Model Year | 2014 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda CX-7 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 244 hp@5000 258 lb-ft@2500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 108.3 in | -0.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 184.0 in | 7.5 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 73.7 in | -0.7 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 64.8 in | -7.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3710 lb. | -75 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.2 gal. | 0.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.7 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.0 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.8 in | 0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.7 in | 0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.3 in | -1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.8 in | 1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 53.0 in | 1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.4 in | 0.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 0.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 29.9 ft3 | -13.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 58.6 ft3 | -42.3 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 |
2008 Mazda CX-7 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 244hp 2.3L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The thigh bolsters are snug without insinuating that the driver could lose ten pounds. see full Mazda CX-7 review |
2007 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 244hp 2.3L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
6 footers can sit without hitting their heads or knees. see full Mazda CX-7 review |
2007 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 244hp 2.3L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good ajustability and plenty of room for tall drivers see full Mazda CX-7 review |
2008 Mazda CX-7 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 244hp 2.3L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
seats in rear are tight, they do not slide or recline where as Honda CRV rear seats are much more flexible for kids and families. My crv is 2007 and the rear seats recline and the entire bench can slide front and back to create instant leg room see full Mazda CX-7 review |
2007 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 244hp 2.3L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Tested CX-7s with both cloth and leather seats. Both materials thin and not supportive. Cloth seats lumpy with uneven feeling surface. see full Mazda CX-7 review |