Model Year | 2014 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Explorer Sport Trac | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
4.6L V8 OHC-3v 292 hp@5750 300 lb-ft@3950 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUT | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 130.5 in | -22.7 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 210.2 in | -18.7 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 73.7 in | -0.7 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 72.5 in | -14.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 4618 lb. | -983 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 22.5 gal. | -4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.8 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 59.0 in | -1.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.4 in | -0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.4 in | -0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 38.5 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 58.9 in | -1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 55.5 in | -1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.9 in | -0.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 79.3 in (over 2 rows) | -0.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 0.0 | 16.3 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 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUT 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
So bad I can't drive it much more than the 4 miles to and from work. The front seats are so hard that the first couple times I drove it I couldn't figure out why my feet were so cold. Because the circulation below my knees was being cutoff. I have tried extra cushions for the seat bottom and I have found something that really helps, but on longer drives, combined with the firm ride - bring your Advil. see full Ford Explorer Sport Trac review |