Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2004 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · Chevrolet Malibu

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

Side view
  • Length185.8 in
  • Height55.5 in
  • Wheelbase106.3 in
  • Curb weight3,279 lb – 3,301 lb
Front / width
  • Width71.5 in
  • Chevrolet Malibu width69.9 in

Which is bigger?

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

Biggest size differences

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

Practical verdicts

Dimension comparison

SpecKia OptimaChevrolet MalibuDifference
Length185.8 in188.3 in2.5 in
Width71.5 in69.9 in1.6 in
Height55.5 in57.5 in2.0 in
Wheelbase106.3 in106.3 in0.0 in
Curb weight3,290 lb3,245 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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