Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison
Comparing 2006 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 width71.1 in – 71.5 in
Which is bigger?
- Length: Kia Optima is 2.2 in shorter (188.3 in vs 186.1 in)
- Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.4 in narrower (69.9 in vs 71.3 in)
- Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.6 in taller (57.5 in vs 56.9 in)
- Wheelbase: Kia Optima has a 0.4 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 106.7 in)
- Curb weight: Chevrolet Malibu is 23 lb heavier (3,245 lb vs 3,222 lb)
Biggest size differences
- Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.4 in narrower (69.9 in vs 71.3 in)
- Length: Kia Optima is 2.2 in shorter (188.3 in vs 186.1 in)
- Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.6 in taller (57.5 in vs 56.9 in)
- Curb weight: Chevrolet Malibu is 23 lb heavier (3,245 lb vs 3,222 lb)
- Wheelbase: Kia Optima has a 0.4 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 106.7 in)
Practical verdicts
- Easier to fit in a short garageKia Optima — Kia Optima is shorter by 2.2 in Check garage fit for Chevrolet Malibu · garage fit for Kia Optima
- Narrower for tight parkingChevrolet Malibu — Chevrolet Malibu is narrower by 1.4 in
Dimension comparison
| Spec | Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Optima | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.3 in | 186.1 in | 2.2 in |
| Width | 69.9 in | 71.3 in | 1.4 in |
| Height | 57.5 in | 56.9 in | 0.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.7 in | 0.4 in |
| Curb weight | 3,245 lb | 3,222 lb | 23 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.