You’re here because you’re debating whether or not you should buy a new 2022 Chevy Malibu. Rather than throwing flashy sales pitches at you, we’re just here to tell you the truth. The Malibu is one of a few of a slowly dying vehicle body style, but its practical and reliable design have kept it on the market far longer than many other sedans. So, if you are on the hunt for a vehicle that isn’t as overwhelming as an SUV but still has many of the desired interior perks and technology, then you should consider the 2022 Malibu.
Power: Keeping It Fun Yet Practical
One of the things we love most about the new Malibu is that it has good fuel economy while also maintaining plenty of power. In fact, its max 250 horsepower rating falls right in the middle of that 200 to 300 “sweet spot” range. Even with all this power, the 2022 Malibu gets up to 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, with a combined 26 MPG average, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
That said, if you’re less concerned with power and more concerned about fuel efficiency, the Malibu can reach even better fuel economy ratings with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine option. Producing 160 horsepower, this engine allows for up to 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, with a combined 32 MPG rating. Given that even the larger, more powerful engine is still fuel-efficient, we recommend going with the 2.0-liter option if you’re looking for family-friendly weekdays and “peppy” weekend cruises. However, the standard 1.5-liter engine is definitely the best casual commuter option.
Either way you go, you’ll get standard variable-effort Electric Power Steering. In lamens terms, this means you’ll experience easy maneuverability at low speeds (such as during city driving and in parking lots.) Conversely, you’ll notice a “tighter” steering feel at high speeds. This means that high-speed steering will feel stable and secure rather than feeling loose and touchy.
Interior Perks: Let’s Talk Space and Convenience
You don’t need a ridiculous amount of space; otherwise, you’d be looking for an SUV or crossover, not a sedan. That said, no one wants to feel packed and cluttered. Some sedans offer more space than others, and thankfully, the 2022 Malibu is on the larger end of the size spectrum. It offers over 102 cubic feet of passenger space, including 38.1 inches of rear legroom. In addition to “people space,” the new Malibu can fit up to 15.7 cubic feet of cargo in the rear trunk.
When Malibu is the name, wireless connectivity is the game. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto streaming both come standard with this new sedan. Furthermore, built-in Amazon Alexa is optional. These technologies are easy to use thanks to the Malibu’s 8-inch touchscreen color infotainment system, which also includes customizable user profiles, built-in navigation, and an optional Wi-Fi Hotspot. 6-way manual driver seats are standard on lower trims, but 6-way and 8-way power seats are available as you go up the trim line.
If you choose to pick a lower trim level like the LS or the RS, you can still add Convenience Packages for a more customizable convenience experience. These packages include remote start, a cargo net, and all-weather floor mats. There are several standard convenience features included on all trims. These include a day/night rearview mirror that adjusts based on time of day, keyless open and entry, and cruise control.
Standard Protection: Teen Driver Mode
This brings us to another important standard feature called Teen Driver Mode. This system is standard on all trims of the 2022 Chevy Malibu. This technology is designed to help keep young drivers safe. It includes settings that allow you to edit volume limits, curfews, and even speed caps. Teen Driver keeps up with your teen’s driving stats and relays them to you via a “report card.” This report card includes important information such as the following:
- How many times driver assist features have been triggered
- Which driver assist features were trigged
- Your teen’s top speed throughout the report period
- How many speed warnings occurred during the report period
This standard feature works with another Malibu standard feature called “Buckle to Drive.” Thanks to this feature, it won’t be easy to avoid putting on a seatbelt. When the driver’s seatbelt is unbuckled, they won’t be able to shift into drive for up to 20 seconds. After this, visual and audible alerts will annoy the driver until the seatbelt is buckled and the driver secured.
Other Important Safety Features
If you want to add more driver assist features in addition to Teen Driver Mode, there are several available options. The bad news is that none of these “available” safety features come standard, even on the highest Premier trim. That said, the plus side of that is that you don’t have to buy the expensive trim in order to access the safety tech that you desire.
The 2022 Chevy Malibu includes the following available safety features:
- Forward Collision Alert: Alerts the driver of potential front-end collisions, deploying brakes when necessary.
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert: This feature monitors other lanes and alerts the driver when it’s unsafe to switch lanes. It also notifies the driver when another vehicle is in their blind zone.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: While regular cruise control is standard on the Malibu, Adaptive Cruise Control allows drivers to maintain a certain distance from the vehicle ahead of them.
- Front Pedestrian Braking: The Malibu can detect more than just other vehicles, it also detects pedestrians. When you don’t stop quickly enough for pedestrians, the Malibu will do it for you.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: This feature is designed specifically with parking lots in mind. When you’re in reverse, this feature is used to detect vehicles approaching from the rear left or right.
- Automatic Parking Assist: Do you struggle with parking? This feature can automatically park for you, whether you’re parallel or perpendicular parking.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Self-explanatory, this feature will automatically stop the car for you when a collision appears possible.
It’s safe to say that safety is no issue for the 2022 Chevy Malibu. The best part of it all is that you get to create your own security suite. Features that don’t seem necessary or right for you can be omitted, saving you some cash in the end.
Why the 2022 Chevy Malibu Is the Right Sedan for You
You need something practical that makes your work drive a sinch. You also need a car that’s comfortable, convenient, easy to navigate, and spacious. Oh, and not to mention, affordable. You also want family-friendliness, but you’re not keen on the crossover/SUV style. When that’s the case, the new Malibu is for you.
This is a car that you’ll want to snatch up soon, as it’s rumored that Chevrolet won’t be making these cars for much longer. The brand is simply looking to shift away from making sedans as SUVs continue to be the biggest demand in the market. The bottom line here is that while whatever Chevy’s got planned out to replace the Malibu may be nice; it’s also very likely that it won’t be a car. Since the Malibu title will soon be one of the past, there’s no better time to buy a Chevy car than now.
