Chevrolet Malibu (2017) vs. Lexus IS (2015) Specs

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2017 Chevrolet Malibu and 2015 Lexus IS Specifications

Model Year	2017	2015
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Lexus IS
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 306 hp@6400 277 lb-ft@4800
Transmission	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	RWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	110.2 in	1.2 in
Length	193.8 in	183.7 in	10.1 in
Width	73.0 in	71.3 in	1.7 in
Height	57.7 in	56.3 in	1.4 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	3553 lb.	-165 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	17.4 gal.	-4.4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	38.2 in	0.9 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	55.9 in	2.6 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	54.3 in	-0.2 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	44.8 in	-2.8 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	36.9 in	0.6 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	53.4 in	3.7 in
Hip Room, Row 2	53.4 in	54.0 in	-0.6 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	32.2 in	5.9 in
Total Legroom	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	77 in (over 2 rows)	3.1 in
Cargo Volume	15.8 ft³	10.8 ft³	5 ft³

2017 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

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.

2015 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2016	For me, the front bucket seats in Lexus F Sport models provide a nearly ideal blend of comfort and support. Even when they don't lack lateral support, the seats in competitors don't fit my form as well. Infiniti doesn't offer the Q50 2.0t in Sport form. The standard car's front seats provide little lateral support. The instrument panel appears larger and more imposing in the Infiniti than in the Lexus. Still, I wish the view forward were a little more open in the latter. (The Cadillac ATS is better in this regard.) Lexus lowered the driving position compared to the previous IS to help the car feel sportier. I raised the seat some to compensate. Adding all-wheel-drive to the Lexus IS (and a V6 engine with it, AWD isn't offered with the 2.0T engine) adds another issue, a large hump beneath the driver's right calf. Some drivers might find they have to adjust how they sit to avoid this hump. see full Lexus IS review

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2015 Lexus IS.

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