Model Year | 2015 | 2011 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan Quest | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 193 kW@5500 400 Nm@3000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 194 kW@6000 325 Nm@4400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Minivan, ext. | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 3,000 mm | -1 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 5,100 mm | -1 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,971 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,816 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,649 kg | 1,981 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 76 L | -6 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 1,069 mm | 990 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,638 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,455 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,113 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 1,057 mm | 952 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,605 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,676 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 932 mm | 3 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,016 mm | -1 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,554 mm | -1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,260 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,029 mm | -1 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 3,073 mm (over 3 rows) | -1 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 462 L | 994 L | -532 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 1,801 L | 15.3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 | 3,070 L | 13.3 |
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 |
2011 Nissan Quest Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Minivan, ext. 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 CVT FWD |
. see full Nissan Quest review |
2011 | 4dr Minivan, ext. 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 CVT FWD |
The seats are deeply upholstered and have generous side bolsters. Beneath the deep cushions there seems to be a well-designed form that bodes well for long trips. see full Nissan Quest review |