Model Year | 2014 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota 4Runner | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
4.7L V8 DOHC-4v 260 hp@5400 306 lb-ft@3400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 109.8 in | -2 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 189.2 in | 2.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 75.2 in | -2.2 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 69.3 in | -11.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 4255 lb. | -620 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 23.0 gal. | -4.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.7 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.0 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.3 in | -0.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.8 in | 0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.1 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 57.2 in | -0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 55.4 in | -1.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 34.6 in | 2.2 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 32.9 in | -32.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 56.7 in | -56.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 48.4 in | -48.4 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 24.1 in | -24.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 100.5 in (over 3 rows) | -21.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 12.0 ft3 | 4.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 36.6 ft3 | -20.3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 75.1 ft3 | -58.8 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 |
2009 Toyota 4Runner Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 236-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
not enough leg room see full Toyota 4Runner review |