Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Toyota RAV4 (2009) Specs

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2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2009 Toyota RAV4 Specifications

Model Year	2016	2009
Model	Chevrolet Malibu	Toyota RAV4
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5300 260 lb-ft@2000	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 269 hp@6200 246 lb-ft@4700
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	5-speed automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Sedan	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	111.4 in	104.7 in	6.7 in
Length	193.8 in	181.1 in	12.7 in
Width	73.0 in	71.5 in	1.5 in
Height	57.7 in	66.3 in	-8.6 in
Curb Weight	3388 lb.	3560 lb.	-172 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.0 gal.	15.9 gal.	-2.9 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.1 in	40.8 in	-1.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	58.5 in	57.1 in	1.4 in
Hip Room, Row 1	54.1 in	53.8 in	0.3 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.0 in	41.8 in	0.2 in
Headroom, Row 2	37.5 in	39.7 in	-2.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	57.1 in	55.3 in	1.8 in
Hip Room, Row 2	53.4 in	52.4 in	1 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.1 in	38.3 in	-0.2 in
Headroom, Row 3	0.0 in	37.2 in	-37.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 3	0.0 in	52.6 in	-52.6 in
Hip Room, Row 3	0.0 in	43.3 in	-43.3 in
Legroom, Row 3	0.0 in	30.0 in	-30 in
Total Legroom	80.1 in (over 2 rows)	110.1 in (over 3 rows)	-30 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	15.8 ft³	12.3 ft³	3.5 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	15.8	37.2 ft³	-21.4
Cargo Volume, Maximum	15.8 ft³	73.0 ft³	-57.2 ft³

2016 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

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

2009 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	Easy access for us older folk and plenty of room once we get there. see full Toyota RAV4 review
2008	4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	lots of leg room. very comfortable for 2 people see full Toyota RAV4 review

2009 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2010	4dr SUV 179-horsepower 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD	no lumbar support see full Toyota RAV4 review
2009	4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD	Harder seats than in the Murano, and now in a good way. The Murano has power lumbar support, letting you melt in the seat as much as you wish. Better lateral support in the Murano as well. see full Toyota RAV4 review
2008	4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	Seat is power but doesnt go back far enough for me 6ft.bottom seat coushion litte short. see full Toyota RAV4 review
2008	4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD	Tight fit for tall people in front - length and width. No worse than Forester, but not any better. 2nd row is _very_ spacious, and slides forward/backward. see full Toyota RAV4 review

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