safety features.
* When you arrive at Miami Lakes Automall , we’re ready to help you find the right car for you and your budget, including the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu . We also carry late models of the Hyundai Sonata and Chevrolet Malibu. Come in for a test-drive today to see which you love more! *
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