Spec Sizes

Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2008 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · Chevrolet Malibu

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

Side view
  • Length186.4 in
  • Height58.3 in
  • Wheelbase107.1 in
  • Curb weight3,142 lb – 3,287 lb
Front / width
  • Width71.1 in
  • Chevrolet Malibu width70.3 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 5.4 in shorter (186.4 in vs 191.8 in)
  • Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.8 in narrower (71.1 in vs 70.3 in)
  • Height: Kia Optima is 1.2 in taller (58.3 in vs 57.1 in)
  • Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 5.2 in longer wheelbase (107.1 in vs 112.3 in)
  • Curb weight: Chevrolet Malibu is 318 lb heavier (3,215 lb vs 3,532 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: Chevrolet Malibu is 318 lb heavier (3,215 lb vs 3,532 lb)
  2. Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 5.2 in longer wheelbase (107.1 in vs 112.3 in)
  3. Length: Kia Optima is 5.4 in shorter (186.4 in vs 191.8 in)
  4. Height: Kia Optima is 1.2 in taller (58.3 in vs 57.1 in)
  5. Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.8 in narrower (71.1 in vs 70.3 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageKia Optima — Kia Optima is shorter by 5.4 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for Chevrolet Malibu
  • Narrower for tight parkingChevrolet Malibu — Chevrolet Malibu is narrower by 0.8 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintKia Optima — Based on length × width (Kia Optima)

Dimension comparison

SpecKia OptimaChevrolet MalibuDifference
Length186.4 in191.8 in5.4 in
Width71.1 in70.3 in0.8 in
Height58.3 in57.1 in1.2 in
Wheelbase107.1 in112.3 in5.2 in
Curb weight3,215 lb3,532 lb318 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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