Chevrolet Malibu (2015) vs. Toyota RAV4 (2014) Specs
How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2014 Toyota RAV4 specs.
2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2014 Toyota RAV4 Specifications
Model Year |
2015 |
2014 |
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Model |
Chevrolet Malibu |
Toyota RAV4 |
|
Engine |
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|
|
Transmission |
|
|
|
Drivetrain |
|
|
|
Body |
4dr Sedan |
4dr SUV |
|
|
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Difference |
Wheelbase |
107.8 in |
104.7 in |
3.1 in |
Length |
191.5 in |
179.9 in |
11.6 in |
Width |
73.0 in |
72.6 in |
0.4 in |
Height |
57.6 in |
65.4 in |
-7.8 in |
Curb Weight |
3393 lb. |
3435 lb. |
-42 lb. |
Fuel Capacity |
18.5 gal. |
15.9 gal. |
2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 |
39.0 in |
39.8 in |
-0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 |
57.5 in |
57.3 in |
0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 |
55.0 in |
54.2 in |
0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 |
42.1 in |
42.6 in |
-0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 |
37.5 in |
38.9 in |
-1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 |
57.1 in |
55.4 in |
1.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 |
54.3 in |
48.8 in |
5.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 |
36.8 in |
37.2 in |
-0.4 in |
Total Legroom |
78.9 in (over 2 rows) |
79.8 in (over 2 rows) |
-0.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum |
16.3 ft3 |
38.4 ft3 |
-22.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum |
16.3 ft3 |
73.4 ft3 |
-57.1 ft3 |
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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
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 |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
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 |
TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2014 Toyota RAV4
2013 |
The first two generations of the Toyota RAVs were much smaller than contemporaneous Honda CR-Vs. More than perhaps any other difference this one probably explains Toyota's lack of segment leadership. The third-generation RAV4, introduced for the 2006 model year, was much larger, and finally about the same size as the Honda. The new RAV4's body is an inch lower, but also a few inches longer. Compared to the CR-V, it's 1.6 inches longer, an inch wider, and 0.7 inches taller. This translates to a slightly roomier interior, and probably the roomiest in the segment unless one includes the boundary-defying Santa Fe Sport, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I have nearly five inches of knee room in the Honda. Quite good, but I have seven inches in the new RAV4.
Beyond sheer space, the RAV4's rear seat cushion is a comfortable height off the floor, and its rear seat back reclines over a relatively wide range. The Honda's rear seat back can be set in only two different positions that aren't far apart.
Add a third passenger, though, and the rear seat no longer seems so roomy. My three kids aren't large, but they complained about the amount of room. The reason isn't hard to find: for some reason the new RAV4 only offers 48.8 inches of rear hip room. This is much better than the 43.3 inches in the 2012, but still well short of the 53.3 inches in the CR-V. So, while the RAV4 has the edge in knee room, the Honda easily wins a hip room comparison.
see full Toyota RAV4 review |
What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2014 Toyota RAV4
2013 |
4dr SUV 176-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The drivers seat has a really long travel - I normally have the seat far back (5'11" with long legs) but I probably had 6 inches of travel further back I could have gone. The seat isn't overadjustable and not too hard to get into a comfortable position. The fake leather is a reasonable facsimile and has heated seats - would have to see how it does in the direct sun.
see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2013 |
4dr SUV 176-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room is pretty impressive and seating position is nice. Adjustable rake of the rear seat is a nice touch. Appears to have 3 car seat anchors. The rear seat appears to be the same size as, or maybe even larger than the original Highlander / RX300.
see full Toyota RAV4 review |
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