Model Year | 2014 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 243 hp@6000 241 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 105.1 in | 2.7 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 188.7 in | 2.8 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 69.7 in | 3.3 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 63.2 in | -5.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3605 lb. | 30 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 16.9 gal. | 1.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.5 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 54.4 in | 3.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 51.0 in | 4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 44.1 in | -2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.1 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 53.7 in | 3.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 52.6 in | 1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 33.9 in | 2.9 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 0.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 33.5 ft3 | -17.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 66.2 ft3 | -49.9 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 |
2008 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
A little tight in the left portion of the footwell; small dead pedal. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Footroom too short. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
not long enough for a 6 foot 2 inch frame but I manage see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I was amazed at how small the back seat is in this car. Really no bigger than a compact sedan, eg Civic or Corolla. I can't fit my 3 kids (in car seats) back there, and feel bad when co-workers pile in to go to lunch. Surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, and marketed as a "family car." If you plan to put adults or 3 kids back there regularly, look at the '10 or newer (or at something else -- the rear seat in my co-worker's Accord is far bigger and more comfortable). see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Leg and head room lacking for over 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seat back a bit low for 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |