Model Year | 2015 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Ford Taurus | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
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 Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 112.9 in | -5.1 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 200.4 in | -8.9 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 74.5 in | -1.5 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 61.5 in | -3.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3643 lb. | -8 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.4 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 57.8 in | -0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 53.7 in | 1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.3 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 38.7 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 57.5 in | -0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 53.7 in | 0.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 41.3 in | -4.5 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 82.6 in (over 2 rows) | -3.7 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 21.2 ft3 | -4.9 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 |
2008 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Large enough, easy entry/exit see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Outstanding interior space. I'm 6'4" with about a 34" inseam and I can sit comfortably in the rear when I have my front seat adjusted just so. With the driver seat all the way back, it's a stretch to reach the controls. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Three adults can sit in the back and there knees will not touch the front seats nor will there heads touch the ceiling. The seats are very comfortable. Noise is very low and the car has two vents blowing air or heat. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Very roomy and confortable see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
Good driving position, steering wheel design and arm rests. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Taller people ride in comfort, with ample room for long legs, even when the front seats are back. The fact that they also fold down adds tremendous versatility to this car. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Tons of room, with an open feel. see full Ford Taurus review |