Model Year | 2015 | 2017 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Tesla Model 3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
Electric 258 hp 317 lb-ft |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 1-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 113.2 in | -5.4 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 184.8 in | 6.7 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 72.8 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 56.8 in | 0.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 3814 lb. | -179 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 0.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.6 in | -0.6 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 | 42.7 in | -0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.7 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 54.0 in | 3.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 0.0 in | 54.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 35.2 in | 1.6 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 77.9 in (over 2 rows) | 1 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | 1.3 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 |
2017 Tesla Model 3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2018 | 4dr Sedan 258-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic RWD |
The 12 way power driver and passenger seats are very comfortable and the side bolstering is just right. The "vegan leather" in the car feels softer than real leather. I don't know how well it will hold up. My Prius has another type of this leather and that driver's seat has held up better than any leather seat I've sat in. see full Tesla Model 3 review |
2017 Tesla Model 3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2018 | 4dr Sedan 258-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic RWD |
The back seat cushion is too low, which means there is no thigh support and your knees are level with your chest. There is also no foot room, but there is enough leg room. The rest of the backseat is comfortable, but the lack of foot room and low cushion are annoying. see full Tesla Model 3 review |