The 2022 Chevy Malibu is a car of contradictions. It’s a vehicle that elicits a love-hate relationship, perfectly competent in many areas yet strikingly uninspiring in others. As a highway cruiser, it excels with its comfortable ride and confident straight-line tracking. However, step inside, and you might find yourself in what feels like the automotive equivalent of beige – profoundly and impressively bland. But is being inoffensive and utterly practical necessarily a bad thing for a mid-size sedan in 2022? Let’s dive into a full review to find out.
Despite its lack of excitement, the 2022 Malibu is undeniably a good car. Any criticism aimed at it largely boils down to its overwhelming blandness. Beyond that, it capably fulfills its role as an affordable midsize sedan, competently performing all the tasks expected of it.
Exterior Styling: Deliberately Unadventurous?
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the exterior styling. It’s not that the Malibu is aesthetically offensive; far from it. The issue lies in the palpable sense that the designers consciously avoided any risk-taking. It’s as if the design brief was to create the most utterly sterile vehicle imaginable, perhaps even surpassing the minimalist 2023 Tesla Model 3 in its inoffensiveness. In this mission, they succeeded spectacularly.
While not ugly, it certainly won’t turn heads. However, upon closer inspection, subtle design nuances emerge. The integrated rear spoiler, seamlessly incorporated into the trunk lid, is a surprisingly elegant touch. There are indeed thoughtful design elements present, albeit subtly integrated.
The sloping roofline adds a touch of modernity to the silhouette. Sharp creases along the upper and lower body panels contribute a hint of sophistication. The tapered rear, while visually appealing, unfortunately compromises the trunk opening’s width.
It’s a far cry from the era when General Motors was synonymous with uninspired car designs, like my own 1983 Pontiac 6000, a vehicle embodying 80s blandness. Chevrolet has clearly learned from past missteps, now producing cars that are, at the very least, decent-looking.
The front grille, with its detailing, manages to inject a modicum of personality into the design. Similarly, the headlights possess a somewhat assertive, even “sinister,” aesthetic. It’s probably safe to say that “sinister” isn’t a word commonly associated with Chevy Malibu reviews, but perhaps it’s fitting here.
Interior Design: Swoopy and Surprisingly Durable
Stepping inside the 2022 Malibu, the immediate impression is “swoopy.” From the door panels to the dashboard, curves dominate. The interior design language is aggressively curvilinear, a somewhat unexpected choice for a car often targeted towards a more mature demographic. Straight lines are practically non-existent within the cabin.
Ignoring the somewhat monotonous color scheme that mirrors the exterior, the interior is actually quite pleasant. The infotainment system and climate controls, while undeniably dated in appearance, are functional. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay is a welcome and necessary feature in today’s market.
The “swoopy bits” are indeed pervasive, as evidenced by the door panel and dashboard design. This consistent design theme, while perhaps not to everyone’s taste, creates a cohesive interior environment.
The gauge cluster is clear and easily readable, prioritizing function over flamboyant styling. The prominent Chevy logo is a constant reminder of the brand heritage.
Even the center console, housing generously sized cupholders, adheres to the swoopy design motif. Despite the slightly dated aesthetics, there’s a certain unexpected charm to the interior’s consistent design language.
Rear passenger space is adequate for a mid-size sedan, and the rear seats are as predictably styled as the rest of the interior.
Remarkably, the interior materials exhibit excellent durability. The test vehicle, with nearly 40,000 miles on the odometer, showed minimal wear and tear on all interior surfaces, including the seats. This speaks to the quality of materials used, despite the car’s entry-level positioning.
Even the headrests remained remarkably clean, devoid of the usual grease stains often found in high-mileage rental cars. This level of durability is commendable for a vehicle in this class.
Performance: Adequate but Not Thrilling
The 2022 Malibu tested was equipped with the 160 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While 160 hp might seem modest for a car of this size, it proves sufficient for everyday driving scenarios. However, for those seeking spirited performance, this engine will likely leave them wanting more. A more powerful engine option would certainly enhance the driving experience for enthusiasts.
The engine is best described as “spunky” rather than “mighty.” It delivers adequate power for typical commuting and highway cruising, but lacks the punch for truly engaging driving dynamics.
Handling: Surprisingly Nimble, Up to a Point
The Malibu’s unassuming appearance might lead one to expect a soft and wallowy ride with uninspired handling. While the ride is indeed comfortable, the handling is surprisingly competent, exceeding initial expectations.
It navigates corners with more agility than anticipated, largely thanks to the small-diameter steering wheel. This design element contributes to a perception of nimbleness and responsiveness, making the Malibu feel more agile than its size might suggest. The smaller steering wheel is noticeable from the first drive, enhancing the perceived handling dynamics.
However, the base model’s puny 16-inch wheels and budget tires do reveal their limitations when pushed in twisty roads. For drivers prioritizing handling, opting for upgraded wheels and tires is highly recommended.
Gas Mileage: Respectably Efficient
Over three days of mixed driving, including high-speed freeway cruising and stop-and-go city traffic, the Malibu achieved a respectable 22.5 MPG. This fuel efficiency is commendable, particularly considering a driving style that isn’t focused on maximizing economy.
Even with windows down during highway driving, which likely reduced fuel economy, the Malibu maintained a decent MPG figure.
Should You Consider the 2022 Chevy Malibu?
If your priorities are reliability and basic transportation without making a statement, the 2022 Chevy Malibu is a decent option. Its anonymity is almost guaranteed; you’re unlikely to attract any attention in this car.
However, if practicality is your primary concern, exploring minivans like the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica might be a more logical step. If the Malibu appeals to you, a minivan’s enhanced practicality might be even more attractive.
For a more direct and honest assessment, consider exploring a list of Chevy Malibu pros and cons. It offers a straightforward, no-nonsense perspective to help you decide if the 2022 Malibu is the right car for you.
