Model Year | 2013 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Nissan Xterra | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@5200 |
4.0L V6 DOHC-4v 261 hp@5600 284 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 106.3 in | 1.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 178.7 in | 12.8 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 72.8 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 74.9 in | -17.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 4165 lb. | -530 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 21.1 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.9 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.3 in | -0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.9 in | -0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.4 in | -0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.3 in | -1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 58.3 in | -1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 46.1 in | 8.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 34.4 in | 2.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76.8 in (over 2 rows) | 2.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 35.2 ft3 | -18.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 65.7 ft3 | -49.4 ft3 |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2007 Nissan Xterra Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 265-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range |
The seats are supportive without being rigid. I like the easy to clean, removable seating material. see full Nissan Xterra review |
2007 Nissan Xterra Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 265-horsepower 4.0L V6 6-speed manual 4WD, part-time w/low range |
The rear seat on the XTerra is not spacious, but it is sufficient for shorter adults, kids, and pets. At 6'4", I'm cramped and the narrow door opening doesn't help with access. Still, it's far less clastrophobic than the FJ Cruiser. see full Nissan Xterra review |