Used 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan could be the last of its kind to wear the Chevy badge. Like a few other car companies, Chevrolet is forsaking 4-door sedans in favor of SUVs and trucks. And perhaps waiting to see how the whole electric situation shakes out.

The human race is now in that weird period of history where buying a midsize sedan is almost a non-conformist move. And the Malibu is a rare choice even in this sphere. The best rivals are newer and come with more safety technology as standard, which offsets their higher prices.

Although this review has a section below dedicated to options, we’re going to pre-empt it with a gripe. Driver assistance features — things like forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking — are frequently becoming standard features in most new cars and crossovers above the small-and-cheap level. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry come with adaptive cruise control as well.

Making new Malibu buyers pay extra for such things puts the car at a distinct disadvantage when it’s already older than the midsize sedan competition (this generation launched for the 2016 model year), its resale values are below average, and whose very existence is under a cloud. We’re not going to hold our metaphorical breath waiting for a 2023 Malibu. These features even cost extra in the range-topping model. That doesn’t seem right.

The majority of 2022 Malibu variants come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) — guaranteed to make any driving enthusiast let out a disappointed sigh. Compounding this discontent is a 1.5-liter engine making a mere 160 horsepower, despite having a turbocharger.

That’s just enough muscle for an Uber driver to take a couple of passengers to the airport. They certainly won’t be asking to slow down.

The 250-horsepower 2.0-liter engine in the Premier also comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This is a far more satisfactory setup, able to push what is actually a decent suspension, as well as provide a dash of freeway thrust.

Although the slightly upscale LT trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, it’s offered with optional 16-inch alloys where the wheel/tire combination results in a kinder ride quality.

This is where the 2022 Malibu shows its 2016 roots. It’s nice enough, with a smattering of soft-touch plastics in perceptible places. But the 8-inch infotainment screen is relatively small now, and automotive interior design, in general, has simply moved on. Also, a leather-wrapped steering wheel should not be optional at the penultimate trim level.

Occupant space is generous, however, in both seating rows. The driver’s seat is suitable for a variety of body shapes and sizes, the steering wheel adjusts for height and reach, and rear legroom of 38.1 inches is as good as the Camry — although a couple of inches shorter than the Accord.

A trunk area of 15.7 cubic feet beats the Camry, but gives up a cubic foot to the Accord.

One piece of good news about the Chevy Malibu is that it definitely has visual appeal. There’s a boldness to the double grille, sharp headlights, and sucked-in sides.

The RS version enhances the Malibu’s looks with a black grille treatment, rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a dual exhaust system. LT trim gains LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. It’s also eligible for a few appearance packages that all basically add black accents. The Premier model comes with LED headlights, while running on 19-inch alloy wheels.

WIRELESS SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are great for bringing apps and smartphone-like operation into a car’s infotainment system. Up until recently, a cable is usually required to make the connection. This is no longer the case in any version of the Chevy Malibu.

SUSPENSION
We touched on this in our Driving section. Not that the Malibu is a thrill machine, but a multi-link setup at the rear and a well-tuned pair of MacPherson struts up front create a certain refinement. The car is comfortable on the straights, yet keeps its cool through corners.

In LS trim, a new Chevy Malibu comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, manually adjustable front seats, single-zone air conditioning, power windows/locks, and 60/40 split/folding rear seats.

The infotainment system is based on an 8-inch touchscreen. It includes a 6-speaker audio setup, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and Wi-Fi.

As well as 10 airbags and traction/stability control, a rear-seat reminder is among the safety features.

RS trim is supposedly the sporty one of the 2022 Malibu range, but still has the 1.5-liter engine and CVT transmission. It also adds an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

LT makes things posher with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, remote start function, heated side mirrors, and satellite radio. But not, strangely, a leather-wrapped steering wheel. That’s optional. It’s also eligible for a self-dimming rearview mirror, which is standard in the top trim.

Premier trim has the most powerful engine, memory settings for the driver’s seat, 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated/ventilated front seats, heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, ambient cabin lighting, 120-volt outlet, powered tilt/slide sunroof, an improved infotainment system with a high-definition display, navigation, enhanced voice recognition, wireless charging, and a 9-speaker Bose audio system.

In the first three trims of the 2022 Malibu range, Chevrolet deploys a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 160 horsepower. This goes solely to the front wheels (all-wheel drive is not offered in any Malibu) through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The range-topping Premier trim has a much livelier setup of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 250 horsepower. A 9-speed automatic transmission performs the gear-shifting duties here.

Regular gasoline is fine for the 1.5-liter engine; premium is recommended with the 2.0-liter unit.

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 (LS, RS, LT)
160 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/36 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Premier)
250 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/33 mpg