Model Year | 2015 | 2013 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | BMW X1 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 240 hp@5000 260 lb-ft@1250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 108.7 in | -0.9 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 176.5 in | 15 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 70.8 in | 2.2 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 60.8 in | -3.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3527 lb. | 108 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. | 1.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 41.3 in | -2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 55.0 in | 2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 0.0 in | 55 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.4 in | 0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.7 in | -2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 54.6 in | 2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 0.0 in | 54.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 34.9 in | 1.9 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76.3 in (over 2 rows) | 2.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 | 1.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 47.7 ft3 | -31.4 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 BMW X1 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | BMW makes great sport seats, with support in the right places and power-adjustable side bolsters. This said, those in the X1 Sport Line feel less cushy, and so less overtly comfortable, than I recall from other BMWs. The Evoque's front buckets lack adjustable side bolsters, but feel more luxurious. While the BMW wins on support, the Land Rover wins on comfort. Another tie. Update: when I later had an Evoque for a week its seats felt less comfortable than they had during the dealer test drive. So I'm revising this rating in favor of the BMW. see full BMW X1 review |
2013 BMW X1 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The BMW X1's interior dimensions also closely resemble those of the previous-generation 3-Series. Up front, there's a little less space to stretch out than in the X3. But abundant headroom. About half of the X1's additional height is over one's head--you sit only a couple inches higher than in the 3-Series. This additional airspace also distinguishes the X1 from the allroad. Rear seat room could be more of an issue. As in the old 3 and the new allroad, a couple of average-sized adults will fit behind a couple more with perhaps an inch or two of clearance for their knees, while a third would be a squeeze. The seat back reclines, but the seat cushion is too low to provide good thigh support. The Evoque is similarly a less-than-ideal choice for four-plus adults taking a long trip. see full BMW X1 review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2013 BMW X1.