Model Year | 2015 | 2006 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Escape | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 200 hp@6000 193 lb-ft@4850 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 4-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 103.2 in | 4.6 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 174.9 in | 16.6 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 70.1 in | 2.9 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 69.7 in | -12.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3276 lb. | 359 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 16.5 gal. | 2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.4 in | -1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 56.3 in | 1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 53.2 in | 1.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.6 in | 0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.2 in | -1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.9 in | 1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 49.1 in | 5.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 35.6 in | 1.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 77.2 in (over 2 rows) | 1.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 29.3 ft3 | -13 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 66.3 ft3 | -50 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 |
2006 Ford Escape Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr SUV 133-horsepower 2.3L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
Roomy. see full Ford Escape review |
2006 | 4dr SUV 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
I was able to put an adult and my two small children in car seats in the rear. I have been able to take my family of four, with luggage, on road trips. see full Ford Escape review |
2006 | 4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD |
Leather heated seat is supportive on a longer drive. see full Ford Escape review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD |
this is very important, i have three teenagers. see full Ford Escape review |