Malibu IX vs Elantra VI (AD): which is better?
Chevrolet Malibu IX (2016–2024) vs Hyundai Elantra VI (AD) (2015–2020): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Chevrolet Malibu IX
Hyundai Elantra VI (AD)Specifications
| Chevrolet Malibu IX | Hyundai Elantra VI (AD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2016–2024 | 2015–2020 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.5 Turbo | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 163 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque, up to | 250 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 923 mm | 4 570 mm |
| Width | 1 854 mm | 1 800 mm |
| Height | 1 463 mm | 1 450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 829 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 150 mm |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 50 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Chevrolet Malibu IX
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Uzbekistan
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- GM 6T30/6T40/6T45 etc. gearbox: 3-5-R clutch pack wave spring failure (6T40/6T45)
Gearbox (GM 6T30/6T40/6T45, etc.): broken wave spring in the 3-5-R clutch pack (6T40/6T45); jerks when the valve body wears.
Hyundai Elantra VI (AD)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 engine (G4NA, G4NB): cylinder scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 (G4NA, G4NB)): cylinder scoring; increased oil consumption; catalytic converter debris.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- Malibu IX — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Malibu IX or Elantra VI (AD)?
Malibu IX: up to 163 hp, Elantra VI (AD): up to 150 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Malibu IX — about 8 650 ₸, Elantra VI (AD) — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.