Model Year | 2015 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Avalon | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 268 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,819 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 5,009 mm | -1 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,849 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,486 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,649 kg | 1,585 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 70 L | 0 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 986 mm | 5 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,509 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,417 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,049 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 953 mm | 0 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,478 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,427 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 1,039 mm | 934 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,088 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 462 L | 408 L | 54 L |
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 |
2008 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Limo like rear seat that actually reclines. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very adequate as is the back see full Toyota Avalon review |
2008 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Seats are too short. Toyota seats are generally not comfortable, but for a car in this price range I would have expected better. see full Toyota Avalon review |