Model Year | 2015 | 2011 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Soul | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,550 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,105 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,786 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,610 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,539 kg | 1,161 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 48 L | 22 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 1,021 mm | 990 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,402 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,354 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,069 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 1,006 mm | 952 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,400 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,339 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 991 mm | -56 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,060 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 462 L | 547 L | -85 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 | 1,512 L | 15.3 |
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 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 |
2011 Kia Soul Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Lots of head, hip, knee, and foot room. The cushions seem to get less comfortable after a solid 2-3 hours driving. But, at least around town, this is one car in which you can ask friends to sit in the back without being ashamed. see full Kia Soul review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Lots of headroom and legroom. Seat and wheel adjustments easy to make. Feels larger than it actually is. see full Kia Soul review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Tons of headroom. My daughter has lots of visibility in the back while in her car seat. Full size adults can sit back there in comfort. see full Kia Soul review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 122-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Comfort of an intermediate-size car, with everything in easy reach. Able to maintain comfortable safety belt adjustment. see full Kia Soul review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 122-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Large enought for two adults see full Kia Soul review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I am over 6 feet tall and even with the moon roof, I have a ton of headroom and leg room. see full Kia Soul review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
My kids are tall too and with my seat adjusted to my liking, there is a ton of head room and leg room in the back. Love the folding rear seats. see full Kia Soul review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
You can fit another two big people behind you even when you are a 6 footer. Headrests for all passangers. Safety side curtains for all passengers. see full Kia Soul review |
2011 Kia Soul Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 142-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
It felt smaller than the measurements suggested, relative to its competitors. see full Kia Soul review |