Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Chevrolet Traverse (2011) Specs

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Specifications

Model Year	2016	2011
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Chevrolet Traverse
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 288 hp@6300 270 lb-ft@3400
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	118.9 in	-7.5 in
Length	193.8 in	205.0 in	-11.2 in
Width	73.0 in	78.4 in	-5.4 in
Height	57.7 in	70.4 in	-12.7 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	4790 lb.	-1402 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	22.0 gal.	-9 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	40.4 in	-1.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	62.0 in	-3.5 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	59.1 in	-5 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	41.3 in	0.7 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	39.4 in	-1.9 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	61.3 in	-4.2 in
Hip Room, Row 2	53.4 in	57.8 in	-4.4 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	36.8 in	1.3 in
Headroom, Row 3	0.0 in	37.8 in	-37.8 in
Shoulder Room, Row 3	0.0 in	57.6 in	-57.6 in
Hip Room, Row 3	0.0 in	48.3 in	-48.3 in
Legroom, Row 3	0.0 in	33.2 in	-33.2 in
Total Legroom	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	111.3 in (over 3 rows)	-31.2 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	15.8 ft³	24.4 ft³	-8.6 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	15.8	68.8 ft³	-53
Cargo Volume, Maximum	15.8 ft³	116.4 ft³	-100.6 ft³

2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr SUV 281-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Although the rear captain seats are quite comfortable, I do not like how they roll forward. There is a track in the floor in which the rear seats fold and slide up behind the front seats. All I notice when in the back seat is how extremely difficult it is to clean out the mud and grit and salt (I live in Canada, we use salt on our roads) that gets left behind in the track from passenger footwear. see full Chevrolet Traverse review
2011	4dr SUV 281-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	The headrest position is horrible for long trips. Felt like my head was being pushed forward. see full Chevrolet Traverse review

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