Model Year | 2015 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Fusion | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 221 hp@6250 205 lb-ft@4800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,728 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,831 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,834 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,453 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,649 kg | 1,488 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 66 L | 4 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 983 mm | 8 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,458 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,372 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,074 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 960 mm | -7 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,361 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 940 mm | -5 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,014 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 462 L | 447 L | 15 L |
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 |
2007 Ford Fusion Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 221-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room. see full Ford Fusion review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 221-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
The power drivers seat makes it easy to find a seating position suitable to any driver. see full Ford Fusion review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Plenty of leg room and good seats. see full Ford Fusion review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 221-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
plenty of leg room for tall people see full Ford Fusion review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 221-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Easy entry, tons of leg room see full Ford Fusion review |
2007 Ford Fusion Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
not for full size adults, but good for pre-teens see full Ford Fusion review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 221-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Seat support seemed to break down over the 2 years I drove this vehicle. Window was very high in relation to the seat. see full Ford Fusion review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
The roofline should be a few inches higher, and the lower section of the centre stack should be narrower to provide more room for the right knee. see full Ford Fusion review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Angle of rear doors and seat do not work well when trying to get in and out. Worse if using as family car and trying to get child in/out of car seat. see full Ford Fusion review |