Chevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2012 catalog dimensions. Chevrolet Malibu · Kia Optima

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

Side view
  • Length191.8 in
  • Height57.1 in
  • Wheelbase112.3 in
  • Curb weight3,415 lb – 3,649 lb
Front / width
  • Width70.3 in
  • Kia Optima width72.1 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 1.1 in shorter (191.8 in vs 190.7 in)
  • Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.8 in narrower (70.3 in vs 72.1 in)
  • Height: Kia Optima is 0.2 in taller (57.1 in vs 57.3 in)
  • Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 2.3 in longer wheelbase (112.3 in vs 110.0 in)
  • Curb weight: Chevrolet Malibu is 237 lb heavier (3,532 lb vs 3,296 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: Chevrolet Malibu is 237 lb heavier (3,532 lb vs 3,296 lb)
  2. Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.8 in narrower (70.3 in vs 72.1 in)
  3. Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 2.3 in longer wheelbase (112.3 in vs 110.0 in)
  4. Length: Kia Optima is 1.1 in shorter (191.8 in vs 190.7 in)
  5. Height: Kia Optima is 0.2 in taller (57.1 in vs 57.3 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageKia OptimaKia Optima is shorter by 1.1 in Check garage fit for Chevrolet Malibu · garage fit for Kia Optima
  • Narrower for tight parkingChevrolet MalibuChevrolet Malibu is narrower by 1.8 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintChevrolet MalibuBased on length × width (Chevrolet Malibu)

Dimension comparison

SpecChevrolet MalibuKia OptimaDifference
Length191.8 in190.7 in1.1 in
Width70.3 in72.1 in1.8 in
Height57.1 in57.3 in0.2 in
Wheelbase112.3 in110.0 in2.3 in
Curb weight3,532 lb3,296 lb237 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.