Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Mazda CX-9 (2007) Specs

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2007 Mazda CX-9 Specifications

Model Year	2016	2007
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Mazda CX-9
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 263 hp@6250 249 lb-ft@4500
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	113.2 in	-1.8 in
Length	193.8 in	199.6 in	-5.8 in
Width	73.0 in	76.2 in	-3.2 in
Height	57.7 in	68.1 in	-10.4 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	4312 lb.	-924 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	20.1 gal.	-7.1 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	39.6 in	-0.5 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	59.4 in	-0.9 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	56.5 in	-2.4 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	40.9 in	1.1 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	38.8 in	-1.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	58.7 in	-1.6 in
Hip Room, Row 2	53.4 in	56.0 in	-2.6 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	39.8 in	-1.7 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	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	113.1 in (over 3 rows)	-33 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	15.8 ft³	17.2 ft³	-1.4 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	15.8	47.5 ft³	-31.7
Cargo Volume, Maximum	15.8 ft³	100.7 ft³	-84.9 ft³

2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

2007 Mazda CX-9 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2008	4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Long legroom in 2nd row seating, fold-down 3rd row seating has large seat cushions for adults see full Mazda CX-9 review
2008	4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	highly adjustable, nice and firm see full Mazda CX-9 review
2008	4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Third row is plenty comfortable for two adults on a long trip. see full Mazda CX-9 review
2007	4dr SUV 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	We bought this vehicle to replace a 4-door sedan in order to have more room for our grandchildren. Eventually they will be old enough to sit in the thrid row seats. see full Mazda CX-9 review
2007	4dr SUV 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	7 seats see full Mazda CX-9 review
2007	4dr SUV 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Very flexible seating positions. Middle row adjusts so you can tailor leg room for the rear most passengers or provide second row with max space if desired. see full Mazda CX-9 review
2007	4dr SUV 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Third row seats fairly easy to get into and are comfortable, second row slides for and aft and tilts a bit. Third row easy to pull up and let down. see full Mazda CX-9 review

2007 Mazda CX-9 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2008	4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Front seats felt snug and the center console intruded on the driver side knee room. see full Mazda CX-9 review
2008	4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.7L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	I would rather have more second row leg room and no third row. My third row is always folded down for cargo anyway. see full Mazda CX-9 review
2007	4dr SUV 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	3rd row leg room is tight see full Mazda CX-9 review

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans

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