The 2022 Chevy Malibu is a car of intriguing contradictions. There’s a lot to appreciate about it, yet it’s also easy to find things to dislike. It’s the kind of vehicle that evokes a love-hate relationship, teetering between admiration for its competence and disappointment in its lack of personality.
On one hand, the Malibu excels as a highway cruiser. It offers decent straight-line speed, unwavering tracking, and a ride quality so smooth it would satisfy even the most discerning grandparents. It’s a car built for comfortable, effortless miles on the open road.
On the other hand, it’s hard to ignore the distinct lack of soul and excitement. In fact, it might be the most remarkably bland car encountered in recent memory. It’s almost an achievement in automotive neutrality, a testament to Chevrolet’s ability to create a car that blends into the background with astonishing success.
Yaaaaaaawn
“WTF did I just do?!” Yes, for better or worse, this 2022 Chevrolet Malibu became the rental car for the weekend.
A Comprehensive Review of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
Let’s be clear: the 2022 Malibu is a genuinely good car. As you delve into this review, remember that the primary critique centers around its overwhelming blandness. That’s the core issue. Functionally, it ticks all the boxes for an affordable midsize sedan, performing its intended role with commendable efficiency.
Exterior Styling and Design
Let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the beige sedan on the road. The Malibu’s exterior isn’t offensive; it’s far from ugly. The problem lies in the palpable sense of risk aversion in its design. It’s as if the designers were tasked with creating the most visually sterile car imaginable, surpassing even the 2023 Tesla Model 3 in its understated presence. And in that mission, they arguably succeeded.
It’s not awful, but it certainly won’t set your pulse racing.
However, upon closer inspection, some details emerge as genuinely pleasing. The integrated rear spoiler, seamlessly incorporated into the trunk lid, is a nice touch. There are subtle design elements that reveal themselves if you look attentively.
The sloping roofline, for instance, is a surprisingly stylish feature for such an otherwise conservative sedan. It’s a bold move in a sea of beige, and a virtual fist bump is due to the design team for incorporating it.
Remember the era when General Motors was synonymous with uninspired automotive aesthetics? The author’s 1983 Pontiac 6000 embodies the 1980s equivalent of today’s Malibu in terms of visual excitement – or lack thereof. It’s encouraging to witness GM’s evolution, now making a conscious effort to produce cars that are, at the very least, decent looking.
The front grille, for example, possesses enough detail to warrant the label “personality,” arguably.
And those headlights? They even have a hint of “sinister” about them. It’s a safe bet that this is the first time “sinister” has ever been used in a review of a Chevy Malibu.
Interior Styling and Design
“Swoopy” is the defining word that comes to mind upon entering the 2022 Malibu. From the door panels to the dashboard, the interior design is aggressively curved. Surprisingly, for a car aimed at a mature demographic, straight lines are virtually absent from the cabin.
If you can overlook the somewhat monotonous color palette that mirrors the exterior, the interior is actually quite pleasant.
While the infotainment system and climate controls might appear slightly dated, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay is a welcome and appreciated feature.
The “swoopy bits” comment wasn’t an exaggeration.
The gauge cluster is clear, concise, and easily readable. And yes, that’s the Chevy logo.
Even the center console, complete with generously sized cupholders capable of accommodating large water bottles, adheres to the swoopy aesthetic. It’s a design choice that’s surprisingly appealing.
Because no midsize sedan review is complete without a glimpse of the rear seats.
The durability of the seat materials is commendable. This particular car had nearly 40,000 miles on the odometer, yet all interior surfaces, including the seats, had held up remarkably well.
Even the headrests are free of grease stains, a testament to the car’s resilience despite its mileage.
Performance
The reviewed 2022 Malibu was equipped with the 160 hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While 160 hp might seem modest for a car of this size, it proves sufficient for everyday driving. However, for those seeking spirited performance, the optional larger engine would be a more suitable choice.
Behold the EcoTech 160 hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine – perhaps “spunky” is a more fitting descriptor than “mighty”.
Deciding between “mighty” and “spunky” to describe the engine’s performance. “Spunky” wins.
Handling
The Malibu is a vehicle that defies initial impressions. Its appearance might suggest a soft, wallowy ride and uninspired cornering capabilities. And to some extent, that assumption holds true.
Anticipating some curves in the road ahead. Ready for them when they appear!
However, it navigates corners with more competence than one might expect. The small-diameter steering wheel contributes to a surprising sense of agility and responsiveness. It’s a subtle detail that enhances the Malibu’s perceived nimbleness, making it feel more agile than its visual demeanor suggests.
However, the base model’s puny 16-inch wheels and budget tires can become a limiting factor in more demanding twisty road conditions. Upgrading to larger wheels and better tires is advisable for those prioritizing handling.
Gas Mileage
Over three days and 157 miles of mixed driving, including highway cruising at higher speeds and navigating stop-and-go city traffic, the Malibu returned a respectable 22.5 MPG. This fuel economy is noteworthy, especially considering a less-than-conservative driving style.
Cruising with the windows down probably didn’t optimize fuel efficiency, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices in the pursuit of looking cool.
Is the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu Right for You?
If your priorities are reliability and basic transportation, the Malibu is a perfectly adequate choice. It won’t make a statement, and it’s likely to go unnoticed in a crowd. It’s the epitome of inconspicuous.
However, if practicality is paramount, exploring options like the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica minivan might be worthwhile. If the Malibu appeals, a minivan might exceed expectations in terms of sheer utility.
For a more in-depth assessment to determine if this car aligns with your needs, consult a detailed list of Chevy Malibu pros and cons. It offers a brutally honest and direct perspective.
