Model Year | 2013 | 2018 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda Mazda6 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@5200 |
turbocharged 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5000 310 lb-ft@2000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 111.4 in | -3.6 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 191.5 in | 0 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 72.4 in | 0.6 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.1 in | 0.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3560 lb. | 75 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 16.4 gal. | 2.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.4 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 57.1 in | 0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 56.1 in | -1.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.2 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.1 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.5 in | 1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 56.1 in | -1.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.7 in | -1.9 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 80.9 in (over 2 rows) | -2 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 | 1.5 ft3 |
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | 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 |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2018 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda6 has one clear disadvantage compared to the Honda Accord: a much less roomy (if comfortable) rear seat. There are at least three more inches of knee room in the back seat of the Honda, a dramatic difference. Mazda redesigned the Mazda6's front seats for 2018, aiming to make them wider and more comfortable. I found them reasonably comfortable, but not exceptional. The side bolsters are on the small side for a car with some sporting pretensions. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2018 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2019 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 250hp 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda6 has a smaller rear seat, no way around it. That being said, I find it to be more richly appointed than the Legacy's with the same great materials as up-front and cool touches: the USB ports are in the center armrest with a covered storage cubby, and the rear seat heaters are 3-level with controls in the armrest. These touches are reminiscent of very high-end luxury cars and are more convenient locations in general. The Mazda's heated rear seats also seem to be stronger than the Legacy's. --- The seats follow the same theme as the front in both cars- softer/plusher in the Legacy, firmer but well shaped in the Mazda. --- The front seat-backs are more upscale in the Mazda, and the rear seat of the Mazda has ambient lighting in the door pockets (unlike the Legacy). Overall, the rear cabin of the Mazda is snugger but remains comfortable while carrying on the quality and elegance of the front. For space though, the Legacy still grabs a Win here. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |