Model Year | 2015 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota FJ Cruiser | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 196 hp@6300 186 lb-ft@4400 |
4.0L V6 DOHC-4v 239 hp@5200 278 lb-ft@3700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,738 mm | 2,690 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,671 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,854 mm | 1,895 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,463 mm | 1,801 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,539 kg | 1,837 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 70 L | 72 L | -2 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 991 mm | 1,049 mm | 990 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,461 mm | 1,483 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,397 mm | 1,407 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,069 mm | 1,064 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 1,024 mm | 952 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,369 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,379 mm | 1,295 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 795 mm | 140 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,859 mm (over 2 rows) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 462 L | 790 L | -328 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 | 1,892 L | 15.3 |
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 |
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range |
Too stiff and too upright with no adjustments see full Toyota FJ Cruiser review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range |
Adults do not fit well in the back seat comfortably, and the rear access doors, while a cool design, lack functionality(no handle to release the door except on the inside) see full Toyota FJ Cruiser review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 6-speed manual AWD w/low range |
Cramped rear seating - putting 3 people back there would be really pushing it. The only bonus is that the rear seats fold down flat (I love that). see full Toyota FJ Cruiser review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range |
Rear suicide doors are cool - unless you have to use them. Easier than no door, but hard to access for adults or kid seats. Really a 2 person back seat, 3 is not good. Rear seat visibility is poor, front view blocked and side posts take out side view. see full Toyota FJ Cruiser review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
too small see full Toyota FJ Cruiser review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range |
Back seat is not built to have adults riding there. May be ok for children but is difficult to put a child seat in the rear as well. see full Toyota FJ Cruiser review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range |
It is uncomfortable, small, and awkardly designed. see full Toyota FJ Cruiser review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 239-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Difficulty entering/exiting rear passenger area see full Toyota FJ Cruiser review |