Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Optima | |
Engine | 2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 182 hp@6700 172 lb-ft@4900 |
2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 166 hp@6000 154 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 110.0 in | -2.2 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 190.7 in | 0.8 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 72.1 in | 0.9 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.3 in | 0.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3602 lb. | 3490 lb. | 112 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.0 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 57.2 in | 0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.7 in | 0.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 45.5 in | -3.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.6 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.7 in | 1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 54.5 in | -0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 34.7 in | 2.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 80.2 in (over 2 rows) | -1.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | 0.9 ft3 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Optima's rear seat is comfortably shaped, and includes plenty of room for passengers to stretch out their legs. Heads are a different matter. Though I'm only 5-9, if I still had much hair it would have been brushing the headliner. The Fusion provides a little more rear headroom, but less knee room. Buyers seeking a rear seat suitable for large adults won't be happy with this aspect of either car. see full Kia Optima review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 Kia Optima.