Model Year | 2012 | 2011 | |
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. | 4641 lb. | -1021 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 |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review |
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 |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |