Model Year | 2012 | 2014 | |
Model | Toyota Avalon | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 268 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 259 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 107.8 in | 3.2 in |
Length | 197.6 in | 191.5 in | 6.1 in |
Width | 72.8 in | 73.0 in | -0.2 in |
Height | 58.5 in | 57.6 in | 0.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3572 lb. | 3635 lb. | -63 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 39.0 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.4 in | 57.5 in | 1.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.8 in | 55.0 in | 0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 42.1 in | -0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.5 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.2 in | 57.1 in | 1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.2 in | 54.3 in | 1.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 40.9 in | 36.8 in | 4.1 in |
Total Legroom | 82.2 in (over 2 rows) | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 3.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.4 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | -1.9 ft3 |
2012 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Compounding the Avalon's lack of suspension compliance, its seats are also firm, yet lacking in lateral support. You very much sit on them rather than in them. On a long drive my rear end reported impinged circulation. The front passenger is even worse off, as the tilt of that seat can be adjusted only in the Limited. Rear seat passengers also complained about overly firm, insufficiently contoured cushions. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2012 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Heated seats are wonderful in winter. Dual zone heater/air conditioner a plus for driver/passenger comfort. Back-up camera is handy for checking what the mirrors don't pick up. Quiet, smooth engine/transmission. Comfortable seats are easily adjustable. Easy access and good leg-room in rear seats. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Heated seats are wonderful in winter. Dual zone heater/air conditioner a plus for driver/passenger comfort. Back-up camera is handy for checking what the mirrors don't pick up. Quiet, smooth engine/transmission. Comfortable seats are easily adjustable. Easy access and good leg-room in rear seats. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2014 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 |