Model Year | 2016 | 2012 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda CX-9 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
3.7L V6 DOHC-4v 273 hp@6250 270 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,830 mm | 2,875 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,923 mm | 5,085 mm | -1 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,935 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,466 mm | 1,727 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,537 kg | 1,964 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 49 L | 76 L | -27 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 993 mm | 1,006 mm | 992 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,486 mm | 1,509 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,374 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,067 mm | 1,039 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 991 mm | -38 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,491 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,356 mm | 1,422 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 968 mm | 1,011 mm | 967 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 899 mm | -899 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,445 mm | -1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,110 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 823 mm | -823 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,035 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,873 mm (over 3 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 447 L | 487 L | -40 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.8 | 1,368 L | 14.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.8 | 2,852 L | 13.8 |
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.
2012 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 |