Model Year | 2015 | 2017 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan Maxima | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@6400 261 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 109.3 in | -1.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 192.8 in | -1.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 73.2 in | -0.2 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 56.5 in | 1.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3471 lb. | 164 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.0 gal. | 0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.4 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 56.7 in | 0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.2 in | 0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 45.0 in | -2.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 36.7 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.7 in | 1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 53.5 in | 0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 34.2 in | 2.6 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 79.2 in (over 2 rows) | -0.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 14.3 ft3 | 2 ft3 |
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 |
2017 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | Starting with the 2013 Altima and continuing with the 2015 Murano, the latest Nissans have had exceptionally comfortable front seats. The new Maxima's seats are based on the Altima's, but have some additional padding. While they don't feel as cushy and form-fitting to me as the Murano's, they're still more comfortable than the Acura TLX's front seats, which are themselves pretty good. The side bolsters are of similarly moderate size and aggressiveness in both cars, but the Maxima SR's Alcantara upholstery prevents sliding much better than the TLX's leather. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2017 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
If you need an especially roomy rear seat, then the Maxima isn't your best bet. The Nissan does have an inch or two more rear knee room than the Acura TLX, and about an inch more rear headroom than the Lincoln MKZ (perhaps enough for someone six-feet tall), but the LaCrosse, Azera, and Avalon offer enough rear seat space for adults to not only fit but stretch out. see full Nissan Maxima review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2017 Nissan Maxima.