While crossovers and SUVs get a lot of attention, sedans continue to rule the road when it comes to efficiency, practicality, and comfort. They are exceptional commuter vehicles because their small frames make them easier to maneuver and more efficient. However, not all sedans are created equal. You’ll see this firsthand when you compare two of the best-selling sedans in the industry today – the 2022 Chevy Malibu vs 2022 Toyota Camry. These two midsize models are among the best-selling sedan today, but while they both offer similar features, one of them comes out on top.
#1 – Legacy
Before diving into the latest features you’ll find on the 2022 Malibu and 2022 Camry, it’s important to understand how the sedans got their start. Chevy introduced the Malibu in 1964, while Toyota didn’t debut the Camry until 1983, which gives the Malibu a 19-year head start on the Toyota. Even in the 1960s, the Malibu was ahead of its time as Chevy worked hard to build a family sedan that wasn’t boring or mundane. To do that, Chevy outfitted the Malibu with its legendary small-block V8 engine, which made the Malibu one of the first family sedans that was both powerful and fun to drive.
#2 – Price
Founded in 1911, Chevy immediately set out to build reliable vehicles at affordable prices. Fast forward over a century, and Chevy keeps that promise today with the Malibu praised as one of the most affordable sedans in the segment with a starting price of $23,400. This gets you behind the wheel of the Malibu LS that comes equipped with Chevy’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, an 8-inch touchscreen display with the Chevrolet infotainment system, and an array of advanced safety and driver-assist tools. In contrast, the Camry LE starts at $25,295 and comes with a smaller touchscreen display and fewer amenities than the Malibu, which means you’re spending more money for a less well-equipped sedan.
#3 – Power and Efficiency
The 1964 Malibu proved that a family sedan could be thrilling and fun to drive. Today, the 2022 Malibu continues that legacy with its responsiveness and sharp handling. This makes everything from your daily commute and running errands around town to picking up the kids from school or cruising down the highway an enjoyable experience.
For 2022, Chevy gives you the choice between two powertrains. The 1.5-liter turbo engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission to deliver 160 horses at 5,700 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. This combination delivers the Malibu’s best fuel economy at 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. For more power, you can upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbo that’s paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission to deliver 250 horses at 5,300 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm for quick acceleration. This boost in power doesn’t drastically reduce the Malibu’s fuel economy, with the larger engine averaging 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The Camry delivers slightly more horsepower and torque but at higher rpms, which means the engine is spinning faster and consuming more fuel. The Camry’s standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 202 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 182 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm with an average of 28 mpg in the city. The 3.5-liter V6 comes at a premium and boosts the Camry’s power to 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm.
#4 – Spaciousness
The Malibu takes another victory over the Camry in terms of spaciousness. Chevy makes use of every inch of space in the Malibu so that you and your passengers are comfortable and so that you can effectively make use of the rear trunk. The Malibu stretches across 194.20 inches while the Camry measures 192.1 inches, which reflects the Malibu’s slightly larger interior. This difference means you’ll have more room for cargo in the Malibu, which offers 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space, than in the Camry whose trunk measures only 15.1 cubic feet.
#5 – Safety and Driver-Assist
Safety is a top priority for both Chevrolet and Toyota, which puts the Malibu and Camry on a level playing field. Both models offer cutting-edge technology that’s designed to minimize the potential for collision. The Malibu comes standard with Chevy’s exclusive Teen Driver technology as well as tools like the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a rear vision camera. Top-tier trims also offer enhanced features like Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
You’ll find many similar safety tools and features on the 2022 Camry, all with Toyota-specific names. For example, Toyota’s Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is comparable to Chevy’s Forward Collision Alert. Other tools include Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. However, Toyota doesn’t have a comparable feature to technologies like Chevy’s Teen Driver.
#6 – Connectivity
Just as Chevy and Toyota are committed to safety, you’ll find they offer similar connectivity features on the 2022 Malibu and 2022 Camry lineups. This reflects the standards across the industry and reveals a few ways in which Chevy goes the extra mile to keep you informed and connected when you’re on the road. For starters, the Malibu comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, which is larger than the Camry’s standard 7-inch display.
Through the displays, you’ll have access to Chevy’s and Toyota’s infotainment systems, where you can seamlessly sync your smartphone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Chevy extends the Malibu’s capability by offering Alexa Built-In, which equips the sedan with a virtual assistant that can respond to calls and messages, schedule appointments, set reminders, stream music, navigate the quickest route, and more with a simple voice command. The Camry doesn’t offer this feature and, instead, has you rely on Siri for iPhone users or Google Assistant for Android users.
Which Will You Drive?
The 2022 Chevy Malibu and the 2022 Toyota Camry are remarkable sedans that blend function, luxury, innovation, and capability. The Malibu, however, makes it look easy and effortless, from its impressive efficiency and spacious interior to its innovative safety and connectivity features. This is perhaps due to the fact that the Malibu has almost a 20-year head start on the Camry, which means more time to build its reputation and refine its performance and style. That time certainly hasn’t been wasted.
So, which will you drive? The 2022 Chevy Malibu certainly wins the war against the 2022 Toyota Camry and lives up to its legacy as a family sedan that’s fun to drive, well-equipped, and incredibly efficient. This trifecta makes it a must-have for commuters, individuals, and small families who love the idea of blitzing around town in a sedan that’s quick to respond and easy to maneuver. What are you waiting for? It’s time to test drive both the Malibu and the Camry to see the difference for yourself.
