Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison
Comparing 2005 catalog dimensions. Chevrolet Malibu · Kia Optima
- Length188.3 in
- Height57.5 in
- Wheelbase106.3 in
- Curb weight3,174 lb – 3,315 lb
- 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
- Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 2.0 in taller (57.5 in vs 55.5 in)
- Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.6 in narrower (69.9 in vs 71.5 in)
- Curb weight: Kia Optima is 46 lb heavier (3,245 lb vs 3,290 lb)
- Length: Kia Optima is 2.5 in shorter (188.3 in vs 185.8 in)
Practical verdicts
- Easier to fit in a short garageKia Optima — Kia Optima is shorter by 2.5 in Check garage fit for Chevrolet Malibu · garage fit for Kia Optima
- Narrower for tight parkingChevrolet Malibu — Chevrolet Malibu is narrower by 1.6 in
Dimension comparison
| Spec | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Optima | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.3 in | 185.8 in | 2.5 in |
| Width | 69.9 in | 71.5 in | 1.6 in |
| Height | 57.5 in | 55.5 in | 2.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.3 in | 0.0 in |
| Curb weight | 3,245 lb | 3,290 lb | 46 lb |
Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range.
Compare by year
Overlapping model years with dimension data.
Already own one of these cars?
Jump to maintenance sizes on the vehicle page — tires, wipers, battery, and oil when present in the catalog.