Model Year | 2017 | 2012 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Chevrolet Equinox | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 264 hp@6950 222 lb-ft@5100 |
|
Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 112.5 in | -1.1 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 187.8 in | 6 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 72.5 in | 0.5 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 66.3 in | -8.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3388 lb. | 3944 lb. | -556 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.0 gal. | 18.8 gal. | -5.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 40.9 in | -1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 55.8 in | 2.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 54.6 in | -0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.2 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.2 in | -1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.3 in | 1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 51.1 in | 2.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 39.9 in | -1.8 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | -1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.8 ft3 | 31.5 ft3 | -15.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.8 ft3 | 63.7 ft3 | -47.9 ft3 |
2017 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 |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Just might be enough for a 7 footer. see full Chevrolet Equinox review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It gets more comfortable the more I drive and I do take long drives at times see full Chevrolet Equinox review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I have two children and they can ride back there comfortablely see full Chevrolet Equinox review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat slides 8" forward and back. In the back position, excellent leg room for adults. When slid forward, good rear cargo room. see full Chevrolet Equinox review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great - lots of leg room and very adjustable see full Chevrolet Equinox review |
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Front seats are not very supportive, and you sink down into them see full Chevrolet Equinox review |