The 2022 Chevy Malibu is a vehicle that evokes mixed feelings. There are aspects that are genuinely commendable, yet others that leave much to be desired. It’s the kind of car that sparks a love-hate relationship, straddling the line between competent and completely uninspiring.
On one hand, the 2022 Malibu excels as a highway cruiser. Its straight-line speed is adequate, it maintains excellent directional stability, and the ride quality is smooth and comfortable, appealing to drivers seeking a relaxed journey. It’s a car that performs its core function of transportation effectively, especially on long drives.
On the other hand, it’s hard to ignore the overwhelming sense of blandness. It arguably stands out as one of the most unexciting cars available today. The Malibu achieves a level of neutrality that is almost remarkable in its ordinariness. It’s as if Chevrolet deliberately aimed for the most inoffensive and unassuming driving experience possible.
Despite its polarizing nature, the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu became the rental car for a weekend test drive. This review aims to delve into the specifics of this midsize sedan, exploring its strengths and weaknesses beyond its perceived lack of excitement.
My Comprehensive Review of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
It’s important to preface this review by stating that the 2022 Malibu is, objectively, a good car. The primary critique throughout this evaluation centers on its pervasive blandness. Beyond this, the Malibu capably fulfills its role as an affordable midsize sedan, executing its intended functions with reasonable competence. This review will explore whether competence is enough in a competitive market.
Exterior Styling and Design
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the exterior design. It’s not that the Malibu is unattractive. Instead, the issue lies in a palpable lack of daring. The designers seem to have consciously avoided any stylistic risks, creating an exterior that prioritizesinoffensiveness above all else. The result is a car that could be described as aggressively generic, even more so than some of its competitors.
While not overtly unpleasant, the exterior certainly lacks any visual excitement. It blends seamlessly into traffic, unlikely to turn heads or spark conversation.
However, closer inspection reveals some subtle design merits. The integrated rear spoiler, seamlessly incorporated into the trunk lid, is a sophisticated touch. There are indeed thoughtful design elements present, albeit requiring a focused eye to appreciate them. The sloping roofline, a slightly more adventurous choice for such a conservative sedan, adds a hint of dynamism to the silhouette. The sharp creases along the upper and lower body panels contribute a degree of visual interest. The tapered rear end, while aesthetically pleasing, unfortunately results in a somewhat restricted trunk opening.
Considering General Motors’ history of producing less-than-attractive vehicles, the 2022 Malibu represents a significant improvement. The front grille, for instance, possesses enough detail to be considered having a semblance of “personality.”
The headlights also exhibit a slightly more assertive, almost “sinister,” appearance, a surprising descriptor for a car often characterized as bland.
In summary, the exterior of the 2022 Chevy Malibu is not offensive, but it’s far from inspiring. It prioritizes blending in over standing out, a design choice that perfectly encapsulates the car’s overall character.
Interior Styling and Design
Upon entering the 2022 Malibu, the immediate impression is one of “swoopy” design. From the door panels to the dashboard, curved lines dominate. The interior eschews straight lines almost entirely, a design choice that feels somewhat incongruous given the Malibu’s target demographic, often perceived as more traditional.
Ignoring the monochromatic color scheme that matches the exterior paint – a design choice that may not appeal to everyone – the interior is reasonably well-designed. The infotainment system and climate controls, while appearing somewhat dated, are functional and straightforward. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay is a welcome and essential feature in modern vehicles.
The “swoopy bits” are indeed pervasive, shaping the door panel and dashboard contours.
The gauge cluster prioritizes clarity and legibility, presenting information in a concise and easily digestible format. The prominent Chevy logo adds a touch of brand identity.
Even the center console, while offering generously sized cupholders capable of accommodating large water bottles, adheres to the swoopy design theme.
Rear seat space is adequate for a midsize sedan, offering reasonable legroom and headroom for passengers.
The durability of the interior materials is commendable. The test vehicle, with nearly 40,000 miles, exhibited minimal wear and tear on interior surfaces, including the seats, suggesting a robust and long-lasting cabin. Even the headrests remained clean, a testament to the material’s resilience.
Overall, the interior of the 2022 Chevy Malibu is functional and reasonably stylish, if somewhat thematically repetitive with its curved design elements. Material quality and durability appear to be strong points.
Performance
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 needs. Acceleration is adequate for merging onto highways and navigating city traffic. However, drivers seeking spirited performance might find this engine lacking, desiring a more powerful option.
The engine can be described as “spunky” rather than “mighty,” offering enough responsiveness for typical driving scenarios without delivering thrilling acceleration.
Handling
The Malibu’s unassuming exterior might lead to preconceptions of soft and uninspired handling. While it’s true that the Malibu prioritizes comfort over sporty dynamics, its handling capabilities are surprisingly competent.
It navigates corners with more composure than one might expect. The small-diameter steering wheel contributes to a perception of nimbleness and responsiveness, making the car feel more agile than its size might suggest. This smaller wheel is a notable feature that enhances the driving experience, even if subtly.
However, the base model’s 16-inch wheels and tires are a limiting factor, particularly in demanding cornering situations. Upgrading to larger wheels and higher-performance tires is recommended for those seeking improved handling and grip.
Gas Mileage
Over a three-day period, the 2022 Malibu achieved a respectable 22.5 MPG in mixed driving conditions, including highway cruising at higher speeds and stop-and-go city traffic. This fuel economy is commendable, especially considering a driving style that isn’t focused on maximizing efficiency.
Even with windows down at higher speeds, fuel consumption remained reasonable, demonstrating the engine’s efficiency in real-world driving scenarios.
Should You Consider the 2022 Chevy Malibu?
The 2022 Chevy Malibu is a fundamentally decent and reliable car, particularly suitable for those prioritizing practicality and basic transportation. It’s not a car designed to make a statement or draw attention. In fact, its inconspicuous nature is a defining characteristic.
For buyers seeking outright practicality, exploring alternatives like minivans, such as the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, might be a worthwhile consideration. If the Malibu appeals, a minivan might offer even greater utility.
To make a more informed decision, reviewing a comprehensive list of Chevy Malibu pros and cons is recommended. This provides a direct and honest assessment to help potential buyers determine if the 2022 Malibu aligns with their specific needs and preferences.
