Holden Malibu vs Hyundai i30 Sedan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 13 Aug 2026, price 5 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Holden Malibu: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and turning circle, plus 2 others.
Hyundai i30 Sedan: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h and warranty.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$30,000RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Holden Malibu
- REC-000493 · published 18 Jul 2016A pivot pin inside the twin buckle assembly for the right-hand rear and rear centre seatbelts may not have been assembled correctly and may translate sideways.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-000523 · published 11 Feb 2015A pivot pin inside the twin buckle assembly for the right-hand rear and centre rear seatbelts may not have been assembled correctly and may slide sideways.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
Hyundai i30 Sedan
- REC-006714 · published 1 Sep 2026Due to a software issue, the hybrid power control unit could overheat during vehicle operation.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2026
- REC-006244 · published 17 Jan 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel control valve in the high-Pressure fuel pump could allow excess fuel to enter the pump.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-005978 · published 6 Jun 2024The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve sensor may have been exposed to soldering flux contamination during manufacture.Year range on the notice: 2024
- 4 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Holden Malibu lines up producing 123kW and 225Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic with active select to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan lines up making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a smartstream ivt (intelligent variable transmission) driving the front wheels.
The Holden Malibu has the clear power advantage at 123kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Holden Malibu measures 4,865mm long on a 2,737mm wheelbase, 155mm longer than the Hyundai i30 Sedan at 4,710mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Holden Malibu generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Holden Malibu leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Holden Malibu if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Holden's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai i30 Sedan if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (40 vs 68). The Holden Malibu and Hyundai i30 Sedan trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Holden Malibu and Hyundai i30 Sedan?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan is the cheapest at $30,000 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai i30 Sedan holds a 3-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Holden Malibu, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Holden Malibu has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Holden Malibu makes the most power at 123kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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