Model Year | 2015 | 2008 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Corolla | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 102.4 in | 5.4 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 178.3 in | 13.2 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 66.9 in | 6.1 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 58.5 in | -0.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3393 lb. | 2530 lb. | 863 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 5.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.3 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 53.1 in | 4.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 51.9 in | 3.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.3 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.1 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 53.5 in | 3.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 46.2 in | 8.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 35.4 in | 1.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 2.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 13.5 ft3 | 2.8 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 |
2008 Toyota Corolla Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
My right knee/upper calf hits on the side of the console and sometimes gets irritated. The edge of the silver plastic portion could have been designed different/better. see full Toyota Corolla review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Car was too confined for 3 tall pre teen kids/8/11/12 years old. Not enough leg nor shoulder room, Wife and myself near 6ft tall see full Toyota Corolla review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Non existent, adults should not use the rear seats. Could be used as punishment for criminals. see full Toyota Corolla review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
We would have never got rid of the Corolla, but we had a baby and the rear facing car seat made the front seat occupants seat too far forward, close to the dash, to make the seat fit.The car seat made driving very uncomfortable see full Toyota Corolla review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Front seat room was great, as long as the seats were able to be near the back of their travel. When we had to move the front seats forward for a car seat to fit in the back, it made it too uncomfortable see full Toyota Corolla review |