Model Year | 2015 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Explorer Sport Trac | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 193 kW@5500 400 Nm@3000 |
4.6L V8 OHC-3v 218 kW@5750 407 Nm@3950 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUT | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 3,315 mm | -1 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 5,339 mm | -1 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,872 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,842 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,649 kg | 2,095 kg | -1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 85 L | -15 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 1,011 mm | 990 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,499 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,407 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,077 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 978 mm | -25 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,496 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,410 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 937 mm | -2 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,014 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 462 L | 0.0 | 462 L |
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 |
2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr SUT 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
The seats are much improved over older explorers. You can ride for 4 hours and not feel tired when you get out of the truck. I have heated leather, which I recommend. The heat is in the lumbar, as well as seat bottom. Very nice seats. see full Ford Explorer Sport Trac review |
2008 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 |