Model Year | 2016 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Focus | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 102.9 in | 8.5 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 175.0 in | 18.8 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 66.7 in | 6.3 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 58.6 in | -0.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3086 lb. | 2623 lb. | 463 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. | -0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.2 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 53.5 in | 5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 50.4 in | 3.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.7 in | 0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 38.3 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 53.7 in | 3.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 50.9 in | 2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 36.1 in | 2 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 77.8 in (over 2 rows) | 2.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.8 ft3 | 13.8 ft3 | 2 ft3 |
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.
2008 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 | 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 Sedan 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Ample room. 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 |
2008 Ford Focus Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
No rear armrest. Only one cupholder. 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 |
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 |