Model Year | 2011 | 2013 | |
Model | Nissan Versa | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 107.8 in | -5.4 in |
Length | 176.0 in | 191.5 in | -15.5 in |
Width | 66.7 in | 73.0 in | -6.3 in |
Height | 60.4 in | 57.6 in | 2.8 in |
Curb Weight | 2720 lb. | 3393 lb. | -673 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -5.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 39.0 in | 1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 53.5 in | 57.5 in | -4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 48.8 in | 55.0 in | -6.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 42.1 in | -0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.9 in | 37.5 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 50.7 in | 57.1 in | -6.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 47.2 in | 54.3 in | -7.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 36.8 in | 1.2 in |
Total Legroom | 79.4 in (over 2 rows) | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 0.5 in |
Cargo Volume | 13.8 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | -2.5 ft3 |
2011 Nissan Versa Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 109-horsepower 1.6L I4 CVT FWD |
Only subcompact we test drove that could actually fit four adults. More rear leg room than many midsize cars. see full Nissan Versa review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 122-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The seats were ample, and well supported. In my last two cars (a Corolla and a Legacy) I needed a lumbar cushion, but not in the Versa. The seat bottoms also supported my thighs for enough of their length for comfort. see full Nissan Versa review |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |