Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2004 catalog dimensions. Chevrolet Malibu · Kia Optima

Same scale for both vehicles. Generic silhouette — proportional to measured length, height, width, wheelbase, and clearance.

Side view
  • Length188.3 in
  • Height57.5 in
  • Wheelbase106.3 in
  • Curb weight3,174 lb – 3,315 lb
Front / width
  • Width69.9 in
  • Kia Optima width71.5 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 2.5 in shorter (188.3 in vs 185.8 in)
  • Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.6 in narrower (69.9 in vs 71.5 in)
  • Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 2.0 in taller (57.5 in vs 55.5 in)
  • Wheelbase: essentially the same
  • Curb weight: Kia Optima is 46 lb heavier (3,245 lb vs 3,290 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 2.0 in taller (57.5 in vs 55.5 in)
  2. Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.6 in narrower (69.9 in vs 71.5 in)
  3. Curb weight: Kia Optima is 46 lb heavier (3,245 lb vs 3,290 lb)
  4. Length: Kia Optima is 2.5 in shorter (188.3 in vs 185.8 in)

Practical verdicts

Dimension comparison

SpecChevrolet MalibuKia OptimaDifference
Length188.3 in185.8 in2.5 in
Width69.9 in71.5 in1.6 in
Height57.5 in55.5 in2.0 in
Wheelbase106.3 in106.3 in0.0 in
Curb weight3,245 lb3,290 lb46 lb

Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range.

Compare by year

Overlapping model years with dimension data.

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