Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu Dimensions & Size Comparison
Comparing 2006 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · Chevrolet Malibu
- Length185.8 in – 186.4 in
- Height55.5 in – 58.3 in
- Wheelbase106.3 in – 107.1 in
- Curb weight3,142 lb – 3,301 lb
- Width71.1 in – 71.5 in
- Chevrolet Malibu width69.9 in
Which is bigger?
- Length: Kia Optima is 2.2 in shorter (186.1 in vs 188.3 in)
- Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.4 in narrower (71.3 in vs 69.9 in)
- Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.6 in taller (56.9 in vs 57.5 in)
- Wheelbase: Kia Optima has a 0.4 in longer wheelbase (106.7 in vs 106.3 in)
- Curb weight: Chevrolet Malibu is 23 lb heavier (3,222 lb vs 3,245 lb)
Biggest size differences
- Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 1.4 in narrower (71.3 in vs 69.9 in)
- Length: Kia Optima is 2.2 in shorter (186.1 in vs 188.3 in)
- Height: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.6 in taller (56.9 in vs 57.5 in)
- Curb weight: Chevrolet Malibu is 23 lb heavier (3,222 lb vs 3,245 lb)
- Wheelbase: Kia Optima has a 0.4 in longer wheelbase (106.7 in vs 106.3 in)
Practical verdicts
- Easier to fit in a short garageKia Optima — Kia Optima is shorter by 2.2 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for Chevrolet Malibu
- Narrower for tight parkingChevrolet Malibu — Chevrolet Malibu is narrower by 1.4 in
Dimension comparison
| Spec | Kia Optima | Chevrolet Malibu | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 186.1 in | 188.3 in | 2.2 in |
| Width | 71.3 in | 69.9 in | 1.4 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 57.5 in | 0.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 106.3 in | 0.4 in |
| Curb weight | 3,222 lb | 3,245 lb | 23 lb |
Values use trim midpoints when a model year lists a range (e.g. length 185.8 in – 186.4 in).
Compare by year
Overlapping model years with dimension data.
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