Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu 2016 Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI 2009

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Chevrolet Malibu (2016) vs. Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI (2009) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI specs.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI Specifications

Model Year 2016 2009  
Model Chevrolet Malibu Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI  
Engine turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
250 hp@5300
260 lb-ft@2000
turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
200 hp@5100
207 lb-ft@1800
 
Transmission 8-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed automated manual  
Drivetrain FWD FWD  
Body 4dr Sedan 4dr Sedan  
      Difference
Wheelbase 111.4 in 101.5 in 9.9 in
Length 193.8 in 179.3 in 14.5 in
Width 73.0 in 70.1 in 2.9 in
Height 57.7 in 57.4 in 0.3 in
Curb Weight 3388 lb. 3352 lb. 36 lb.
Fuel Capacity 13.0 gal. 14.5 gal. -1.5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 39.1 in 38.5 in 0.6 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 58.5 in 54.8 in 3.7 in
Hip Room, Row 1 54.1 in 0.0 in 54.1 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.0 in 41.2 in 0.8 in
Headroom, Row 2 37.5 in 37.2 in 0.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 57.1 in 53.1 in 4 in
Hip Room, Row 2 53.4 in 0.0 in 53.4 in
Legroom, Row 2 38.1 in 35.4 in 2.7 in
Total Legroom 80.1 in (over 2 rows) 76.6 in (over 2 rows) 3.5 in
Cargo Volume 15.8 ft3 16.0 ft3 -0.2 ft3

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearComment
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
 

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI

2009 Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
A lot of rear leg rrom when compared to the Mazda3 and A3 which I also looked at. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good room for a small car. Four adults can ride comfortably. Plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Surprisingly roomy for this size of car. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Surprisingly roomy for this size of car. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
They are supportive with good leg support. The seat side bolsters hold driver in place. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2009 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Front seats are extremely supportive and even heated with the Interlagos cloth option see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2009 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Quite possibly the most comfortable front seats I have ever sat in. It is as if they were pulled straight from an Audi and placed in the GTI. An added bonus is the heated cloth, which is unusual because usually you need to option cold leather for heat. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Plenty of shoulder/elbow/head room. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2009 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Adequate for 2 adults to sit comfortably. High roof, adequate legroom. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2008 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Plenty of space, good lumbar support, nice side bolstering. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
2009 Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
It works fine for me, but if you have adults that use the rear seat often they may find it a little uncomfortable for long trips. The legroom is decent, but the seats are a bit hard and not all that ergonomic. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review
 
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See TrueDelta's information for all Chevrolet models.