Model Year | 2014 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Acura TL | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.5L V6 OHC-4v 280 hp@6200 254 lb-ft@5000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-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 | 195.3 in | -3.8 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 74.0 in | -1 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.2 in | 0.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3708 lb. | -73 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.4 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.1 in | -0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.7 in | -0.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.5 in | -0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 36.7 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.2 in | 0.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 54.8 in | -0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.2 in | 0.6 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 78.7 in (over 2 rows) | 0.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 13.1 ft3 | 3.2 ft3 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 |
2009 Acura TL Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 305-horsepower 3.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The front seats in this automobile are trimmed in supple leather yet are nice and firm in the European style for all day comfort. I look forward to some longer trips once spring arrives. see full Acura TL review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 305-horsepower 3.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The sport seats are the nicest in its class, supportive, and hold the driver and passenger well during cornering. see full Acura TL review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 305-horsepower 3.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Very comfortable and supportive, great fit liek a glove. see full Acura TL review |
2009 Acura TL Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 258-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Definitely not a family car with older kids. Not a lot of room in the back. see full Acura TL review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 258-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My back became stiff after two separate test drives. see full Acura TL review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 258-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Stiff seats, does not absorb difficult road conditions well. see full Acura TL review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 286-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Seats are very firm and on spending 1-2 hrs in the vehicle my back really hurts. No amount of adjusting will help see full Acura TL review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 258-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Small for adults see full Acura TL review |