Chevrolet Malibu (2015) vs. Kia Sorento (2011) Specs

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2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2011 Kia Sorento Specifications

Model Year	2015	2011
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Kia Sorento
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 276 hp@6300 248 lb-ft@5000
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	107.8 in	106.3 in	1.5 in
Length	191.5 in	183.9 in	7.6 in
Width	73.0 in	74.2 in	-1.2 in
Height	57.6 in	67.3 in	-9.7 in
Curb Weight	3635 lb.	3781 lb.	-146 lb.
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gal.	19.8 gal.	-1.3 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.0 in	39.2 in	-0.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	57.5 in	59.3 in	-1.8 in
Hip Room, Row 1	55.0 in	56.3 in	-1.3 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.1 in	41.3 in	0.8 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	39.2 in	-1.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	58.7 in	-1.6 in
Hip Room, Row 2	54.3 in	55.9 in	-1.6 in
Legroom, Row 2	36.8 in	37.6 in	-0.8 in
Headroom, Row 3	0.0 in	36.7 in	-36.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 3	0.0 in	53.8 in	-53.8 in
Hip Room, Row 3	0.0 in	44.4 in	-44.4 in
Legroom, Row 3	0.0 in	31.3 in	-31.3 in
Total Legroom	78.9 in (over 2 rows)	110.2 in (over 3 rows)	-31.3 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	16.3 ft³	9.1 ft³	7.2 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	16.3	37.0 ft³	-20.7
Cargo Volume, Maximum	16.3 ft³	72.5 ft³	-56.2 ft³

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

2011 Kia Sorento Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Very comfortable seats up front with tons of leg room. see full Kia Sorento review
2012	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	The Kia Sorento had very good seating positions in the front for a very tall person, I'm almost 6'5" and was able to fit with the sunroof / panaramic roof. You get a feeling of control and confidence. You do loose about 1" or so with the see full Kia Sorento review
2011	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Need 7 passenger seating and the Sorento has delivered. Used 3rd row quite a few times with children AND adults. No complaints, although 3rd ride was usually no more than one hour. see full Kia Sorento review
2011	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	The third seat was a major factor in our decision process. see full Kia Sorento review
2011	4dr SUV 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Good size second row seat. Plenty of room for adults and can fit three child car seats. see full Kia Sorento review

2011 Kia Sorento Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Needs an adjustable second row and a little more cargo room when the third row seat is up. see full Kia Sorento review
2011	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	3rd row is tiny, and you are forced to get it, if you want the V-6 see full Kia Sorento review

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