Model Year | 2012 | 2014 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 Hybrid DOHC-4v 245 hp@6000 234 lb-ft@4800 |
2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 182 hp@6700 172 lb-ft@4900 |
|
Transmission | CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 107.8 in | 2 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 191.5 in | -3.1 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 73.0 in | 2.2 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 57.6 in | 10.5 in |
Curb Weight | 4641 lb. | 3602 lb. | 1039 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 39.0 in | 1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 57.5 in | 2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 55.0 in | 1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 42.1 in | 1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 37.5 in | 2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 57.1 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 54.3 in | 2.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 36.8 in | 1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 36.3 in | 0.0 in | 36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 55.0 in | 0.0 in | 55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 42.3 in | 0.0 in | 42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 29.2 in | 0.0 in | 29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 31.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | -6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 16.3 | 26 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 16.3 ft3 | 79.1 ft3 |
2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Perfect for two car seats. Really neat trick - the middle seat for the 2nd row rolls up into the center console. I did not remove it nor attempt to sit in it but that does make the 3rd row more likely to be used for those with car seats. I did not attempt to sit in the 3rd row (looked at it before folding into the floor for cargo space for the entire trip) so cannot opine on it. Use at your own risk. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander 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 |