Model Year | 2015 | 2012 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Honda Pilot | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 196 hp@6300 186 lb-ft@4400 |
3.5L V6 OHC-4v 250 hp@5700 253 lb-ft@4800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 109.2 in | -1.4 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 191.4 in | 0.1 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 78.5 in | -5.5 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 71.0 in | -13.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3393 lb. | 4299 lb. | -906 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 21.0 gal. | -2.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.0 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 61.5 in | -4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 58.6 in | -3.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.4 in | 0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.8 in | -2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 62.2 in | -5.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 56.9 in | -2.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.5 in | -1.7 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 38.2 in | -38.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 58.9 in | -58.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 48.4 in | -48.4 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 32.1 in | -32.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 112 in (over 3 rows) | -33.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 18.0 ft3 | -1.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 47.7 ft3 | -31.4 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 87.0 ft3 | -70.7 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 |
2012 Honda Pilot Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
This is a very comfortable vehicle for long road trips. The seats are spacious, supportive, and the driving position is good. see full Honda Pilot review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
Very comfortable rear seats and climate controls, even for tall people. see full Honda Pilot review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
Roomy and very adjustable. see full Honda Pilot review |
2012 Honda Pilot Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
The front seat did not go back far enough for a very tall person, headroom was good, head rest pushes your head forward which is horrible. Passenger seat has a glove box near ankles which hits your shins. I guess they used midgets to design the car. see full Honda Pilot review |
2012 | 4dr SUV 250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
I actually thought the limited edition of the pilot had a nice leather seats and I liked the position of the video screen. The only part that bothered me was access to the third row was circus like. see full Honda Pilot review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 250-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
This seat was not made for long distance driving. The armrest on the door feels cushy, but after a couple of hours your elbow is pretty much on hard plastic. see full Honda Pilot review |