Model Year | 2014 | 2006 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Taurus | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 108.5 in | -0.7 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 197.6 in | -6.1 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 73.0 in | 0 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 56.1 in | 1.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3393 lb. | 3343 lb. | 50 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.0 gal. | 0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.0 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 57.3 in | 0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.5 in | 0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.2 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 38.1 in | -0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.6 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 55.7 in | -1.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.9 in | -2.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | -2.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 17.0 ft3 | -0.7 ft3 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 |
2006 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Seats are above average in comfort. see full Ford Taurus review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Front seat room is above average. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
We chose this wagon initially because it was the only sedan we could find that fit 2 carseats and an adult, or 3 carseats comfortably in the rear seat. Also, the two additional seats in the cargo area are nice if there are more kids along. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Great for long drives, lots of little "smart" features. see full Ford Taurus review |