Model Year | 2015 | 2010 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Hyundai Sonata | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 249 hp@6000 229 lb-ft@4500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,728 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,798 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,831 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,473 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,649 kg | 1,585 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 67 L | 3 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 1,019 mm | 990 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,458 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,410 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,110 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 970 mm | -17 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,445 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,405 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 950 mm | -15 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,060 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 462 L | 462 L | 0 L |
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 Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Big enough for 6 feet 2 inch man. 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 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 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 |
2010 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
uncomfortable - back pain see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Although adequate, long drives with more than two people in the car would be cramped. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
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 |