Model Year | 2015 | 2013 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Subaru Legacy | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 108.3 in | -0.5 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 187.2 in | 4.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.7 in | 1.3 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 59.3 in | -1.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3496 lb. | 139 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.3 in | -1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 56.3 in | 1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 0.0 in | 55 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 43.0 in | -0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.5 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.1 in | 1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 0.0 in | 54.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.8 in | -1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 80.8 in (over 2 rows) | -1.9 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 14.7 ft3 | 1.6 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 |
2013 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Both front and rear seat room are very good. see full Subaru Legacy review |
2013 | 0 | I had two tall passengers with me - even with the front seat pushed back to accomodate for height (6'4" guy and 5'10" woman), they said the backseat room was quite decent and no complaints on our hour+ long drive. The cloth seats are well padded and the fabirc was breathable - cool for summer and insulating for winter. see full Subaru Legacy review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Wide rear door openings make ingress & egress from back seat very easy. Commodious rear seat room. see full Subaru Legacy review |