Model Year | 2015 | 2015 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda Mazda6 | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 196 hp@6300 186 lb-ft@4400 |
2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 184 hp@5700 185 lb-ft@3250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,830 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,864 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,839 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,450 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,539 kg | 1,444 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 62 L | 8 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 975 mm | 16 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,450 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,425 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,072 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 942 mm | 11 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,410 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,425 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 983 mm | -48 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,055 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 462 L | 419 L | 43 L |
2015 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 |
2015 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 |
2015 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
This one, again borrowed from the earlier review, won't be an issue with most potential buyers: The Mazda6's svelte, athletically proportioned body comes at a typical price: rear seat room, as in the Ford Fusion, is merely adequate. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my knees and head have only an inch or two of clearance, my shins none. Among major competitors, only the Chevrolet Malibu has a tighter rear seat. To carve out even this much room beneath the plunging rear roofline the new Mazda6's rear seat cushion is slightly undersized and positioned too low. That in the Fusion is more supportive. A deal killer? Unless space for large adults is a priority, no. If, on the other hand, space for large adults is a priority, then the Honda Accord and VW Passat are better bets. Even for small passengers, the Mazda6 Sport's rear seat has a key shortcoming. Unlike in the Touring and Grand Touring, there's no rear air vent to help cool the aft cabin in the summer. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2015 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2016 | 4dr Sedan 143-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Why doesn't this vehicle have heated front seats (they only cost a tenner or so at manufacturing time) and why doesn't it have electric front seats with memory (it is particularly annoying to have to try and reset the seat after the garage has had the car and adjusted it to their liking)! Again electric front seats don;t really cost anything much to build in. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |