Model Year | 2015 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Saturn AURA | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 112.3 in | -4.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 190.9 in | 0.6 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 70.3 in | 2.7 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.6 in | 0 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3660 lb. | -25 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 16.0 gal. | 2.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.4 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 55.9 in | 1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 53.0 in | 2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.2 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.4 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 54.0 in | 3.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 52.2 in | 2.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.6 in | -0.8 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | -0.9 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 14.9 ft3 | 1.4 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 |
2009 Saturn AURA Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Comfortable for tall people. Lots of front seat legroom and headroom. Telescopic steering. Centre armrest adjusts nicely, I can drive with both elbows resting and still hold steering wheel. see full Saturn AURA review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 219-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
The seats fit me well and I find I can drive for hours without discomfort. see full Saturn AURA review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tilt/telescoping. Power and heated. They hold you in place in curves better than a sedan usually does. see full Saturn AURA review |