Model Year | 2015 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Cruze | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 106.4 in | -0.7 in |
Length | 181.0 in | 174.3 in | 6.7 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 69.7 in | 1 in |
Height | 58.1 in | 52.8 in | 5.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3084 lb. | 3045 lb. | 39 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -0.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.3 in | 38.2 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 54.8 in | 0 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 53.3 in | -0.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.3 in | 42.7 in | -0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.9 in | 36.8 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 54.9 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.4 in | 48.1 in | 4.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.4 in | 32.2 in | 3.2 in |
Total Legroom | 77.7 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 2.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.0 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 7.4 ft3 |
2015 Chevrolet Cruze Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | The old Chevrolet Cruze, like the Ford Focus, had a rear seat on the tight side even by compact sedan standards. According to the specs, the new one has only gained a few tenths of legroom. But the improvement feels much larger. Chevrolet claims that rear knee room (not a standard spec) has increased by two inches, and this aligns much better with my perceptions. Some competitors, including the Honda Civic, continue to offer more rear seat space. But the new Cruze's back seat could be the most comfortable in the class for two average-sized men. With a position well above the floor, the rear seat cushion provides much better thigh support than the typical sedan, much less the typical compact sedan. The Civic has a lower rear cushion and insufficient foot space under its front seats, squandering its on-paper legroom advantage. Up front the Cruze has comfortable seats (though, like those in the Civic, without adjustable lumbar support) but shoulder room typical of a compact car. The Civic has two more inches of shoulder room and feels more like a midsize sedan in the front seat. Both cars have good driving positions with reasonably compact instrument panels. In L and LS trim, the new Cruze has a 14.9-cubic-foot trunk, nearly identical to that of the new Civic and about as large as you'll find in the class. But the LT and Premier have a compact spare tire that reduces cargo volume to 13.6 cubic feet. Still pretty good. Next year both cars will also be available as hatchbacks. see full Chevrolet Cruze review |
2015 Chevrolet Cruze Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Cruze's rear seat is among the tightest in a compact sedan, and the diesel engine doesn't affect this. Though rear seat headroom is abundant, adults will feel a bit cramped even behind a driver of average height. The Jetta's rear seat has a little less headroom but far more legroom. So the best option depends on whether your rear seat passengers have long legs or long torsos. see full Chevrolet Cruze review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze.
2008 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |