Model Year | 2015 | 2010 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Subaru Outback | |
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 Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 107.9 in | -0.1 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 188.2 in | 3.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.7 in | 1.3 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 65.7 in | -8.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3544 lb. | 91 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.8 in | -1.8 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 | 39.3 in | -1.8 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, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 34.3 ft3 | -18 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 71.3 ft3 | -55 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 |
2010 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Impressed with the seat comfort/adjustability/durability. 12+hours in the chair is no problem. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Wide space with lots of shoulder, hip, leg and head room. Seats are comfy too without being decadent. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The driver's seat with its 10 way adjustments was rival to Volvo's orthopedic chair. The passenger seat, however was akin to something out of a Yaris & this was the main reason we did not buy this car. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
This is a big one for me since I'm 6'6". The seat is very comfortable, even with my long legs. With it all the way back, I can fit in the rear seat as well. Also, heated seats are a wonderful thing. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
It seems to have as much room as my Chevy Suburban. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
More then enough room for my children and their car seats. Much more room compared to my VW Passat Wagon I traded in. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There are no adjustements for height, lumbar or tilt for the passenger in any of the available trim levels. We would have bought this car new from the dealer otherwise. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
One complaint is the hard, short driver's seat. I use a gel cushion. I had after market leather installed. see full Subaru Outback review |