Model Year | 2014 | 2018 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Lexus ES | |
Engine | 2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 182 hp@6700 172 lb-ft@4900 |
2.5L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 156 hp@5700 156 lb-ft@4500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 111.0 in | -3.2 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 192.7 in | -1.2 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.7 in | 1.3 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.1 in | 0.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3602 lb. | 3638 lb. | -36 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.2 gal. | 1.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 37.5 in | 1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 57.6 in | -0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.8 in | 0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.9 in | 0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.5 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.0 in | 2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 53.8 in | 0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 40.0 in | -3.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 81.9 in (over 2 rows) | -3 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 15.2 ft3 | 1.1 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 |
2018 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2019 | From 2014 on Mazdas have had their front wheels located farther from the passenger compartment than the typical front-wheel-drive car. This opens up space for larger exhaust manifolds behind the engine, for improved performance and efficiency. It also gives the cars more attractive, rear-wheel-drive-like proportions. But it has a price: reduced rear legroom. The Lexus ES provides rear seat passengers with much more room to stretch their legs. Sitting in the rear seat, I can barely reach the front seatback with an outstretched arm. While the first few generations of the Lexus ES were related to the Toyota Camry, the 2013 and 2019 are related to the larger Toyota Avalon. This said, I should also note that the rear seat cushion is the Lexus is mounted somehwat low to the floor, so rear seat passengers also have more need to stretch out if they desire under-thigh support. The new Lexus ES is the sleekest and sportiest to date, and sporty rear roof line's also have a price. see full Lexus ES review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2018 Lexus ES.