Model Year | 2015 | 2010 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Hyundai Elantra Touring | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 106.3 in | 1.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 176.2 in | 15.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 69.5 in | 3.5 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 59.8 in | -2.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3393 lb. | 2937 lb. | 456 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.0 gal. | 4.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.0 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 55.4 in | 2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 53.9 in | 1.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 43.5 in | -1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.4 in | -1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 54.7 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 52.6 in | 1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.4 in | 0.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 79.9 in (over 2 rows) | -1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 24.3 ft3 | -8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 65.3 ft3 | -49 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 |
2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Seats are comfortable, adjustable, and sit high to give the driver and passenger a good view of the road ahead, and are wide and not narrow like you find in the competition. see full Hyundai Elantra Touring review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
no other small car provides rear passenger comfort like the Hyundai Elantra Touring. see full Hyundai Elantra Touring review |
2009 | 4dr Wagon 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The Front Seats have plenty of room, I am 6'4"and find there is a lot of room. see full Hyundai Elantra Touring review |
2009 | 4dr Wagon 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Being quite a tall guy one of my favourite tests is to set the front seat in my position and then get in the back seat. In the touring I have at least 4" of knee room. Great for long trips. see full Hyundai Elantra Touring review |
2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Wagon 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Seats are comfortable but do not hold you in position during aggressive driving see full Hyundai Elantra Touring review |