Model Year | 2012 | 2014 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 Hybrid DOHC-4v 183 kW@6000 317 Nm@4800 |
2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 136 kW@6700 233 Nm@4900 |
|
Transmission | CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,789 mm | 2,738 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,785 mm | 4,864 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,910 mm | 1,854 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,730 mm | 1,463 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 2,105 kg | 1,634 kg | 1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 73 L | 70 L | 3 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,031 mm | 991 mm | -990 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,516 mm | 1,461 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,440 mm | 1,397 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,097 mm | 1,069 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 1,019 mm | 953 mm | -952 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,511 mm | 1,450 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,435 mm | 1,379 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 973 mm | 935 mm | 38 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 922 mm | 0 mm | 922 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 1,397 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 1,074 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 742 mm | 0 mm | 742 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,812 mm (over 3 rows) | 2,004 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 292 L | 462 L | -170 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,198 L | 16.3 | -15.3 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,701 L | 16.3 | -14.3 L |
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 |