Model Year | 2016 | 2013 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda Mazda6 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
3.7L V6 DOHC-4v 272 hp@6250 269 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,830 mm | 2,789 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,923 mm | 4,920 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,839 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,466 mm | 1,471 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,537 kg | 1,609 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 49 L | 70 L | -21 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 993 mm | 1,001 mm | 992 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,486 mm | 1,455 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,374 mm | 1,400 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,067 mm | 1,080 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 947 mm | 6 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,356 mm | 1,420 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 968 mm | 965 mm | 3 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,035 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,045 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 447 L | 470 L | -23 L |
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.
2013 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 |
2013 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I am six feet tall with a long torso and legs, so I usually have the seat pretty far back. With the front seat in a comfortable position, the rear seats have plenty of leg and head room for adults, even more so for my kids. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |