Model Year | 2014 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Focus | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,614 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,445 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,694 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,488 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,539 kg | 1,190 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 51 L | 19 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 996 mm | -5 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,359 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,280 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,059 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 973 mm | -20 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,364 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,293 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 917 mm | 18 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,976 mm (over 2 rows) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 462 L | 391 L | 71 L |
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 |
2009 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
I am ranking the driver's seat high in comfort even though 10 minutes is not enough to be sure. The seat has a lot of adjustability, including height. It feels like sitting on a platform rather than a hammock. The seat felt supportive without being hard. I can imagine it would allow for long distance travel in comfort. see full Ford Focus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Head room was great and the seat adjusted vertically with an easy to use lever. see full Ford Focus review |
2009 | 2dr Coupe 143-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
2 door is easy to get in and out of. The leather seating option makes for a comfortable ride especially for such a small car. see full Ford Focus review |
2009 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
It's tight in the back. Entry and egress are a bit cumbersome in particular for the feet. My shoe size is 9.5. see full Ford Focus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Air conditioner doesn't cool car. see full Ford Focus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Like sitting on concrete. One minor positive was that the lumbar support was decent, but overall lacking in comfort. see full Ford Focus review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
No rear armrest. Only one cupholder. see full Ford Focus review |
2009 | 2dr Coupe 143-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Limited space for larger passengers. see full Ford Focus review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Due to the lack of rear seat room, you must slide the front seats forward to prevent a child from kicking their feet on the back of the seats. Only a booster seat with the front seats forward will minimize this problem. see full Ford Focus review |