Model Year | 2012 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Taurus X | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 263 hp@6250 249 lb-ft@4500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 112.9 in | -0.6 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 200.3 in | -8.5 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 74.9 in | -4.6 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 67.4 in | -10.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3645 lb. | 4033 lb. | -388 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 19.0 gal. | -3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 58.5 in | -2.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 55.2 in | -2.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 40.8 in | 1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 39.4 in | -2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 57.9 in | -4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 56.4 in | -4.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 39.8 in | -2.2 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 38.5 in | -38.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 50.6 in | -50.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 46.0 in | -46 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 33.6 in | -33.6 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | -34.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.1 ft3 | 17.4 ft3 | -2.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.1 | 47.4 ft3 | -32.3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.1 ft3 | 85.2 ft3 | -70.1 ft3 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 Ford Taurus X Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
The second row seat was mounted comfortably high off the floor. see full Ford Taurus X review |