Chevrolet Malibu (2014) vs. Subaru Forester (2007) Specs

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2014 Chevrolet Malibu and 2007 Subaru Forester Specifications

Model Year	2014	2007
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Subaru Forester
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000	turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 224 hp@5600 226 lb-ft@3600
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	4-speed automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	107.8 in	99.4 in	8.4 in
Length	191.5 in	176.6 in	14.9 in
Width	73.0 in	68.3 in	4.7 in
Height	57.6 in	65.0 in	-7.4 in
Curb Weight	3635 lb.	3350 lb.	285 lb.
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gal.	15.9 gal.	2.6 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.0 in	39.8 in	-0.8 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	57.5 in	53.5 in	4 in
Hip Room, Row 1	55.0 in	51.6 in	3.4 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.1 in	43.6 in	-1.5 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	39.7 in	-2.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	53.6 in	3.5 in
Hip Room, Row 2	54.3 in	51.6 in	2.7 in
Legroom, Row 2	36.8 in	33.7 in	3.1 in
Total Legroom	78.9 in (over 2 rows)	77.3 in (over 2 rows)	1.6 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	16.3 ft³	32.0 ft³	-15.7 ft³
Cargo Volume, Maximum	16.3 ft³	57.7 ft³	-41.4 ft³

2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Comment
	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

2014 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

2014 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

2007 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	easy to find comfortable position; no problems driving over an hour or more; good upright position see full Subaru Forester review

2007 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	Front driver leg room is a little cramped from side to side. see full Subaru Forester review
2007	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	No thigh or lumbar support, seats hrad, minimal leg room for front passenger see full Subaru Forester review
2007	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	Not acceptable for an adult in any of the three rear seating positions see full Subaru Forester review
2006	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	Again, cramped and too small for larger people. see full Subaru Forester review
2006	4dr SUV turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	This is honesty the only complaint i have about the 2006 XT. The rear seat is a bit tight. We took three other adults on about a 4 hour trip and it was a tight fit - good thing we're good friends! My wife's 2009 Forester is much better in the rear legroom department. see full Subaru Forester review

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