Model Year | 2014 | 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 | 107.8 in | 109.8 in | -2 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 188.4 in | 3.1 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 75.2 in | -2.2 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 68.1 in | -10.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3602 lb. | 4508 lb. | -906 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -0.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.6 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 59.7 in | -2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 56.7 in | -1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 43.2 in | -1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 40.1 in | -2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 59.5 in | -2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 56.5 in | -2.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.3 in | -1.5 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 | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -31.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 42.3 ft3 | -26 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -79.1 ft3 |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 |
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 |