Model Year | 2015 | 2006 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Freestyle | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 112.9 in | -5.1 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 200.1 in | -8.6 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 74.9 in | -1.9 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 68.3 in | -10.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3393 lb. | 3959 lb. | -566 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.0 gal. | -0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.4 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.5 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.5 in | -0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.2 in | 0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.4 in | -1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 57.9 in | -0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 55.8 in | -1.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 40.2 in | -3.4 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 38.6 in | -38.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 50.8 in | -50.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 45.9 in | -45.9 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 33.3 in | -33.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 114.7 in (over 3 rows) | -35.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 17.6 ft3 | -1.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 45.9 ft3 | -29.6 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 91.7 ft3 | -75.4 ft3 |
2015 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 |
2015 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 |
2006 Ford Freestyle Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT FWD |
Very good for a vehicle of this size - both in 2nd and 3rd row. see full Ford Freestyle review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT FWD |
Reasonable space and comfort. see full Ford Freestyle review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT FWD |
I needed the 3rd row of seats see full Ford Freestyle review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT AWD |
Great room in the front (and rear) - very comfortable. see full Ford Freestyle review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT FWD |
Third row seating, fold flat rear seats for hauling large items see full Ford Freestyle review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT FWD |
The third row seat easily accommodates 6+ foot passengers. see full Ford Freestyle review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT AWD |
full-size people can fit theater seating provides good visibility from all seats see full Ford Freestyle review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT AWD |
Lots of space for car seats and adults in the second and third row. see full Ford Freestyle review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT AWD |
Front seats are extremely comfortable. We were surprised by just how nice they were. see full Ford Freestyle review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT AWD |
Raised third row great for kids. Easy access to third row. see full Ford Freestyle review |
2006 Ford Freestyle Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 203-horsepower 3.0L V6 CVT AWD |
Drivers side left foot rests on pad which is slightly to the right due to the wheel. Takes a while to become acustomed to it. see full Ford Freestyle review |