Chevrolet Malibu Review
As far as family sedans go, the Chevrolet Malibu 2022 doesn’t stand out from the pack. It has a decent appearance and a pleasant driving character, but almost every other option is superior.
This is notably true of the always-outstanding Honda Accord and the striking Kia K5. It has a decently appealing appearance and a relaxing driving character. Although we recognize the Chevrolet Malibu as a top-notch sedan, it is not the model we would pick for ourselves.
Most trim levels include a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a CVT; the Premier model, the top trim level, includes a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with a manual transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on every model and all-wheel drive is not an accessible upgrade. No matter what type of motor you have, this holds true. Unlike nearly all of its rivals, the Chevy does not come standard with these driver-assistance features, but they are available as add-ons.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a throwback to the way things were for several decades since it is Detroit’s final front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan. It’s a nice sedan, but it’s not a fantastic one, and the only way to appreciate it is to get the optional safety technology that comes standard on virtually all other new cars.
The color palette for the Malibu 2022 has been updated for the new year to include two additional shades of grey.
The Chevrolet Malibu is only available as a traditional four-door sedan with a reasonably streamlined appearance and a demeanor that leans toward conservatism. The four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower that is standard on all models save for the Premier trim level has sufficient power and integrates seamlessly with the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Even if Chevrolet installed a fast 9-speed automatic gearbox and increased the horsepower of the high-performance Malibu to 250, it is not possible to classify this vehicle as a sports sedan despite the increase in power. The Malibu, on the other hand, is a relaxed and comfortable cruiser that offers a pleasant ride and has long legs for highway journeys.
However, fuel efficiency is a point of contention. The base model automobiles have a respectable combined mileage rating of 32 mpg, but the larger turbo engine only achieves a poor rating of 26 mpg.
The interior is roomy enough for four grownups to sit comfortably, and all of the trim levels, except for the base L and LS, come adequately equipped. The 8.0-inch touchscreen that comes as a standard does not have very impressive visuals, but it is crammed with features and quite simple to operate. It is a compelling argument.
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What lies ahead for 2022?
The L trim level at the base level has been removed. Aside from those adjustments, the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will continue in its current form well into the year 2022.
Although they all have a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the larger and more powerful one that comes standard in the Premier model is the only one that provides any kind of satisfaction when driving.
Inside, the Malibu has straightforward controls and displays, both of which are beginning to show their age. The dashboard is positioned at a low angle and few storage compartments are useful, but the Malibu has enough headroom for four adults and a relatively spacious trunk.
The fact that its more advanced driver aid technologies, including adaptive cruise control, are not standard on any of the Malibu’s trim levels is another indication of the vehicle’s advanced age. The vast majority of 2022 competitors’ cars come equipped as standard with them.
Malibu’s time on the market is limited. The Chevrolet Malibu is the sole choice for customers, corporations, and governments that are looking for an economical sedan that is built in America by a company that is located in the United States. If that doesn’t seem like you, we suggest looking at the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, or Toyota Camry as alternatives to the Chevrolet Malibu 2022.
If driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist are on your list of must-haves, the Driver Confidence I and Driver Confidence II packages add all of these functions and more to your vehicle.
The Performance, Engine, and the Transmission of Chevrolet Malibu
The base engine for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It gets an estimated 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway when combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive.
The powertrain is adequate for driving around town, but it lacks power when traveling on the highway, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) buzzes when the vehicle is accelerating quickly.
There is an option for a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, but the Premier trim level is the only one that can get it. The turbo powerplant has a powerful acceleration thanks to its 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and the nine-speed automated transmission allows for seamless gear changes.
The sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour was completed by a Malibu Premier in a commendable 5.7 seconds when we tested it in 2017. The city/highway fuel economy drops to 22/33 mpg respectively.
Chevrolet Malibu MPG (Miles Per Gallon)
EPA estimates indicate that the small engine in the Malibu achieves lower fuel economy than the base engines in the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The 2.0-liter turbo engine in the Malibu, on the other hand, has official ratings that are competitive when compared with the available powerplants in the Honda and Toyota, but we have not evaluated its fuel economy in real-world driving conditions.
