Model Year | 2017 | 2011 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Forte | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
2.4L I4 DOHC-4v 173 hp@6000 168 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 104.3 in | 7.1 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 178.3 in | 15.5 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 69.9 in | 3.1 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.5 in | 0.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3388 lb. | 2870 lb. | 518 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.0 gal. | 13.7 gal. | -0.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 40.0 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 55.7 in | 2.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 53.0 in | 1.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 43.3 in | -1.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.8 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 54.7 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 53.3 in | 0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 35.0 in | 3.1 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 78.3 in (over 2 rows) | 1.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.8 ft3 | 14.7 ft3 | 1.1 ft3 |
2017 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 |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.
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 |