Model Year | 2016 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Focus | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,830 mm | 2,614 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,923 mm | 4,450 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,694 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,466 mm | 1,445 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,400 kg | 1,196 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 49 L | 53 L | -4 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 993 mm | 993 mm | 0 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,486 mm | 1,359 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,374 mm | 1,255 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,067 mm | 1,034 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 975 mm | -22 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,361 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,356 mm | 1,293 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 968 mm | 955 mm | 13 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,035 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,989 mm (over 2 rows) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 447 L | 419 L | 28 L |
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.
2007 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
It was a pleasant surprise when we discovered how comfortable the front seats were for long road trips. They are contoured enough so I can lay the seat back, with a small pillow and take a nice long nap. This is probably highly subjective, but for us, the car seats have been just what we wanted. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The front seat has more room than one would expect. I have yet to encounter someone who has not fit inside comfortably, despite their size. Being over 6ft tall, I drive daily without feeling cramped or enclosed. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The first-generation Focus has great seats -- cushy, well-bolstered, and high off the floor. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Lots of room for a big guy like me. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Can drive for long distances without succuming to fatigue. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Ample room. see full Ford Focus review |
2006 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Regular sized adults can fit in the back seat without too many problems. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 151-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Another two inches of legroom sure would be nice. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 151-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very average for its class. Not a place for grownups for long. see full Ford Focus review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Not the best, but ok for a 2 door hatch. see full Ford Focus review |
2006 | 2dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Short seat track makes it tight for tall drivers and there is no "dead pedal" to rest your left foot on. see full Ford Focus review |