Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Subaru Outback (2014) Specs

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2014 Subaru Outback Specifications

Model Year	2016	2014
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Subaru Outback
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	5-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr Wagon
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	107.9 in	3.5 in
Length	193.8 in	189.0 in	4.8 in
Width	73.0 in	71.7 in	1.3 in
Height	57.7 in	65.7 in	-8 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	3613 lb.	-225 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	18.5 gal.	-5.5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	40.8 in	-1.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	56.3 in	2.2 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	0.0 in	54.1 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	43.0 in	-1 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	53.4 in	0.0 in	53.4 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	37.8 in	0.3 in
Total Legroom	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	80.8 in (over 2 rows)	-0.7 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	15.8 ft³	34.3 ft³	-18.5 ft³
Cargo Volume, Maximum	15.8 ft³	71.3 ft³	-55.5 ft³

2016 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

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2015	Through the 2009 model year, the Outback (and the related Legacy sedan) had a tight back seat. Though marketed as a midsize car, it was actually a compact. The 2010 redesign dramatically expanded the Outback's interior, especially in the back seat. The 2015 redesign added another inch of shoulder room, such that the Outback (and Legacy) are now not only truly midsize, but rank among the roomiest midsize cars. Rear air vents are offered--in Outbacks with leather. So the tested car lacked them. Some compact crossovers, including the Cherokee, are about as roomy, but they achieve their specs through a more upright seating position. People in the back seat are closer to the front seats, so they don't feel like they have as much room even though they have just as much space for their legs. But they get rear air vents even in the lower trim levels. see full Subaru Outback review

2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Comment
	The front seats have an unusually high bulge just below my shoulder blades. This feels more odd than uncomfortable, at least to me. The driver's lumbar adjusts, but this affects the area below said bulge. Partly depending on your height your experience might vary. These seats also provide very little lateral support, which admittedly isn't much of an issue given the non-sporting character (and non-sporting tires) of the Outback. I had no such qualms with the armrest on the door. It's wide and cushy. In the front seats' favor, for 2015 Subaru has added fore-aft adjustability to the headrests, a rarity in recent moderately priced cars. The Jeep's cloth seats are too squishy, but they're more form-fittting than the Subaru's, and I find them more comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review

2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD	The front seats are very comfy, and the seat heaters are powerful and warm up quickly. We compared the car to a 2014 Forrester, and we think the OB seats are more comfy-- they have more thigh support. see full Subaru Outback review
2014	4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD	The rear seats are much more comfy than in the old Outback. They took a couple of inches out of the cargo area to give the rear seat more room. The reclining seatback for the rear seats is a nice comfort as well. see full Subaru Outback review

2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD	Minor complaint-- like every other Japanese car I've ever owned, this one also doesn't seem to understand that feet get cold. The heater is great- it provides lots of heat, and quickly. But when you you set it to floor, the hot air hits you in the lower calf, and then rises. The heat never makes it to your feet! see full Subaru Outback review

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