Model Year | 2017 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan Maxima | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 255 hp@6000 252 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 111.2 in | 0.2 in |
Length | 193.8 in | 193.5 in | 0.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.7 in | 1.3 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 58.3 in | -0.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3388 lb. | 3579 lb. | -191 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.0 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 40.1 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 57.9 in | 0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 53.5 in | 0.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 43.9 in | -1.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.3 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.5 in | 0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 54.8 in | -1.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 36.5 in | 1.6 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 80.4 in (over 2 rows) | -0.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.8 ft3 | 15.5 ft3 | 0.3 ft3 |
2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.
2008 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Bucket seats hold you in around corners - very supportive. Telescopic steering wheel and power seats ensure you get a great driving position. Both seats and steering wheel are heated. Dual climate control great for passengers. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
It fits everywhere. On a recent trip, I drove all day and was never "seat tired". see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Adjustable everything! Air conditioned driver seat a huge consideration. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2008 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
My tall friends hit there heads on the roofline, they are over 6 foot see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
The rear seat of the 7th gen Maxima is slightly smaller than that of the 6th gen Maxima. Still fairly roomy, but slightly smaller. This is understandable because of the major styling change, and the conversion from 'near luxury family sedan' back to 'near luxury family sedan with a sporty edge' that took place between these generations. see full Nissan Maxima review |