Model Year | 2015 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Honda Fit | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 98.4 in | 9.4 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 161.6 in | 29.9 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 66.7 in | 6.3 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 60.0 in | -2.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3393 lb. | 2489 lb. | 904 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 10.6 gal. | 7.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.4 in | -1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 52.7 in | 4.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 51.5 in | 3.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.3 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.0 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 51.3 in | 5.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 51.3 in | 3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 34.5 in | 2.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 75.8 in (over 2 rows) | 3.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 20.6 ft3 | -4.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 57.3 ft3 | -41 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 |
2009 Honda Fit Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This car is HUGE inside...truly some amazing engineering. see full Honda Fit review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Magic seats provide a lot of vertical space in the rear. see full Honda Fit review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The seats are just more comfortable. see full Honda Fit review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Enough head room for a tall person in front seats. On the Civic, my head was bumping against the visor. However on the FIT the seat height is *not* adjustable, on the Civic it is. see full Honda Fit review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
more than double the amount of cargo space than the yaris or scion,and an amazing amount of leg and head room for back seat passengers-even adults! see full Honda Fit review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very roomy and comfortable. see full Honda Fit review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Firm, high position, good back support, quality finish. see full Honda Fit review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 109-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Works for me, this is personal see full Honda Fit review |
2009 Honda Fit Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
little lumbar support see full Honda Fit review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Seats were hard and uncomfortable. I would not want to take this car on a long trip. see full Honda Fit review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The front seats are very uncomfortable. I would not enjoy taking the Fit on a long drive. The uncomfortable front seats cancel out how amazing the magic seats in back are. see full Honda Fit review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The bench seat is a bit uncomfortable and 2 adults and a booster seat is only really workable for short trips. Leg room is pretty small for big passangers. see full Honda Fit review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very good for size of car, but narrow - three across is a squeeze. see full Honda Fit review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 117-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
There's barely any space in the back for a child. see full Honda Fit review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 109-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Zero lumbar support results in a sore back on longer trips. see full Honda Fit review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 109-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Small. Ok for 2 kids but not adequate for 3. (or at least my 3...) see full Honda Fit review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 109-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Smaller than the Scion xB. see full Honda Fit review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 109-horsepower 1.5L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The seats are reasonably comfortable but there is insufficient lumbar support. If you are middle-aged or older and have lower back trouble you may be uncomfortable on drives over 1-2 hours. There is no height adjustment for the drivers seat. see full Honda Fit review |