Model Year | 2015 | 2006 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Lexus ES | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 218 hp@5600 236 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 107.1 in | 0.7 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 191.1 in | 0.4 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.3 in | 1.7 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.3 in | 0.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3472 lb. | 163 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 37.6 in | 1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 56.8 in | 0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.5 in | -0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.2 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 36.9 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.8 in | 1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 55.5 in | -1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 35.6 in | 1.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 77.8 in (over 2 rows) | 1.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 14.5 ft3 | 1.8 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 |
2006 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2005 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD |
Comfortable seats. see full Lexus ES review |
2006 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Had a ton of trouble with front seat comfort - had to trade it in after only 4 mos. Even my daughter's Sonata was more comfortable. Did everything i could to rectifiy - even had firmer cushions put into driver seat. Others have had the same issue. see full Lexus ES review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Most awful front seats i have ever experienced in 40 yrs of driving. I have done everything i can to make it comfortable. Even had extra firmer padding added to the driver seat. Pain in my leg and lower back is unbearable - check forums for Lexus owners - seems to be a problem with taller men and even some women. Never ever had a problem like this in any car i have had or driven. Strange issue. see full Lexus ES review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
If tall person sits in front seat, rear seat will not have a lot of legroom. Otherwise, very comfortable. Poor interior lighting in rear (front is bad, too, but slightly better). see full Lexus ES review |