Comparisons · 2021

2021 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Sentra uses less fuel: 7.1 against 9.1 l/100km, about 22% less. At today's US fuel prices the 2021 Nissan Sentra costs about $1,775 less to fuel over five years at 15,000 km a year. The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu has fewer NHTSA recalls (2 against 3). The 2021 Nissan Sentra has the higher NCAP overall rating (5 stars against 4).

2021 Nissan Sentra leads on 3 of 5 measurable figures. 19 specifications compared.

Key figures

Combined fuel consumption
2021 Chevrolet Malibu9.1 l/100km
2021 Nissan Sentra7.1 l/100km
CO2 emissions
2021 Chevrolet Malibu212.5 g/km
2021 Nissan Sentra166.5 g/km
Kerb weight
2021 Chevrolet Malibu1,462 kg
2021 Nissan Sentra1,385 kg
NHTSA recalls
2021 Chevrolet Malibu2
2021 Nissan Sentra3
Owner complaints
2021 Chevrolet Malibu89
2021 Nissan Sentra131
NCAP overall rating
2021 Chevrolet Malibu4
2021 Nissan Sentra5

Side by side

The better figure is highlighted where one is clearly better.

Specification2021 Chevrolet Malibu2021 Nissan Sentra
CO2212.5 g/km166.5 g/km
Combined9.1 l/100km7.1 l/100km
Complaints89131
NCAP overall45
Recall campaigns23
Cylinders44
Displacement2,000 cc2,000 cc
DriveFront-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Emission standardL3ULEV70L3SULEV30
Extra-urban7.1 l/100km6 l/100km
FuelRegular GasolineRegular Gasoline
Gears61
Height1,460 mm1,450 mm
Kerb weight1,462 kg1,385 kg
Length4,920 mm4,640 mm
TransmissionAutomatic 9-spdAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Urban10.7 l/100km8.1 l/100km
Wheelbase2,830 mm2,710 mm
Width1,850 mm1,820 mm

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How this comparison works

Only genuine rivals are compared: same model year, same EPA size class, same drivetrain, similar weight and power, and both mainstream or both premium brands. Figures come from FuelEconomy.gov, EPA and NHTSA; fuel costs use current US prices from the Energy Information Administration.