Model Year | 2014 | 2010 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda CX-9 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.7L V6 DOHC-4v 273 hp@6250 270 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 113.2 in | -5.4 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 200.2 in | -8.7 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 76.2 in | -3.2 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 68.0 in | -10.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 4330 lb. | -695 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 20.1 gal. | -1.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.6 in | -0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 59.4 in | -1.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 56.5 in | -1.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 40.9 in | 1.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.0 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 58.7 in | -1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 56.0 in | -1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.8 in | -3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 35.4 in | -35.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 56.9 in | -56.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 43.7 in | -43.7 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 32.4 in | -32.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 113.1 in (over 3 rows) | -34.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 17.2 ft3 | -0.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 48.3 ft3 | -32 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 100.7 ft3 | -84.4 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 |
2010 Mazda CX-9 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Seat hugs in the right places without being cumbersome. Headrest position is much better than the midsize GM vehicles I test-drove (Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave). see full Mazda CX-9 review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Easy access to third row, good leg room in second and third row. see full Mazda CX-9 review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Access to the 3rd row is better than any other 7 passenger SUV I drove. see full Mazda CX-9 review |