Model Year | 2012 | 2010 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 182 hp@6700 172 lb-ft@4900 |
3.5L V6 Hybrid DOHC-4v 245 hp@6000 234 lb-ft@4800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.3 in | 109.8 in | 2.5 in |
Length | 191.8 in | 188.4 in | 3.4 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 75.2 in | -4.9 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 68.1 in | -11 in |
Curb Weight | 3620 lb. | 4508 lb. | -888 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -3.2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 40.6 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 59.7 in | -3.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.0 in | 56.7 in | -3.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 43.2 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 40.1 in | -2.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 59.5 in | -5.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.1 in | 56.5 in | -4.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 38.3 in | -0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 36.3 in | -36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 42.3 in | -42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 29.2 in | -29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -30.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.1 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 4.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.1 | 42.3 ft3 | -27.2 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.1 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -80.3 ft3 |
2012 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 |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 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 |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2010 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2010 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Only two seats in the 2nd row, very small leg room in the 3rd row. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
seats were hard and flat. Even top of the line luxury model seats were a big disappointment . . . one of the principal reasons we did not choose this vehicle see full Toyota Highlander review |