Model Year | 2013 | 2011 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Forte | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@5200 |
2.4L I4 DOHC-4v 173 hp@6000 168 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,649 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,529 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,775 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,461 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,649 kg | 1,302 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 52 L | 18 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 1,016 mm | 990 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,415 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,346 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,100 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 960 mm | -7 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,389 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,354 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 889 mm | 46 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,989 mm (over 2 rows) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 462 L | 416 L | 46 L |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2013 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 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room, indeed there may be too much room as it is a bit of a reach to unlock the passenger side door, almost impossible to adjust the passenger door mirror and lower the passenger window? Forget it. Plenty of elbow room. see full Kia Forte review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My Jazz Bass, in its case, fits on the floor between the front and rear seats. Just like the front seats, there is plenty of room for two and adequate room for three. see full Kia Forte review |
2011 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I feel the seat is to far away from the wheel and the pedals are angled to steeply. The dead pedal is perfect though. see full Kia Forte review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
too small and too tight. see full Kia Forte review |