Model Year | 2012 | 2013 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan LEAF | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 106.3 in | 6 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 175.0 in | 16.8 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 69.7 in | 0.6 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 61.0 in | -3.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3415 lb. | 3256 lb. | 159 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 0.0 gal. | 16 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 41.2 in | -1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 54.3 in | 1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 51.7 in | 1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 42.1 in | 0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 37.3 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 52.5 in | 1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 50.0 in | 2.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 33.3 in | 4.3 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 75.4 in (over 2 rows) | 4.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.1 ft3 | 24.0 ft3 | -8.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.1 ft3 | 30.0 ft3 | -14.9 ft3 |
2012 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 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 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 |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2013 Nissan LEAF Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 107-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic FWD |
The front and rear seats are very comfortable. The back can be cramped with three passengers. The SL has heated front and rear seats which works great and are needed as the car heater is very slow to initially get warm. The heated steering wheel is also a nice touch. The seat fabric is soft but the light color might not wear well. see full Nissan LEAF review |