Model Year | 2015 | 2016 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Honda Accord | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.5L V6 OHC-4v 278 hp@6200 252 lb-ft@4900 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 109.3 in | -1.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 192.5 in | -1 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 72.8 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.7 in | -0.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3543 lb. | 92 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.2 gal. | 1.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.1 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.6 in | -1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.6 in | -0.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.5 in | -0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.5 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.5 in | 0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 54.7 in | -0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.5 in | -1.7 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 81 in (over 2 rows) | -2.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 15.8 ft3 | 0.5 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 |
2016 Honda Accord Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2016 | 4dr Sedan 278-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
There is not quite enough adjustment in the front seat for me. I feel there is an un-natural curve in the front seat that I can't remove with the lumbar support. I sit on a folded towel to get the curve of the seat in the right place for my back. I'm 5'11" if that puts it into perspective for you. The steering wheel should telescope out more for optimal arm position and the orientation of the HUGE speedometer makes it get chopped in half by the steering wheel. No digital speedo readout on this model. Note that the touring gauges are a little different than the standard V6. see full Honda Accord review |