2022 Chevrolet Malibu review
Chevrolet Malibu highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Spacious interior with ample front-seat headroom
- Hybrid trim offers high fuel efficiency and brisk acceleration
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration from base 1.5-liter engine
- Limited outward visibility
- Interior looks dated compared to rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 33 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Clock counting down on 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
The clock appears to be winding down on the Chevrolet Malibu. Chevy hasn’t meaningfully updated the Malibu since 2016, nor has there been news of a successor. For 2022, the company even got rid of the base L trim level, the bare-bones model mostly intended for rental fleets.
That’s too bad, since the Malibu offers a pleasant combination of a roomy cabin, quiet interior thanks to ample sound insulation, and premium interior materials, a formula appealing to anyone seeking an American-made alternative to an SUV. But the Malibu hasn't kept pace with class leaders like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata. Those rivals offer advanced tech and standard driver assist systems, features that are only optional on the Malibu, and even then, limited to the top Premier trim.
All Chevrolet Malibu years
What is new for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The L trim has been discontinued for 2022.
2022 Chevrolet Malibu trims
LS:
- 160-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
- Cloth Seats
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Smart Key
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
LT:
- Includes all features available on the LS
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Chevrolet Malibu LT inventory
RS:
- Includes all features available on the LT
- Rear Spoiler
- View our Chevrolet Malibu RS inventory
Premier:
- Includes all features available on the RS
- 250-hp, 260-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Sunroofs
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seats
- Rear Seat Heaters
- A/C Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Panoramic Sunroof
- BOSE Sound System
- View our Chevrolet Malibu Premier inventory
Chevrolet Malibu photos
5 reasons to buy the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
What We Like
Driving: It’s no sport sedan, but the Malibu is reasonably athletic thanks to a well-tuned suspension and responsive chassis. That handling ability is a good match for the Malibu’s optional 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine, which is only available on the top Premier trim. We’d say it’s worth it, though.
Interior: The 2022 Malibu interior still stands as a classy, high-quality effort, punctuated with premium touches and quality materials. Today’s Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata set the pace with interior design and quality, but the Malibu still makes for a pleasant and accommodating environment, especially with its large touchscreen and easy-to-use infotainment system.
Comfort: The 2022 Malibu continues a tradition of quiet cabin design that mutes the outside world while driving. Generous application of sound insulation helps muffle road noise that, when combined with wide, supportive front seats and a roomy backseat, makes for relaxed driving anywhere.
What Needs Improvement
Transmissions: The Malibu’s transmissions are a disappointing duo. The 1.5-liter base engine uses an uninspired continuously variable transmission (CVT) that feels unnatural and noisy to drivers accustomed to a more traditional automatic, while the nine-speed transmission paired to the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is clumsy and awkward, hampered by software programming aimed at maximum fuel economy.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Malibu an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet Malibu 10th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet MalibuChevrolet Malibu features and specs
LS 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
160
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.8
Wheelbase
111.4"
Overall length
194.2"
Width
73"
Height
57.9"
Leg room
F 41.5"/R 38.1"
Head room
F 39.1"/R 37.5"
Front tires
P205/65R16
Rear tires
P205/65R16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2022 Chevrolet Malibu FAQ
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LS : 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- Premier : 22 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- LT : 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- RS : 29 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
The Chevrolet Malibu received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Chevrolet Malibu as 9 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu has received an average 3.2 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2022 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews.
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