Chevrolet Malibu (2015) vs. Mazda CX-7 (2008) Specs

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2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2008 Mazda CX-7 Specifications

Model Year	2015	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

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

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

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