The 2022 Chevy Malibu. It’s a car that evokes a peculiar mix of reactions. There’s a certain appreciation for its straightforward competence, yet it’s hard to ignore a distinct lack of excitement. It’s the kind of vehicle that performs its duties reliably, like a dependable appliance, but doesn’t exactly stir the soul. In many ways, the 2022 Malibu embodies that “love to hate” sentiment – it’s perfectly adequate, almost to a fault.
On one side of the coin, the Malibu shines as a comfortable and capable highway companion. It possesses enough power for confident merging and passing, maintains a steady course effortlessly, and delivers a ride quality that prioritizes smoothness, even appealing to those with the most discerning preferences for comfort.
On the other side, stepping into the 2022 Malibu can feel like entering a realm of automotive neutrality. It achieves a level of inoffensiveness that borders on the extreme. It’s a testament to Chevrolet’s dedication to creating a vehicle so devoid of flamboyance, so utterly…bland. It’s an experience that’s almost impressive in its sheer ordinariness.
A beige 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, a common sight in rental car lots, embodies understated transportation.
A driver humorously portrays the mundane driving experience of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu.
Diving Deeper into the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu Experience
To be clear, the 2022 Malibu isn’t a bad car. As we delve into this review, it’s crucial to understand that the primary critique isn’t about flaws in functionality or build quality. Instead, it centers on its overwhelming blandness. It executes the fundamentals of a midsize sedan admirably, fulfilling its intended purpose with competence. It simply does so without leaving much of an impression.
Exterior Design: Playing it Safe
Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the beige sedan on the road – the exterior styling of the 2022 Malibu. It’s not that it’s visually offensive. The issue lies in its deliberate avoidance of any design risks. It’s as if the design brief was to create the most generically appealing, utterly inoffensive car imaginable, surpassing even the minimalist aesthetic of a 2023 Tesla Model 3 in terms of visual neutrality. And in that mission, they arguably succeeded.
A side view of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu reveals its safe and unadventurous exterior design.
It’s not aggressively ugly, but it’s equally far from being exciting or memorable. It blends into the background, designed to offend no one and excite even fewer. However, upon closer inspection, some subtle design elements emerge. The integrated rear spoiler, seamlessly incorporated into the trunk lid, is a neat touch. There are hints of thoughtful design if you look hard enough.
Detailed view of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu’s rear decklid spoiler, a subtle attempt at sporty styling.
The sloping roofline adds a touch of modernity, a slightly bolder choice for such a conservative sedan. The sharp creases along the upper and lower body panels offer a hint of structure. The tapered rear contributes to a somewhat narrow trunk opening, but aesthetically, it’s arguably pleasing.
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu features a sloping roofline, adding a touch of contemporary style to its profile.
It’s a far cry from the era when General Motors was synonymous with uninspired automotive designs. Think back to the boxy and unremarkable designs of the 1980s, like the Pontiac 6000. The 2022 Malibu demonstrates a clear evolution, an effort to create a car that is, at the very least, decent looking.
The front grille of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu presents a more detailed and somewhat distinctive design.
The headlight design of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu offers a slightly more aggressive or “sinister” aesthetic.
Exterior painted in beige metallic, the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu embodies a color palette as understated as its design.
Interior Ambiance: A Sea of Curves
Stepping inside the 2022 Malibu, the immediate impression is “swoopy.” From the door panels to the dashboard, curves dominate the interior landscape. It’s a surprising design choice, considering the Malibu’s target demographic, often perceived as leaning towards a more traditional aesthetic. Straight lines are virtually absent, creating a fluid, if somewhat unconventional, interior environment.
The interior of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, dominated by a swooping design and a uniform beige color.
Ignoring the monochromatic beige that mirrors the exterior, the interior design is actually reasonably attractive. The consistent color scheme, however, can feel a bit overwhelming and dated. The infotainment system and climate controls, while functional, also contribute to this slightly aged impression. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay is a welcome and necessary modern feature.
Apple CarPlay interface on the infotainment screen of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, a key tech feature.
Close-up on the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu’s interior door panel and dashboard, showcasing the prominent curved design language.
The instrument cluster of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, designed for clear readability with the Chevrolet emblem.
The center console of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, featuring generously sized cupholders and the signature curved styling.
Even the center console, with its generously sized cupholders, adheres to the curved design theme. It’s a consistent stylistic choice, perhaps bordering on excessive, but undeniably present throughout the cabin. The rear seats are as you would expect in a midsize sedan – functional and adequate for passengers.
Rear seating in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, offering standard space and features for a midsize sedan.
A comprehensive view of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu’s interior, demonstrating the durability of the seat fabric and overall condition after mileage.
The durability of the interior materials is commendable. The test vehicle, with nearly 40,000 miles, showed minimal wear and tear on all surfaces, including the seats. Even the headrests remained clean, a testament to the quality of materials used.
Headrests in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, surprisingly clean and well-maintained even after significant use.
Performance: Adequate but Not Thrilling
The 2022 Malibu tested was equipped with a 160 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While 160 hp might seem modest for a car of this size, it proves sufficient for everyday driving. It provides enough power for normal commuting and highway cruising. However, for those seeking spirited performance, the base engine might leave something to be desired. A larger engine option would be preferable for drivers wanting more dynamic acceleration.
The 1.5L EcoTech turbocharged engine of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, providing sufficient yet modest power.
A driver experiences the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu’s performance, finding it adequate for daily driving but not particularly exciting.
Handling: Surprisingly Nimble, to a Degree
The Malibu’s unassuming appearance might lead one to expect a soft, wallowy ride and uninspired handling. While it prioritizes comfort, it’s surprisingly more competent in corners than its looks suggest. This perception of nimbleness is partly due to the small-diameter steering wheel. It creates an illusion of quickness and responsiveness, making the Malibu feel more agile than it inherently is.
Point-of-view perspective while driving the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, evaluating its handling capabilities on curved roads.
However, the base model’s small 16-inch wheels and economy tires do reveal their limitations when pushed in corners. For improved handling and aesthetics, opting for larger, upgraded wheels and tires is advisable.
The standard 16-inch wheels and tires on the base 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, which compromise handling in demanding situations.
Fuel Efficiency: Impressively Economical
Over a three-day period, covering 157 miles of mixed driving conditions – from highway speeds to stop-and-go city traffic – the Malibu achieved a respectable 22.5 MPG. This fuel economy is particularly impressive considering a driving style that isn’t focused on maximizing efficiency.
Driving the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu into the sunset, a pleasant experience that nonetheless highlights its fuel efficiency even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Verdict: Practicality Over Passion?
Should you consider the 2022 Chevy Malibu? If your priorities are reliability and basic transportation without any desire to make a statement, then it’s a perfectly acceptable choice. Its anonymity is almost its defining characteristic – it blends seamlessly into traffic, unlikely to draw attention, positive or negative.
However, if you crave driving excitement or want a vehicle that reflects a sense of personal style, the Malibu may fall short. For those prioritizing practicality above all else, perhaps even a minivan like the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica would be a more logical choice. The Malibu occupies a middle ground, competent but ultimately uninspiring.
Detailed exterior views of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, inviting a closer look to determine if its blend of features meets individual needs.
To gain a clearer perspective on whether the 2022 Malibu aligns with your needs, exploring a detailed list of its pros and cons is recommended. Such a list would provide a balanced and direct assessment, helping potential buyers make an informed decision.
