Model Year | 2012 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Hyundai Sonata | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 234 hp@6000 226 lb-ft@3500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 107.4 in | 4.9 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 188.9 in | 2.9 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 72.1 in | -1.8 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 58.0 in | -0.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3645 lb. | 3458 lb. | 187 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 17.7 gal. | -1.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 40.1 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 57.4 in | -1.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 55.5 in | -2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 43.7 in | -1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 38.2 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 56.9 in | -3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 55.3 in | -3.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 37.4 in | 0.2 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | -1.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.1 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | -1.2 ft3 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2008 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear room is great even if front seats all the way back. Also has wonderful cup holder and fold down arm tray. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very Roomy interior. Ample Hip, Shoulder, and leg room see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of Room for larger Adults while still being comfortable. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Big enough for three car seats. Qualifies as a "large car". Only it and the Accord do in this class. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Front seat is very comfortable. up/down movement works well. Front back movement mechanics work well. Seat comfortable for long trips but not too long. Seat is a good hard to soft feel. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
spacious rear seat. This is a large sedan. Rear head room is plenty. nice seat placement with body form. Head rests not too far back. Rests adjust well. Middle seat becomes a cup holder/arm rest for two. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
plenty of room for 6 foot tall man see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
love the heated front seats see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable seats...can drive for hours with no discomfort unlike other cars I have driven. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Average trips are 4 = hours and you get out still fresh compared to the Toyota and Holdens we have in the fleet see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2008 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat legroom and headroom are good. Daughters complain that the seating position is too upright. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 249-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
it looks like other manufacturers have bigger seats in this class see full Hyundai Sonata review |