Model Year | 2012 | 2017 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Subaru Forester | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
turbocharged 2.0L H4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5600 258 lb-ft@2000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 103.9 in | 8.4 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 180.9 in | 10.9 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 70.7 in | -0.4 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 66.4 in | -9.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3645 lb. | 3624 lb. | 21 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 0.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 41.4 in | -2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 57.0 in | -1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 53.9 in | -0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 43.0 in | -0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 39.8 in | -2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 56.5 in | -2.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 53.0 in | -0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 38.0 in | -0.4 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 81 in (over 2 rows) | -1.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.1 ft3 | 34.4 ft3 | -19.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.1 ft3 | 74.7 ft3 | -59.6 ft3 |
2012 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 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 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 |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2017 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2017 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 250hp 2.0L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
- Terrible front seat support - The cushions are too short - It's not noticeable on a test drive right away. I would not have bought the car! Test drive extensively! - Surfaces where your elbows would lay are too hard - I purchased foam pads to make it feel better. - Tall drivers like myself will struggle with the telescoping wheel's short extension range. - It is hard to get into a fully comfortable driving position. The memory seats in the XT help somewhat by retaining your seat settings if moved. - Front seat cushions are too short - Yes I said this twice - Front seat cushions are too short - Yes I said this THREE times! Subaru are you listening? The front seat cushions are WAY TOO SHORT! see full Subaru Forester review |