Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2017 catalog dimensions. Kia Optima · Chevrolet Malibu

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

Side view
  • Length191.1 in
  • Height57.7 in
  • Wheelbase110.4 in
  • Ground clearance5.3 in
  • Curb weight3,219 lb – 3,594 lb
Front / width
  • Width73.2 in
  • Chevrolet Malibu width73.0 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 2.7 in shorter (191.1 in vs 193.8 in)
  • Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.2 in narrower (73.2 in vs 73.0 in)
  • Height: Kia Optima is 0.1 in taller (57.7 in vs 57.6 in)
  • Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 1.0 in longer wheelbase (110.4 in vs 111.4 in)
  • Ground clearance: Chevrolet Malibu has 1.2 in more ground clearance (5.3 in vs 6.5 in)
  • Curb weight: Kia Optima is 170 lb heavier (3,407 lb vs 3,237 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Ground clearance: Chevrolet Malibu has 1.2 in more ground clearance (5.3 in vs 6.5 in)
  2. Curb weight: Kia Optima is 170 lb heavier (3,407 lb vs 3,237 lb)
  3. Length: Kia Optima is 2.7 in shorter (191.1 in vs 193.8 in)
  4. Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 1.0 in longer wheelbase (110.4 in vs 111.4 in)
  5. Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.2 in narrower (73.2 in vs 73.0 in)

Practical verdicts

  • Easier to fit in a short garageKia OptimaKia Optima is shorter by 2.7 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for Chevrolet Malibu
  • Narrower for tight parkingChevrolet MalibuChevrolet Malibu is narrower by 0.2 in
  • More ground clearanceChevrolet MalibuChevrolet Malibu has 1.2 in more clearance
  • Smaller exterior footprintKia OptimaBased on length × width (Kia Optima)

Dimension comparison

SpecKia OptimaChevrolet MalibuDifference
Length191.1 in193.8 in2.7 in
Width73.2 in73.0 in0.2 in
Height57.7 in57.6 in0.1 in
Wheelbase110.4 in111.4 in1.0 in
Ground clearance5.3 in6.5 in1.2 in
Curb weight3,407 lb3,237 lb170 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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