Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Soul | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 164 hp@6500 148 lb-ft@4800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 100.4 in | 7.4 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 162.2 in | 29.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 70.3 in | 2.7 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 63.4 in | -5.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 2707 lb. | 928 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 12.7 gal. | 5.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.2 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 55.2 in | 2.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 53.3 in | 1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.1 in | 0 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.6 in | -2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.1 in | 2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 52.7 in | 1.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.0 in | -2.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | -2.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 23.7 ft3 | -7.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 53.4 ft3 | -37.1 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 Soul Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The seats are similarly sufficient for casual around-town driving but subpar for even moderate distances. Less than half way through our four-hour drive the hard, flat cushions grew uncomfortable. see full Kia Soul review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 Kia Soul.