Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Mazda Mazda6 (2020) Specs

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2020 Mazda Mazda6 Specifications

Model Year	2016	2020
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Mazda Mazda6
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	turbocharged 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5000 320 lb-ft@2500
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	111.4 in	0 in
Length	193.8 in	191.5 in	2.3 in
Width	73.0 in	72.4 in	0.6 in
Height	57.7 in	57.1 in	0.6 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	3580 lb.	-192 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	16.4 gal.	-3.4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	38.4 in	0.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	57.1 in	1.4 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	56.1 in	-2 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	42.2 in	-0.2 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	53.4 in	56.1 in	-2.7 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	38.7 in	-0.6 in
Total Legroom	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	80.9 in (over 2 rows)	-0.8 in
Cargo Volume	15.8 ft³	14.8 ft³	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.

2020 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

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