Chevrolet Malibu (2015) vs. Lexus ES (2020) Specs

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2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2020 Lexus ES Specifications

Model Year	2015	2020
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Lexus ES
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 302 hp@6600 267 lb-ft@4700
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan
			Difference
Wheelbase	107.8 in	113.0 in	-5.2 in
Length	191.5 in	195.9 in	-4.4 in
Width	73.0 in	73.4 in	-0.4 in
Height	57.6 in	56.9 in	0.7 in
Curb Weight	3635 lb.	3649 lb.	-14 lb.
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gal.	15.9 gal.	2.6 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.0 in	37.5 in	1.5 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	57.5 in	55.9 in	1.6 in
Hip Room, Row 1	55.0 in	55.0 in	0 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.1 in	42.4 in	-0.3 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	37.8 in	-0.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	54.3 in	2.8 in
Hip Room, Row 2	54.3 in	54.3 in	0 in
Legroom, Row 2	36.8 in	39.2 in	-2.4 in
Total Legroom	78.9 in (over 2 rows)	81.6 in (over 2 rows)	-2.7 in
Cargo Volume	16.3 ft³	16.7 ft³	-0.4 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

2020 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 2020 Lexus ES.

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