Model Year | 2015 | 2011 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Fusion | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 240 hp@6550 223 lb-ft@4300 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 107.4 in | 0.4 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 190.6 in | 0.9 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 72.2 in | 0.8 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 56.9 in | 0.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3446 lb. | 189 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.5 gal. | 1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.7 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 57.4 in | 0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.0 in | 1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.3 in | -0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.8 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.5 in | 0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 53.3 in | 1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.1 in | -0.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 79.4 in (over 2 rows) | -0.5 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 16.5 ft3 | -0.2 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 |
2011 Ford Fusion Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 240-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The front seats are very comfortable, and provide very adequate support for long trips. Side support isn't the very best for hard cornering though. see full Ford Fusion review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
All passengers have commented about the generous space and overall comfort of the rear seat. see full Ford Fusion review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
Controls are easily adjusted to fit any driver. Lateral support is good without feeling pinched into the seat. Dead pedal is perfectly positioned. see full Ford Fusion review |