Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2017 Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Mazda3 2012

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Chevrolet Malibu (2017) vs. Mazda Mazda3 (2012) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Mazda Mazda3 specs.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu and 2012 Mazda Mazda3 Specifications

Model Year 2017 2012  
Model Chevrolet Malibu Mazda Mazda3  
Engine turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
250 hp@5300
260 lb-ft@2000
turbocharged
2.3L I4
DOHC-4v
263 hp@5500
280 lb-ft@3000
 
Transmission 9-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed manual  
Drivetrain FWD FWD  
Body 4dr Sedan 4dr Sedan  
      Difference
Wheelbase 111.4 in 103.9 in 7.5 in
Length 193.8 in 180.9 in 12.9 in
Width 73.0 in 69.1 in 3.9 in
Height 57.7 in 57.9 in -0.2 in
Curb Weight 3388 lb. 3257 lb. 131 lb.
Fuel Capacity 13.0 gal. 14.5 gal. -1.5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 39.1 in 38.1 in 1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 58.5 in 54.9 in 3.6 in
Hip Room, Row 1 54.1 in 53.7 in 0.4 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.0 in 42.0 in 0 in
Headroom, Row 2 37.5 in 37.4 in 0.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 57.1 in 54.0 in 3.1 in
Hip Room, Row 2 53.4 in 52.2 in 1.2 in
Legroom, Row 2 38.1 in 36.2 in 1.9 in
Total Legroom 80.1 in (over 2 rows) 78.2 in (over 2 rows) 1.9 in
Cargo Volume 15.8 ft3 11.8 ft3 4 ft3

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

2017 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Mazda Mazda3

2012 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2011 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4
5-speed manual FWD
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2011 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
 
See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans
See TrueDelta's information for all Chevrolet models.