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The Malibu has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The Elantra has no towing capacity.
When two different drivers share the Malibu LT, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Elantra doesn’t offer a memory system.
The Malibu Premier’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Elantra doesn’t offer an easy entry system.
The Malibu’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Elantra has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.
The Malibu’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Elantra has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.
The Malibu’s standard front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Elantra’s standard power windows’ passenger windows don’t open automatically.
On a hot day the Malibu’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Elantra can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.
In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Malibu LS/LT’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Elantra doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its Blue Link can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.
The Malibu’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Elantra’s passenger power window and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.
Consumer Reports rated the Malibu’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Elantra’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”
Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Malibu to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Elantra doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.
When the Malibu LT with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Elantra’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.
Both the Malibu and the Elantra offer available heated front seats. The Malibu Premier also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Elantra.
Optional air-conditioned seats in the Malibu LT keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Elantra doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.
On extremely cold winter days, the Malibu LT’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Elantra doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.
Both the Malibu and the Elantra offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Malibu LT has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Elantra doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.
The Malibu LT offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Elantra doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.
The Malibu LT’s optional Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Elantra doesn’t offer an automated parking system.
