Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2018 vs 2023 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 – 3,494 lb
Front / width
  • Width73.2 in
  • Chevrolet Malibu width73.0 in

Which is bigger?

  • Length: Kia Optima is 3.1 in shorter (191.1 in vs 194.2 in)
  • Width: Chevrolet Malibu is 0.2 in narrower (73.2 in vs 73.0 in)
  • Height: Kia Optima is 0.4 in taller (57.7 in vs 57.3 in)
  • Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 1.0 in longer wheelbase (110.4 in vs 111.4 in)
  • Curb weight: Kia Optima is 178 lb heavier (3,357 lb vs 3,179 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: Kia Optima is 178 lb heavier (3,357 lb vs 3,179 lb)
  2. Length: Kia Optima is 3.1 in shorter (191.1 in vs 194.2 in)
  3. Wheelbase: Chevrolet Malibu has a 1.0 in longer wheelbase (110.4 in vs 111.4 in)
  4. Height: Kia Optima is 0.4 in taller (57.7 in vs 57.3 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 Optima — Kia Optima is shorter by 3.1 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for Chevrolet Malibu
  • Narrower for tight parkingChevrolet Malibu — Chevrolet Malibu is narrower by 0.2 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintKia Optima — Based on length × width (Kia Optima)

Dimension comparison

SpecKia OptimaChevrolet MalibuDifference
Length191.1 in194.2 in3.1 in
Width73.2 in73.0 in0.2 in
Height57.7 in57.3 in0.4 in
Wheelbase110.4 in111.4 in1.0 in
Ground clearance5.3 in——
Curb weight3,357 lb3,179 lb178 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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