Model Year | 2015 | 2013 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Camry | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 268 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 109.3 in | -1.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 189.2 in | 2.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.7 in | 1.3 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.9 in | -0.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3395 lb. | 240 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.0 gal. | 1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.8 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.0 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.5 in | 0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.6 in | 0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 38.1 in | -0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.6 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 54.5 in | -0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.9 in | -2.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 80.5 in (over 2 rows) | -1.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | 0.9 ft3 |
2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | Chevrolet's designers styled the new Malibu's instrument panel to appear low and out of the way, such that the front seat feels especially roomy and the view forward seems more open than in most competitors, including the Kia (the instrument panel in which seems significantly higher and more imposing). In the tested car, which had every option except the panoramic sunroof, headroom was so abundant I could have worn a fedora. The Kia Optima might have as much front headroom when similarly without a sunroof. The official specs, which often don't reflect real world differences, suggest it should have even more than the Malibu. But you cannot get a highly equipped Optima without the sunroof, as it's part of a large package on the SX and standard on the SX Limited. Though the Malibu's windshield is relatively large, you won't find outward visibility among the reasons to buy one. The Chevrolet's front pillars remain on the thick side, its instrument panel is considerably deeper than the Kia's, and the view to the sides and rear also could be more open. In the Optima, the view to the sides is more open but that to the rear is not. I did find the Cherolet's front seats more form-fitting and comfortable than the Optima's. The Kia's quilted seats aren't as cushy as they appear. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Both front & rear compartments very roomy & comfortable. Again, this is noted improvement over our 2009 Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2013 Toyota Camry Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
Being 6' 3" it can be hard to find a car where I have sufficient legroom & headroom. In the Fusion Hybrid there was lots of space, even with a sunroof. There are also padded surfaces where my left knee rests against the door and where my right leg rests against the center console. The Camry Hybrid was not comfortable. The doors are hard plastic and there was no soft place to rest my knee. The center console was also hard plastic. see full Toyota Camry review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 178-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
We will use this as a "road car" on longer trips so front seat comfort along with interior -and- trunk room is very good, better than Kia Optima considered. Two large adults comment rear seat also very comfortable. Front seat easier exit too. see full Toyota Camry review |
2013 Toyota Camry Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 0 | Nice ergonomic shape, but not enough padding. Leather seats feel decidedly firm after two months of ownership. Seat cushion length should be slightly longer for thigh support. see full Toyota Camry review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
front seat could be improved for better thigh support for tall drivers see full Toyota Camry review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
front seat could be improved for better thigh support for tall drivers see full Toyota Camry review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
The door sills are very high which made it tough for me to get my size 13 shoes up and over when sitting behind a front seat that is all the way back. The door sills in the Camry were lower so while there was no more rear seat room than in the Fusion is was possible to get my feet out more easily. see full Toyota Camry review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
You can see I'm really reaching here to find things that we didn't like about the Fusion Hybrid, but here's one more... There is a small step up in front of the front seats which made it hard to cross my legs like when traveling on road trips. see full Toyota Camry review |