
Starting at

Starting at
| 15.7 cu.ft. | Cargo Space | 15.4 cu.ft. |
| Standard | Wireless Connectivity | Available |
| Yes | Teen Driver Technology | No |
There may be fewer sedans on the road these days, but that doesn’t mean drivers aren’t still searching for them. Quite the contrary, many travelers are drawn to midsize sedans, especially due to their spacious interiors, reasonable prices, and easy drivability. Two favorites on the streets are the Chevy Malibu and Nissan Altima, known for their stellar reliability, cozy cabin experiences, and features that make any ride unforgettable. The Malibu is perhaps one of the most famous sedan nameplates in the industry, getting its start in the 1960s as a trim level on the famous Chevelle muscle car. Fast-forward through the decades, and the Malibu has become one of the most versatile sedans on the road, appealing to families, daily commuters, and those who desire an exceptional experience behind the wheel.
The Nissan Altima made its debut as a 1993 model, replacing the Stanza line, and throughout the years, this practical sedan has made a name for itself in the industry, known for its dependability and safety. When comparing the 2024 Chevy Malibu vs 2024 Nissan Altima, it’s clear that although there are plenty of similarities between these two models, there are just as many differences. In the areas of interior and exterior design, performance, and innovation, one vehicle outperforms the other, offering a ride quality that you just can’t find in the competition. At DePaula Chevrolet, we want to help you choose the ideal midsize sedan for your needs. If you’re looking for a vehicle that will offer you an unbeatable ride from the moment you take your place in the driver’s seat, one of these models will exceed your expectations.

From the moment you step inside the 2024 Chevy Malibu, you’ll be fascinated by the overall ambiance throughout. Its spacious cabin is accentuated by cozy yet sophisticated details to enhance the quality of the drive like you never imagined. From comfortable appointments, like an available 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, to ergonomically friendly elements throughout, the ride you’ll have inside the Malibu will be undeniably cozy and refreshing. Acoustic-laminated glass reduces road noise, allowing you to sit back and relax after a hectic day at work or during rush hour traffic on the interstate. The Malibu is also incredibly accommodating, allocating up to 15.7 cu.ft. for cargo in its trunk, making it a phenomenal choice for those traveling with everything from strollers and diaper bags to luggage, work materials, and more.
The 2024 Nissan Altima showcases a comfortable interior; however, there are plenty of features inside that don’t quite belong in a sedan of this caliber. For instance, a flat-bottom steering wheel typically belongs in a performance car, not a practical vehicle that takes over seven seconds to hit 60 mph. Of course, the real comfort elements lie in the top-tier trims, including carbon-fiber accents, leather-appointed seating, and more premium materials. Base trims leave you with simple cloth upholstery and hard plastic materials throughout. You’ll also find that the Altima’s trunk doesn’t hold as much as the Malibu’s, only offering up to 15.4 cu.ft. of space, and although that doesn’t sound like much of a difference, it is when you need as much space as you can get in your sedan.
There’s no mistaking a Malibu as it confidently saunters down the street. Its timeless class radiates from front to back, and depending on which trim appeals to you, you’ll be able to really leave your mark wherever you go. Choosing its RS trim allows you to enjoy sharp features, like black and red badging, a chrome grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. If you want to make even more of a statement, one of its special editions will do the trick, with its Midnight Edition showcasing sultry dark elements to intensify its presence, including 19-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, a blacked-out grille, and black bowtie emblems. You’ll also find the Redline Edition, which offers black aluminum wheels with red hashmarks and black and red badging throughout, and the Sport Edition, showcasing a level of athleticism that can’t be rivaled.
The Altima tends to blend into a crowd, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You’ll find more stylish elements in higher-level trims, like 19-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels in its SR VC-Turbo trim; however, there aren’t any special editions available to help the Altima take center stage. It’s quite plain, and compared to the classy Malibu that exhibits a regal aura around it, the Altima seems to get lost in a sea of options.

The 2024 Chevy Malibu is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission. Not only does it deliver a pleasantly powerful ride, but it also offers additional elements to heighten the feel of the drive. A MacPherson Strut Front Suspension helps the Malibu deliver a confident and smooth ride, no matter how rough the road conditions are. Variable-Effort Electric Power Steering comes standard, allowing you to take advantage of accurate and responsive steering to enhance control as you navigate the curves of the road. You can expect a stable and enjoyable ride in the Malibu, with ample control and excitement powering you forward, adding value to the everyday ride to make your time behind the wheel an overall better experience.
There are two powertrains available in the 2024 Altima’s lineup: a 2.5L four-cylinder or a 2.0L VC-Turbo turbocharged four-cylinder. Although it’s nice to have options, it’s reported that the Altima is quite loud on the road, and acceleration isn’t its strong suit. Drivers who want to enjoy a turbocharged engine expect to be able to hop off the line with a nice amount of power and press the pedal down without too much unnecessary noise. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for the Altima.
Like the Malibu, each of the Altima’s engines is mated with a continuously variable transmission, which means that if you choose a model with paddle shifters, they’re pretty much just for show. The Altima showcases a good ride quality, responsive and sturdy; however, it’s not known to be particularly exciting to drive compared to many of its rivals. Choosing to upgrade to 19-inch wheels affects the quality of the ride, but it does add an element of stability as you’re navigating the roadway. If you want to enjoy a more thrilling ride, as well as one that showcases expert-level damping and control, the Malibu is the better pick here.

You’ll find plenty of intuitive tech inside the 2024 Chevy Malibu to make your drive better than you ever thought possible. From wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to a Wi-Fi Hotspot and more available features, staying connected while you’re on the road is easy inside this Chevy favorite. Opt for Amazon Alexa capabilities and enjoy immense convenience during your drive, with the ability to access your favorite podcasts, check off items on your to-do list, operate smart home devices, and so much more without taking your eyes off the road. With a standard 8-inch touchscreen, you can have all of your must-have apps and more right in front of you, and with the innovative Chevrolet Infotainment System, enjoying them is a seamless experience.
You’ll find many of the same features on board the 2024 Nissan Altima, including smartphone integration and Wi-Fi capabilities. Where the Altima disappoints is with its touchscreen offerings, as its standard display is quite small, 7 inches to be exact, while access to a larger 12.3-inch option requires a more expensive trim. While the user interface is quite easy to use, there aren’t many ways to customize it to suit your needs on the road, which is a disappointment for many drivers.
Both the 2024 Chevy Malibu and 2024 Nissan Altima are known to be safe sedans, trusted by families, commuters, and others for decades. The Malibu comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes six advanced safety features designed to heighten confidence and security on the road. From Automatic Emergency Braking to help avoid or mitigate the damage from a collision to Front Pedestrian Braking to stop you when a rogue pedestrian shoots out onto the crosswalk without warning, this safety suite is watching out for you in every situation. Parking assistance and other features are available as well, and when it comes to the new driver in your family, standard Teen Driver Technology helps them perfect their skills on the road.
The Altima’s version of this is the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes several similar features, like Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Departure Warning, among other advanced offerings. It’s clear that both sedans offer safe rides; however, if you take into consideration the lack of personalization options and smaller standard touchscreen, its safety features may not be enough to choose the Altima over the Malibu here.