Chevrolet Malibu (2015) vs. Toyota RAV4 (2020) Specs

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2015 Chevrolet Malibu and 2020 Toyota RAV4 Specifications

Model Year	2015	2020
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Toyota RAV4
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000	2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 203 hp@6600 184 lb-ft@5000
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	107.8 in	105.9 in	1.9 in
Length	191.5 in	180.9 in	10.6 in
Width	73.0 in	73.0 in	0 in
Height	57.6 in	67.0 in	-9.4 in
Curb Weight	3635 lb.	3370 lb.	265 lb.
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.5 gal.	4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.0 in	39.5 in	-0.5 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	57.5 in	57.8 in	-0.3 in
Hip Room, Row 1	55.0 in	54.3 in	0.7 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.1 in	41.0 in	1.1 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	39.5 in	-2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	56.4 in	0.7 in
Hip Room, Row 2	54.3 in	47.7 in	6.6 in
Legroom, Row 2	36.8 in	37.8 in	-1 in
Total Legroom	78.9 in (over 2 rows)	78.8 in (over 2 rows)	0.1 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	16.3 ft³	37.6 ft³	-21.3 ft³
Cargo Volume, Maximum	16.3 ft³	0.0	16.3 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

2020 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Comment
	I initially noted that the well-bolstered driver seat felt "ok." But after a few hours in it my rear started to feel sore. To be fair, I haven't had enough seat time in competitors to state that they fit me better. And even if they do, this could just be me. People come in many different shapes and sizes, have different postures, and so forth. Pity seat designers! The upshot: no one else can tell you how comfortable a seat will be for you. Make the test drive as long as you can before buying. see full Toyota RAV4 review

2020 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2020	4dr SUV 176-horsepower 2.5L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD	Seats are comfortable but the cockpit seems designed to enfold you and while there is plenty of dose it doesn't feel roomy. The console is over large. see full Toyota RAV4 review

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