Model Year | 2008 | 2012 | |
Model | Kia Optima | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | 2.7L V6 DOHC-4v 185 hp@6000 183 lb-ft@4000 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 112.3 in | -5.2 in |
Length | 186.4 in | 191.8 in | -5.4 in |
Width | 71.1 in | 70.3 in | 0.8 in |
Height | 58.3 in | 57.1 in | 1.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3287 lb. | 3645 lb. | -358 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 16.0 gal. | 1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 39.4 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.1 in | 55.9 in | 1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.5 in | 53.0 in | 1.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.7 in | 42.2 in | 1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 37.2 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.3 in | 53.9 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.7 in | 52.1 in | 2.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 37.6 in | 0.2 in |
Total Legroom | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | 1.7 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.8 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | -0.3 ft3 |
2008 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Spacious enough to allow my 84 year old mother to get in and out without injuring herself! see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving the Optima for five days straight for 10+ hours per day, other than the occasional stop, on a road trip, not one time did I get a sore back or thighs. see full Kia Optima review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | On paper, the Malibu's rear seat is only a little tighter than those in the 2008-2012 sedan and in competing cars. In person, rear knee room would only be marginally competitive in the compact sedan segment. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my shins graze the front seatbacks. GM is rushing some revised seats to market. But if past attempts to fix a cramped rear seat are any indication, this won't make a substantial difference. The rear seat in the Ford Fusion is roomier, if also short of the segment's quasi-limos. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good legroom. Hip room is alittle tight in this year's Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This is tight if front seats are postioned at or close to the back of their range; shorter wheelbase in this model compared to prior version. Rear seat access is excellent (i.e, for infant car seats, small item transport). see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'4" tall and 60 years old. I have a tough time getting in and out due to the low roof. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
drivers seat is hard on my back, no matter how much I adjust...seems to be missing some foam on left side bolster...taking into dealer for possible replacement of seat cushion soon see full Chevrolet Malibu review |