There is still a rather large segment of the population who think sedans are still the way to go when in the market for a new vehicle. While there are several good reasons why some people prefer trucks or SUVs, there are certainly compelling reasons to choose a sedan. Of course, it helps that the all-new Malibu offers a spacious interior, great handling, and a comfortable ride, just to name a few of its perks. There have been a few updates to the 2022 Chevy Malibu, including the addition of two new exterior colors; otherwise, the model has changed very little. This mid-size sedan still has a lot to offer, and it competes well with the segment’s best offerings.
The Malibu remains a staple for drivers due to its excellent fuel economy and its superb styling. And let’s not forget that it is loaded with the latest technology. The Malibu also enjoys several safety features that make it one of the safer rides around. The Malibu also has a rich history that is sure to continue in the newest chapter.
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The exterior of the Malibu was updated in 2019 with a refreshed look. The front facia still features that slick-looking chrome trim that connects to the headlights. The slimmed-down headlights are also a nice touch that adds to the overall aesthetics of the Malibu. The really nice thing about the stylish is that it’s not too flashy, which means that it will look just as good five or ten years down the road as it does now.
The Malibu is a classy-looking sedan, to be sure. Some have even described it as looking like a high-end European sedan with a touch of an American spin on it. If you desire something that will turn heads, you might want to opt for the Sport or Malibu Midnight Edition, which will set you apart from the crowd with blacked-out accents and more. In addition to a black nameplate badge, the Midnight Edition features a blacked-out grille, front and rear Chevy bowtie emblems in black, and 19-inch aluminum wheels painted in, you guessed it, black. There are also available features that will spice up your Malibu, including dual exhaust for added style.
The standard engine Chevy offers in the Malibu is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo, which boasts 160 horsepower. The premier trim does offer a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower if you insist on added power. The standard engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission, which allows constant gear shifts, and the 2.0-liter engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
With the base engine choice, you can expect to speed up to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, and it will take 16 seconds to complete the quarter-mile run. It’s a zippy engine, to be sure, and you will no doubt enjoy speeding around town with more than adequate power. However, you can also expect a smooth ride and good handling, so you will have no problem navigating the streets of your city.
Whichever engine you ultimately choose, you will enjoy some pretty decent gas mileage. The standard 1.5-liter will get you around town getting upwards to 29 miles per gallon, and on the highway, you can expect a healthy 36 miles per gallon. Considering the power you do get with the 1.5-liter choice and the fact it is not a hybrid, those kinds of numbers are sure to put a smile on your face. Even the larger and more powerful 2.0-liter engine enjoys good fuel economy. The 250 horsepower engine will garner 22 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
The lower trims of the Chevy Malibu come standard with a backup camera and Teen Driver Technology, but there are plenty of safety features available to your choosing. While the backup camera is a nice standard feature, parents of teens ready to take on the responsibility of driving will undoubtedly appreciate the Teen Driver Technology. Chevy understands just how important safety is for you and your family. Teen Driver Technology is a built-in system that will help teach and coach your young driver. Even if you allow your teen to drive solo, the system will enable you to check on critical aspects, including volume limit and speed alerts. It’s all too easy to track your teen driver with the industry’s first and only vehicle report card. Other features of this technology include the muting of audio until all front-seat passengers are safely buckled up.
There are several available safety features for the Malibu that will help you arrive at your destination safe and sound. You can opt for Rear Park Assist, which will help even seasoned drivers squeeze into those tight spots, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which will sound an alarm when there is an object behind you while in reverse. Also available are Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically controls the braking and acceleration of your Malibu, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, which alerts you when there is a vehicle in your blind spot while attempting to change lanes, and Forward Collision Alert.
The new Malibu comes standard with the Chevy Infotainment system run integrated through an eight-inch LCD touchscreen. Chevy’s infotainment system is well known for how easy it is to use; you don’t have to spend a lot of time reading specs and a manual to figure it out. The interface works perfectly on the eight-inch screen, and the labels are easy to read and crystal clear, and the buttons are well-labeled. Again, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to truly appreciate this setup. You are also sure to take advantage of the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. You can even upgrade and enjoy built-in Alexa compatibility.
Slipping behind the wheel of the 2022 Chevy Malibu, you will notice a comforting interior with plenty of space. The infotainment system sits right in the middle, with the dashboard on the left and the glove box on the right. All gauges are clear and easy to read; you will have no trouble finding what you are looking for. The dashboard features large knobs that are easy to use and buttons that are within easy reach.
To say that the interior is as spacious as the competition might be an understatement. There is plenty of room for five passengers, and they won’t at all feel cramped inside the Malibu. Even the back seats are spacious and comfortable, and you won’t be embarrassed having to drive coworkers to a lunch meeting. There is even enough room in the back to stretch your legs out.
This spaciousness works its way back to the truck, where there is plenty of space for your luggage or whatever you happen to be transporting. The trunk boasts 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which, while not top in class, is right up there. One of the more surprising elements of the interior is just how quiet it is. While many auto manufacturers boast about their quiet cabins, Chevy actually delivers with the Malibu. You can barely hear the engine purr while you are driving, and road noise is practically non-existent.
The Chevy Malibu comes in four trim levels, so you are sure to find the suitable model for your needs and desires. The LS is the base model and is equipped with everything you need in a basic sedan. The low price point is a good reason to check this model out. In addition, there are five exterior paint choices from which to choose, and you will feel like royalty behind the wheel.
The RS is the next trim level and includes everything you get with the LS plus a few added goodies that include dual exhaust outlets, 18-inch wheels, a chrome grille with black grille inserts, and beautiful black bowtie emblems. Next on the list is the Malibu LT, which enjoys all the best features on the previous trims plus much more. For example, the LT trim enjoys heated front seats to keep you toasty warm on frigid days, heated and power-adjustable body-colored exterior mirrors, and daytime running lamps for added safety.
At the top of the line, we have the Malibu Premier; you will be hard-pressed to ignore this trim. This is the trim that includes the 2.0-liter engine, so it is the most powerful of the bunch. The Premier also comes with 19-inch aluminum wheels, bright sill plates, and chrome door handles with body-color inserts. It may not sound like much, but when you see the models side to side, there really is a big difference.