Model Year | 2013 | 2012 | |
Model | Hyundai Sonata | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | 2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 159 hp@5500 154 lb-ft@4500 |
2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 182 hp@6700 172 lb-ft@4900 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 110.0 in | 112.3 in | -2.3 in |
Length | 189.8 in | 191.8 in | -2 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 70.3 in | 1.9 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 57.1 in | 0.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3457 lb. | 3620 lb. | -163 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 16.0 gal. | 2.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in | 39.4 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.9 in | 55.9 in | 2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 53.0 in | 2.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 45.5 in | 42.2 in | 3.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 37.2 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.7 in | 53.9 in | 2.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 52.1 in | 2.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 37.6 in | -3 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 0.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.4 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | 1.3 ft3 |
2013 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | According to the EPA's classification system, the Hyundai Sonata is actually a large car. You wouldn't guess this while sitting in the front seat. A steeply raked windshield and cockpit-like instrument panel design cut into actual roominess, and perceived roominess even more. The Sonata's firm front buckets could use more form-fitting contouring. Though not uncomfortable, they are the least comfortable buckets in this threesome. In the back seat, six-foot passengers' scalps might graze the headliner, but knee room is generous. There's a bit more room and a more comfortably padded and positioned rear seat cushion inside the Altima. But the Mazda6's rear seat is at least as low to the floor as the Sonata's and includes a couple inches less knee room. So the Hyundai has a slight edge over the Mazda. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2013 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The front driver seat is supportive yet firm and the power adjustments guarantee you'll get the right driving position for you. The heated seat feature is great on a cold morning too. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2013 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Ride is comfortable but after about 2 or 3 hours, the leather seats get a bit hard on the butt. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Have the Limited with leather heated seats. They are not as comfortable as expected. The seat bolsters are a little tight for my back side. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |