Model Year | 2012 | 2014 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Lexus IS | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 110.2 in | 2.1 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 183.7 in | 8.1 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 71.3 in | -1 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 56.3 in | 0.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3415 lb. | 3461 lb. | -46 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 17.4 gal. | -1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 38.2 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 55.9 in | 0 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 54.3 in | -1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 44.8 in | -2.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 36.9 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 53.4 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 54.0 in | -1.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 32.2 in | 5.4 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 77 in (over 2 rows) | 2.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.1 ft3 | 10.8 ft3 | 4.3 ft3 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | 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 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 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 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2014 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | Following the Germans' lead, many car makers have been fitting firmer and firmer seats. Cadillac might have once been known for seats you could sink deep into, but those in the ATS are the opposite, with too little give and contours that are far from form-fitting. No fear, Lexus hasn't done the same with the IS. Even the more heavily bolstered seats that are part of the F Sport package lack hard points, which helps them provide a slop-free fit for a wide range of body types. (Oddly, you'll find seats similar to these in some Chrysler people haulers.) Personally, I wouldn't mind a little firmer support, but then I also prefer a firm mattress. Notably, the lumbar support in the Lexus IS is only two-way and the spread of the side bolsters is not adjustable. For four-way lumbar support and adjustable side bolsters (plus somewhat firmer support) you need to step up to the larger Lexus GS. see full Lexus IS review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 Lexus IS.