The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine was able to achieve a decent 34 miles per gallon on our highway fuel economy route while traveling at 75 miles per hour.
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Chevrolet Malibu Price?
There are several models of the Chevrolet Malibu available, starting from the base model at $23,400. That is less expensive than the beginning price of every other midsize car on the market, except for the Subaru Legacy.
Chevrolet Malibu Interior Design, and Amenities
Even while the interior of the Chevrolet Malibu is not the most luxurious or the quietest, it is pleasant and user-friendly from an ergonomic standpoint. The passenger capacity and possibilities in the interior are comparable to those of other options; nevertheless, most alternatives offer improved visibility outside.
The symmetrical layout of the dashboard in the Malibu, along with the big space located beneath the center stack, gives the impression that the cockpit is quite roomy. Although the bases of the front seats are spacious and the side bolsters provide additional support, the back cushions are too narrow for certain passengers. Although there is less legroom in the rear seat than there is in the back seat of the Accord, both of us were able to fit comfortably. There is plenty of storage space inside the Malibu, even though it isn’t one of the best vehicles in its class. The Malibu has a large trunk with enough room for carry-on items.
In addition, Cadillac territory is not invaded by the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, but there is plenty to be said about the luxury of space. It has a trunk that is respectable for its category and a cabin that is spacious enough to accommodate four grownups in comfort. Because there is sufficient space in the back seats, we have awarded it a score of 6.
The fleet-oriented L and LS models have inferior trim and materials in comparison to the higher-end RS, LT, and Premier variants. The standard motorized driver’s seat is surprisingly comfortable, and the optional leather upholstery is also rather lovely. But if you want a mid-sizer that has a distinctive feel about it, you should go to Honda or Mazda for one because they have an enveloping feel and pay great attention to the details.
Connectivity and informational entertainment system in Chevrolet Malibu 2022
Every Chevy Malibu comes standard with an infotainment system that is controlled by a touchscreen and features some desirable add-ons such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. As a supplementary way to interact with the interface, the system lacks a suitable rotary control knob, which is needed to keep up with the competition. Even though it has an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, the system is falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevrolet Malibu a Respectable Automobile?
Despite its position, the Chevrolet Malibu 2022 is a competent choice for a midsize sedan. A comfortable ride, a strong engine option, good fuel economy, a roomy cabin, and an information and entertainment system that is simple to use are some of the appealing features of this vehicle. However, Malibu has trouble keeping up with its competitors in other respects. Many of the vehicles that are in the same segment as yours have more appealing interiors, seats that are more supportive, and more powerful base engines. A number of them also come with additional standard safety features.
Should I Buy the Chevrolet Malibu?
Although Malibu has a cheaper starting price than most of its competitors’ sedans, many of those competitors offer greater value for the money. The Honda Accord offers a more spacious trunk, an extensive list of standard safety equipment, improved scores for its fuel economy, and more athletic handling. In comparison to the Chevy, the Toyota Camry offers more powerful engine options in addition to a more fashionable interior. These two vehicles are more appealing than the Malibu in terms of betting value.
Chevrolet Malibu VS Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a superior choice for a midsize automobile, even though its base price is about $2,000 higher than that of the Chevrolet Malibu. It comes with an increased number of basic safety systems, lively handling, better engine options, a nicer cabin, and seats that offer more lumbar support. All-wheel drive is not a standard feature on the Chevy, but it is offered on the Toyota.
Chevrolet Malibu VS Nissan Altima
Another good example of a midsize car is the Nissan Altima. It boasts an exceptionally high level of the quality inside, with comfortable seats and excellent predictions for its fuel economy. In comparison to the Chevrolet Malibu, it offers an increased number of basic safety features and comes with the option of an all-wheel drive system. The Nissan is the superior automobile.
Chevrolet Malibu Competitors that are also Midsize Sedans
- Hyundai Sonata
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Subaru Legacy
- Mazda6