Model Year | 2015 | 2019 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 295 hp@6600 263 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 109.8 in | -2 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 192.5 in | -1 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 75.8 in | -2.8 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 68.1 in | -10.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3635 lb. | 4370 lb. | -735 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -0.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 40.7 in | -1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 59.3 in | -1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 57.2 in | -2.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 44.2 in | -2.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 39.9 in | -2.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 59.6 in | -2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 57.1 in | -2.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.4 in | -1.6 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 35.9 in | -35.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 45.6 in | -45.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 27.7 in | -27.7 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 110.3 in (over 3 rows) | -31.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.3 ft3 | 13.8 ft3 | 2.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 16.3 | 42.3 ft3 | -26 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 16.3 ft3 | 83.7 ft3 | -67.4 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 |
2019 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2020 | 4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The 3rd row seating is just not for adults at all, and I'm not certain that children would be easy to fit back there as well. I'm not sure what Toyota was thinking, even making the 2020 longer didn't make any difference at all. My one complaint is it is just TOO SMALL! see full Toyota Highlander review |
2018 | 4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3rd row seat is midget sized. Claiming that the Highlander is an 8-passenger vehicle is a lie. It's either 5 normal-sized people, or Snow White and the 7 dwarfs. There is no way you can accommodate 8 normal-sized people comfortably in this car. see full Toyota Highlander review |