When it comes to choosing a midsize sedan, the decision can be challenging due to the vast array of options available in today’s market. Two strong contenders in this category are the 2023 Chevy Malibu and Hyundai Sonata. Both cars have earned their popularity by offering a combination of style, performance, and practicality.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at these two sedans to help you make the most informed decision possible when deciding which one best suits your needs.
Exterior Design:
The 2023 Chevy Malibu maintains its sleek and modern design, featuring an aerodynamic profile and bold front grille. The LED daytime running lights and taillights add a touch of sophistication, while the available 19-inch aluminum wheels provide an aggressive stance. The Malibu’s exterior design is both elegant and athletic, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a stylish appearance.
Hyundai has continued to push the boundaries with the Sonata’s exterior design, making it one of the most distinctive sedans in its class. The 2023 model boasts a bold, cascading front grille and dynamic LED lighting that adds a premium feel. With its sweeping roofline and sculpted body lines, the Sonata offers a sporty and eye-catching design that stands out on the road.
Interior Design:
The interior of the Malibu is spacious, comfortable, and refined. Soft-touch materials and available leather-appointed seats provide a luxurious feel, while the intuitive center console layout makes accessing controls a breeze. Ambient lighting is available for added sophistication, and the well-insulated cabin ensures a quiet ride.
Inside the Sonata, you’ll find a modern and upscale interior with a focus on ergonomics and technology. The sweeping dashboard design seamlessly integrates the infotainment system, and the use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin creates a premium ambiance. A panoramic sunroof is available, providing an open and airy feel.
Seating:
The Chevy Malibu offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with ample head and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The available power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and heating options ensure a cozy ride, while rear passengers can enjoy the available heated outboard seats.
The Hyundai Sonata also provides seating for five, with a focus on passenger comfort. The available power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation options cater to individual preferences, while rear passengers benefit from the available heated seats and ample legroom.
Storage:
The Malibu offers a generous 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space, making it easy to store luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Additionally, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow for even more cargo flexibility when needed.
The Sonata’s trunk provides a slightly larger 16 cubic feet of storage space, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats offer the same versatility as the Malibu. The Sonata also features clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, such as the center console storage and door pockets.
Performance:
The Malibu comes with two engine options – a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, providing responsive acceleration and a comfortable driving experience.
The Sonata also offers two engine options – a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and a turbo charged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower. Both engines come paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear changes and a satisfying drive. Additionally, the Sonata N-Line boasts a potent 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 290 horsepower, catering to performance enthusiasts.
Fuel Efficiency:
The Chevy Malibu’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine offers impressive fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings of 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine still provides decent fuel economy, with ratings of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
The Hyundai Sonata’s base 2.5-liter engine offers competitive fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provides similar efficiency, with ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The performance-oriented N-Line’s fuel economy is slightly lower, at 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Safety:
The Chevy Malibu offers a wide range of standard and available safety features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Malibu also comes standard with a rearview camera and offers an available rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring for added peace of mind.
The Hyundai Sonata boasts an impressive suite of standard safety features as well, including forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, and high beam assist. Additional available features include blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
Trim Levels:
The Malibu is available in four main trim levels: L, LS, RS, and Premier. Each trim offers a unique combination of features and options to cater to a variety of budgets and preferences. The base L trim includes standard features such as keyless entry and an 8-inch touchscreen, while the range-topping Premier trim boasts leather upholstery, a Bose audio system, and advanced safety features.
The Sonata comes in five main trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and N-Line. Each trim offers an increasing level of features and options, ensuring there’s a Sonata for every taste and budget. The base SE trim includes standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration, while the top-of-the-line Limited trim offers a panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, and advanced safety features.
Pricing:
The 2023 Chevy Malibu starts at a base price of around $23,000 for the L trim, with higher trim levels ranging up to approximately $34,000 for the Premier trim. Optional packages and features can increase the price further, depending on individual preferences.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata has a starting price of around $24,000 for the base SE trim. Higher trim levels, such as the Limited and N-Line, can reach prices of up to $34,000 and $36,000, respectively. As with the Malibu, additional options and packages can increase the price accordingly.
Key Differences:
The 2023 Chevy Malibu and Hyundai Sonata each have their own unique strengths, which cater to different preferences and priorities. Here we’ll highlight the key differences between these two midsize sedans to help you make a more informed decision.
Performance:
Both sedans offer two engine options; however, the Malibu’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces more power at 250 horsepower compared to the Sonata’s 1.6-liter turbocharged engine at 180 horsepower. The Sonata N-Line does provide a performance-oriented option with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower, catering to those who prioritize performance.
Fuel Efficiency:
The Malibu’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine boasts slightly better fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings of 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Sonata’s base 2.5-liter engine has slightly lower ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. These differences in fuel efficiency are minimal, so this may not be a deciding factor for most buyers.
Safety Features:
While both vehicles offer a range of standard and available safety features, the Hyundai Sonata comes with a more comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, such as forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection and lane following assist. The Malibu also provides a range of safety features, but some of them are only available as optional extras.
Trim Levels and Pricing:
The Malibu is available in four main trim levels, whereas the Sonata comes in five. The base price of the Malibu is slightly lower, starting at around $23,000 compared to the Sonata’s $24,000. However, the higher trim levels of both vehicles are similarly priced, with the top-end Malibu Premier and Sonata Limited reaching up to $34,000.
Final Thoughts:
After comparing the 2023 Chevy Malibu and Hyundai Sonata, it’s clear that both vehicles have a lot to offer, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities. While the Malibu boasts a refined interior and slightly better fuel efficiency, the Sonata stands out with its bold exterior design and comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
Whichever vehicle you choose, you can expect a stylish, comfortable, and capable midsize sedan that will serve you well for years to come.
Features Breakdown:
Chevy Malibu:
- Exterior Design:
- Sleek, athletic profile
- Bold front grille
- LED daytime running lights and taillights
- Available 19-inch aluminum wheels
- Interior Design:
- Spacious, comfortable, and refined
- Soft-touch materials and available leather-appointed seats
- Intuitive center console layout
- Optional ambient lighting
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for up to five passengers
- Ample head and legroom
- Available power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and heating options
- Optional heated outboard rear seats
- Storage:
- 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Performance:
- 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower
- 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 29 mpg city / 36 mpg highway (1.5-liter engine)
- 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (2.0-liter engine)
- Safety:
- Standard rearview camera
- Available forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control
- Optional rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring
- Trim Levels:
- L, LS, RS, and Premier
- Pricing:
- Base price: $23,000 (L trim)
- Top-end price: $34,000 (Premier trim)
Hyundai Sonata:
- Exterior Design:
- Distinctive cascading front grille
- Dynamic LED lighting
- Sweeping roofline and sculpted body lines
- Interior Design:
- Modern, ergonomic layout
- High-quality materials
- Panoramic sunroof available
- Seating:
- Comfortable seating for up to five passengers
- Ample head and legroom
- Available power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation options
- Optional heated rear seats
- Storage:
- 16 cubic feet of trunk space
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Performance:
- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower
- 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower (N-Line)
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 28 mpg city / 38 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine)
- 27 mpg city / 37 mpg highway (1.6-liter engine)
- 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (N-Line)
- Safety:
- Standard forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning
- Available blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance
- Optional smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Trim Levels:
- SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and N-Line
- Pricing:
- Base price: $24,000 (SE trim)
- Top-end price: $34,000 (Limited trim), $36,000 (N-Line)
