Kia Optima vs Chevrolet Malibu Dimensions & Size Comparison

Comparing 2020 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 weight3,230 lb – 3,558 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 220 lb heavier (3,394 lb vs 3,175 lb)

Biggest size differences

  1. Curb weight: Kia Optima is 220 lb heavier (3,394 lb vs 3,175 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 OptimaKia Optima is shorter by 3.1 in Check garage fit for Kia Optima · garage fit for Chevrolet Malibu
  • Narrower for tight parkingChevrolet MalibuChevrolet Malibu is narrower by 0.2 in
  • Smaller exterior footprintKia OptimaBased 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 weight3,394 lb3,175 lb220 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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