Model Year | 2013 | 2014 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Avalon | |
Engine | 2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 182 hp@6700 172 lb-ft@4900 |
2.5L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 156 hp@5700 156 lb-ft@4500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 111.0 in | -3.2 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 195.2 in | -3.7 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 72.2 in | 0.8 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 57.5 in | 0.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3589 lb. | 3585 lb. | 4 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.0 gal. | 1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.5 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 58.2 in | -0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.1 in | -0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 42.1 in | 0 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.9 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.9 in | 0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 54.6 in | -0.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.2 in | -2.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 81.3 in (over 2 rows) | -2.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 16.0 ft3 | 0.3 ft3 |
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | 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 |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2014 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Compounding the Avalon's lack of suspension compliance, its seats are also firm, yet lacking in lateral support. You very much sit on them rather than in them. On a long drive my rear end reported impinged circulation. The front passenger is even worse off, as the tilt of that seat can be adjusted only in the Limited. Rear seat passengers also complained about overly firm, insufficiently contoured cushions. see full Toyota Avalon review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 Toyota Avalon.