Model Year | 2012 | 2006 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Explorer | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
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 SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,852 mm | 2,888 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,872 mm | 4,912 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,786 mm | 1,872 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,450 mm | 1,849 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,653 kg | 2,055 kg | -1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 61 L | 85 L | -24 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,001 mm | 1,011 mm | 0 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,420 mm | 1,499 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,346 mm | 1,407 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,072 mm | 1,077 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 945 mm | 983 mm | -38 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,369 mm | 1,496 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,323 mm | 1,410 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 955 mm | 937 mm | 18 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 950 mm | -950 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,349 mm | -1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,151 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 886 mm | -886 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,027 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,901 mm (over 3 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 428 L | 385 L | 43 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.1 | 1,243 L | 14.1 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.1 | 2,370 L | 13.1 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | 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 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 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 |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |