Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2008) Specs

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Specifications

Model Year	2016	2008
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	4.6L V8 OHC-3v 292 hp@5750 300 lb-ft@3950
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	RWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr SUT
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	130.5 in	-19.1 in
Length	193.8 in	210.2 in	-16.4 in
Width	73.0 in	73.7 in	-0.7 in
Height	57.7 in	72.5 in	-14.8 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	4618 lb.	-1230 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	22.5 gal.	-9.5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	39.8 in	-0.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	59.0 in	-0.5 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	55.4 in	-1.3 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	42.4 in	-0.4 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	53.4 in	55.5 in	-2.1 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	36.9 in	1.2 in
Total Legroom	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	79.3 in (over 2 rows)	0.8 in
Cargo Volume	15.8 ft³	0.0	15.8 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.

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

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