Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2002 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · Chevrolet Malibu

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

Side view
  • Length185.9 in
  • Height55.5 in
  • Wheelbase106.3 in
  • Curb weight3,157 lb – 3,190 lb
Front / width
  • Width71.5 in
  • Chevrolet Malibu width69.4 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 4.5 in shorter (185.9 in vs 190.4 in)
  • Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 2.1 in narrower (71.5 in vs 69.4 in)
  • Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.9 in taller (55.5 in vs 56.4 in)
  • Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 0.7 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 107.0 in)
  • Curb weight: Kia Optima is 109 lb heavier (3,174 lb vs 3,065 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: Kia Optima is 109 lb heavier (3,174 lb vs 3,065 lb)
  2. Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 2.1 in narrower (71.5 in vs 69.4 in)
  3. Length: Kia Optima is 4.5 in shorter (185.9 in vs 190.4 in)
  4. Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.9 in taller (55.5 in vs 56.4 in)
  5. Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 0.7 in longer wheelbase (106.3 in vs 107.0 in)

Practical verdicts

Dimension comparison

SpecKia OptimaChevrolet MalibuDifference
Length185.9 in190.4 in4.5 in
Width71.5 in69.4 in2.1 in
Height55.5 in56.4 in0.9 in
Wheelbase106.3 in107.0 in0.7 in
Curb weight3,174 lb3,065 lb109 lb

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

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Overlapping model years with dimension data.

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