The 2022 Chevy Malibu often evokes mixed reactions. It’s a vehicle that performs admirably in certain aspects, yet simultaneously falls short in others, creating a love-hate relationship for many drivers. On one hand, the Malibu excels as a comfortable and capable highway cruiser, offering smooth straight-line tracking and a ride quality that prioritizes passenger comfort, appealing even to the most discerning of drivers.
However, stepping into the 2022 Malibu can also be an exercise in confronting automotive blandness. It occupies a unique space as one of the most uninspiring cars on the market, a testament to Chevrolet’s successful, albeit perhaps unintentional, creation of a vehicle with minimal emotional engagement. Despite this perceived lack of excitement, the 2022 Malibu remains a fundamentally sound midsize sedan that capably fulfills its intended purpose. Let’s delve deeper into a comprehensive review of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, exploring its exterior and interior design, performance, handling, and fuel efficiency to determine if this unassuming sedan could be the right fit for your needs.
Exterior Styling: A Study in Understated Design
The exterior design of the 2022 Malibu is arguably its most criticized aspect, not for being overtly offensive, but for its pervasive anonymity. It’s evident that the designers prioritized a safe, inoffensive aesthetic, consciously avoiding any bold styling choices. The result is a car that blends seamlessly into traffic, perhaps even more so than competitors in its class. While not unattractive, the Malibu’s exterior lacks visual flair, appearing intentionally sterile and designed to offend no one.
Despite its overall lack of visual excitement, closer inspection reveals some subtly appealing design elements. The sloping roofline adds a touch of contemporary style, while the integrated rear spoiler on the trunk lid provides a hint of sportiness. Sharp creases along the upper and lower body panels contribute a degree of visual interest, preventing the car from being completely devoid of character. The rear end’s tapered design, while aesthetically pleasing, unfortunately results in a somewhat narrow trunk opening, slightly compromising practicality.
The front grille manages to incorporate sufficient detail to lend a touch of personality to the otherwise unassuming front fascia. Similarly, the headlights possess a slightly sinister edge, adding a subtle hint of aggression to the Malibu’s face. While these individual elements are commendable, they are ultimately overshadowed by the overall conservative and unadventurous design philosophy that defines the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu’s exterior. It represents a significant departure from some of General Motors’ less successful design eras, showcasing a commitment to creating a decent-looking car, even if it prioritizes inoffensiveness over outright visual appeal.
Interior Design: Swoopy Lines and Practical Comfort
Stepping inside the 2022 Malibu reveals an interior characterized by “swoopy” design elements. Curving lines dominate the dashboard and door panels, creating a fluid and somewhat unconventional aesthetic, especially considering the Malibu’s target demographic often leans towards more traditional designs. This abundance of curves results in an interior devoid of straight lines, offering a unique visual experience within the midsize sedan segment.
While the test vehicle featured an interior color scheme that mirrored the beige exterior, potentially detracting from its visual appeal, the overall interior design is reasonably attractive. The infotainment system and climate controls, while functional, appear somewhat dated in their design, lacking the sleek integration found in more modern vehicles. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay is a welcome feature, enhancing connectivity and user experience.
The “swoopy” design philosophy extends throughout the cabin, evident in the door panel and dashboard contours, as well as the center console. Despite this emphasis on style, practicality is not sacrificed. The center console features generously sized cupholders capable of accommodating large water bottles. The gauge cluster is clear and easily readable, prioritizing functionality, while subtly incorporating the Chevrolet logo.
Rear passenger comfort is a key consideration in the midsize sedan category, and the 2022 Malibu delivers adequately in this area. Rear seats offer sufficient legroom and headroom for adult passengers, making it a suitable choice for families or those who frequently transport passengers. The materials used throughout the interior, including the seat upholstery, demonstrate good durability. The test vehicle, with nearly 40,000 miles, exhibited minimal wear and tear on interior surfaces, suggesting long-term resilience. Even details like the headrests remained clean and well-maintained, further indicating the quality of materials used in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu’s cabin.
Performance: Adequate Power for Everyday Driving
The 2022 Malibu typically comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower. While this figure may seem modest for a midsize sedan, it provides sufficient power for typical driving scenarios. For daily commutes and highway cruising, the engine performs adequately, offering acceptable acceleration and responsiveness. However, drivers seeking more spirited performance may find the 160 horsepower engine lacking, particularly for overtaking or engaging in more dynamic driving.
For those prioritizing performance, exploring higher trim levels or optional engine upgrades, if available, might be worthwhile. However, for the average driver primarily concerned with fuel efficiency and comfortable transportation, the standard 1.5-liter turbo engine in the 2022 Malibu provides a balanced compromise between power and economy.
Handling: Surprisingly Nimble for its Class
Despite its unassuming appearance and comfort-oriented nature, the 2022 Malibu exhibits surprisingly competent handling. While not designed for спортивной driving, it navigates corners with greater agility than one might expect. A key contributor to this perceived nimbleness is the small-diameter steering wheel. This design element creates an illusion of quicker steering response and enhanced maneuverability, making the Malibu feel more agile than its size might suggest.
While the base model’s smaller 16-inch wheels and economy-focused tires may compromise handling somewhat, particularly in demanding driving situations, the overall handling of the 2022 Malibu remains respectable for its class. Drivers seeking improved handling dynamics should consider opting for higher trim levels or available wheel and tire upgrades.
Fuel Efficiency: Respectable MPG for a Midsize Sedan
Fuel economy is a significant consideration for many car buyers, and the 2022 Malibu performs admirably in this area. During testing, the vehicle achieved a respectable 22.5 MPG in mixed driving conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go city traffic. This fuel efficiency is particularly noteworthy considering the reviewer’s self-proclaimed “lead foot,” suggesting that even more frugal drivers could achieve even better mileage. The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu’s fuel economy positions it competitively within the midsize sedan segment, offering a cost-effective option for daily commuting and longer journeys.
Conclusion: A Practical Choice, If Excitement Isn’t a Priority
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu ultimately presents itself as a practical and reliable midsize sedan. It excels in providing comfortable highway cruising, adequate fuel economy, and a spacious interior. However, it deliberately avoids making any bold statements in terms of styling or driving dynamics. Its understated design and focus on functionality may appeal to buyers seeking a dependable and unassuming vehicle for everyday use.
If your priorities center around practicality, reliability, and comfortable transportation, the 2022 Malibu is a worthy contender. However, if you crave a car that excites and engages on an emotional level, or one that stands out from the crowd, you might find the Malibu’s blandness underwhelming. For those leaning towards practicality, exploring alternatives like minivans, such as the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, could also be beneficial.
To gain a more nuanced understanding of the 2022 Malibu’s strengths and weaknesses, consider exploring a detailed list of Chevy Malibu pros and cons. This will provide a balanced perspective to help you determine if the 2022 Malibu aligns with your individual needs and preferences in a midsize sedan.
