Model Year | 2015 | 2007 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 196 hp@6300 186 lb-ft@4400 |
3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 215 hp@5600 222 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 106.9 in | 0.9 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 184.6 in | 6.9 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.9 in | 1.1 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 67.9 in | -10.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3393 lb. | 3649 lb. | -256 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.1 gal. | -0.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.0 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 57.9 in | -0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 55.1 in | -0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 40.7 in | 1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.8 in | -2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 57.0 in | 0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 54.9 in | -0.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.4 in | 0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 32.3 in | -32.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 53.2 in | -53.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 39.8 in | -39.8 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 30.2 in | -30.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 107.3 in (over 3 rows) | -28.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 10.5 ft3 | 5.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 39.7 ft3 | -23.4 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 80.6 ft3 | -64.3 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 |
2007 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Third row seating and 2nd row has more leg room than the Murano by about 1". see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
4 cup holders see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limo-like leg room and captains chairs see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
The widest seats of all Midsize SUVs (X5, Q7, Tourag, Cayenne, etc.) see full Toyota Highlander review |
2006 | 4dr SUV 215-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
Ease of entry and exit and the spacious leg room. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2007 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3rd row seat is full bench seat and individual side can not be raised or lowered independently. Access and available room much less than MDX. see full Toyota Highlander review |