Model Year | 2016 | 2006 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda Mazda5 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Minivan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 108.3 in | 3.1 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 181.5 in | 12.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 69.1 in | 3.9 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 64.2 in | -6.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3086 lb. | 3333 lb. | -247 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -2.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 40.7 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 55.5 in | 3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 52.9 in | 1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 40.7 in | 1.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.4 in | -1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.6 in | 1.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 58.3 in | -4.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 35.2 in | 2.9 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 37.1 in | -37.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 49.2 in | -49.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 40.9 in | -40.9 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 30.7 in | -30.7 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 106.6 in (over 3 rows) | -26.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.8 ft3 | 11.3 ft3 | 4.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.8 | 44.4 ft3 | -28.6 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.8 ft3 | 70.9 ft3 | -55.1 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.
2006 Mazda Mazda5 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rear seats fit adults or kids in car seats adequately, especially for an economy car. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great, height adjustable driver seat, with good lumbar support. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Second row seats have lots of room, can slide fore and aft, and can recline. The passenger seats up in a chair-like posture, with great support for thighs. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tons of rear seat room, and the second row seats can slide back/forth and recline. Third row is reserved for small children, however. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Can easily and comfortably seat six (6!) adults in a small package with storage space remaining. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The rear doors are the sliding type, which is the most practical (and brilliant) type of rear doors for children. I also like the fact that the middle seats recline and slide, they have storage under the cushions, and a third row of usable seating! see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very practical and roomy for the size of car. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good driving position, everything to hand see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
six seats, what else can i say see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Flexible layout. Individual captains chairs in the middle row provides ample space. 3rd row is best left for kids under pre teens, but a short trip would be ok for adults. 2nd and 3rd rows seats can be folded down flat individually. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 Mazda Mazda5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
With the seat all back, there is not much room for anyone over six feet tall. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight fit once the front seats are slid back. Third row is useless if the second row is slid back. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |