Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Flex | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
turbocharged 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 355 hp@5500 350 lb-ft@1500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 117.9 in | -10.1 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 202.3 in | -10.8 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 75.9 in | -2.9 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 67.6 in | -10 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 4839 lb. | -1204 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -0.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 41.8 in | -2.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.4 in | -0.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.4 in | -0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 40.8 in | 1.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 40.5 in | -3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 57.1 in | 0 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 55.0 in | -0.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 44.3 in | -7.5 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 38.7 in | -38.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 50.8 in | -50.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 41.1 in | -41.1 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 33.4 in | -33.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 118.5 in (over 3 rows) | -39.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 19.4 ft3 | -3.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 45.0 ft3 | -28.7 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 86.7 ft3 | -70.4 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 |
2012 Ford Flex Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 355hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The seating throughout the vehicle is extremely roomy. Adults can fit comfortably in both the second and third row seats. The driver and passenger seats are also extremely comfortable. see full Ford Flex review |