The 2022 Chevy Malibu is the continuation of one of the automaker’s longest-running nameplates, which speaks volumes about just how remarkable this popular sedan truly is. Currently the only sedan in Chevy’s lineup, the Malibu was first introduced in 1964 as a top-tier trim on the Chevelle before earning a lineup of its own in 1978. After a brief hiatus in the 1980s, the Malibu returned to American roads in 1997 to widespread acclaim.
Today, the 2022 Malibu continues the ninth generation of its reign as a value-oriented choice for families and commuters. What makes the Malibu the ideal commuter sedan? It’s affordable, efficient, and sophisticated, to name just a few. Even better, the 2022 Chevy Malibu is also innovative, responsive, and more than capable of handling the demands of your life, from your weekday commute to road trips, along with running errands around town and beyond. Here’s a closer look at why you should add the 2022 Malibu to your garage.
#1 – It’s a Great Value
The 2022 Malibu is one of the most affordable sedans in the segment, with a starting MSRP of just $23,400. This gets you behind the wheel of the LS trim, which comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine under the hood and a continuously variable transmission that balances power and efficiency. The LS’s MacPherson strut front suspension and 4-link rear suspension are responsible for the sedan’s impressive handling and ride quality, both of which are important regardless of the length of your commute.
#2 – It’s Plenty Powerful
Knowing that every driver has different needs for power and performance, Chevy gives you a choice between two capable powertrains. The 2022 Malibu comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s mated to a continuously variable transmission to deliver 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, making the Malibu more than capable of handling its own at highway speeds. For those seeking more power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder answers the call. It’s mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and delivers 250 horses and 260 lb-ft of torque for brisk acceleration both in town and on the highway.
#3 – It’s Efficient
Whether your commute to work is 5 miles or 25 miles, you’ll save on fuel thanks to the 2022 Malibu’s impressive fuel-sipping efficiency. The 1.5-liter engine and its continuously variable transmission optimize performance without sacrificing fuel savings. Together, this powertrain is responsible for the Malibu’s best fuel economy rating of 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Surprisingly, the beefier 2.0-liter turbo engine doesn’t dramatically reduce the Malibu’s city or highway fuel economy; it averages 22 MPG and 33 MPG, respectively.
#4 – It’s Designed Specifically for You
Chevy ensures your comfort behind the wheel by outfitting the 2022 Malibu with a skillfully designed interior that includes thoughtful features like an 8-way power driver’s seat. When you opt for the Malibu LT, you’ll enjoy heated front seats and an available heated steering wheel that takes the bite out of that morning commute on cold winter mornings. The Premier, which comes standard with a heated steering wheel, includes ventilation in the front seats and heated rear outboard seats, which your back seat passengers will certainly appreciate.
#5 – It Keeps You Connected and Informed
How do you spend your morning commute? Do you love streaming the latest episode of your favorite podcast, or do you prefer to catch up on the morning’s headlines? Whatever your routine, you’ll find the 2022 Malibu is equipped with a suite of intuitive technology that keeps you connected and informed. From the driver’s seat, the 8-inch color driver information center provides an immediate view of vital vehicle information like fuel level, speed, mileage, navigation cues, and more at a glance.
The heart of the Malibu’s connectivity features is its 8-inch color touchscreen display that’s home to the Chevrolet infotainment system. From the display, you’ll have access to your smartphone and favorite apps via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You’ll also find Alexa Built-In, which equips the Malibu with a virtual assistant that can stream music, navigate the quickest route, schedule appointments, take notes, and more, all with a simple voice command. Other features include a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging.
#6 – It’s Designed to Engineer Confidence
Your safety is at risk anytime you get behind the wheel because you can’t control how other drivers respond or behave on the road. Just like you can’t control the weather, you can’t prevent another driver from running a red light or from backing into your vehicle. You can, however, do your best to optimize your own safety by driving responsibly. Chevy makes it easy to stay in control in the 2022 Malibu.
The Malibu offers an extensive suite of safety and driver-assist tools that are designed and engineered for confidence when you’re behind the wheel. These tools extend your visibility, optimize your focus, and minimize the potential for collision. For example, the Malibu’s standard rear vision camera is helpful when backing out of busy areas or tight spaces as it gives you a wider view behind the sedan and alerts you to any objects in your way.
Depending on the trim you select, you’ll find plenty of other tools available as well. Adaptive Cruise Control improves traditional cruise control by actively monitoring the flow of traffic and adjusting the Malibu’s cruising speed as needed, which is incredibly helpful if your commute involves highway driving. Automatic Emergency Braking works with tools like Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Following Distance Indicator, all of which monitor the roadway for potential collisions and alert you accordingly. If you fail to respond or take action, Automatic Emergency Braking can bring the Malibu to a controlled stop, increasing the chances of avoiding a collision.
The Malibu’s Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert is another great tool to use on the highway. The tool makes changing lanes easier by alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots, reducing the potential for side impact. Once you arrive at your office or place of work, you can rely on Automatic Parking Assist to help you navigate the Malibu into any parking space. This is especially helpful when parking in congested areas where the alternative is to spend a few extra minutes circling the block until a bigger or more easily accessible space becomes available. In the Malibu, situations like this are no longer an issue.
#7 – It’s Tailored to Your Style
Whether you opt for an entry-level trim like the LS, a mid-level trim like the LT, or the opulent Premier, the 2022 Mailbu is an impressive and sophisticated sedan. In true Chevy fashion, the automaker gives you the option to make your Malibu extra special with packages like the Malibu Midnight Edition and Malibu Sport Edition. These options add 19-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, a blacked-out grille, and black badging and bowtie emblems to give the Malibu a distinct, sport-like or stealthy aesthetic.
Save Money, Reap the Rewards: It’s Time to Drive in Style
The 2022 Chevy Malibu serves as proof that taking your commute to the next level doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Starting at $23,400, the Malibu is one of the best-value sedans in the segment, as well as one of the most stylish and innovative. Laden with connectivity, safety, and driver-assist technology, the Malibu is designed with you in mind and gives you all the tools and conveniences you need to have confidence anytime you’re behind the wheel.
