Model Year | 2016 | 2006 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Explorer | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 186 kW@5300 353 Nm@2000 |
4.6L V8 OHC-3v 218 kW@5750 407 Nm@3950 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,830 mm | 2,888 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,923 mm | 4,912 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,872 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,466 mm | 1,849 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,537 kg | 2,055 kg | -1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 49 L | 85 L | -36 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 993 mm | 1,011 mm | 992 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,486 mm | 1,499 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,374 mm | 1,407 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,067 mm | 1,077 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 983 mm | -30 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,496 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,356 mm | 1,410 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 968 mm | 937 mm | 31 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 | 2,035 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,901 mm (over 3 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 447 L | 385 L | 62 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.8 | 1,243 L | 14.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.8 | 2,370 L | 13.8 |
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.
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 |