It’s hard being a sedan these days, and with the growing number of SUVs and trucks emerging onto the scene, it’s causing many drivers to ask, is this the end of the sedan as we know it? According to IHS Markit, 47.4% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2019 were SUVs, while 22.1% consisted of sedans, and SUVs just keep on getting better. If you’re among the many who believe that the extinction of sedans is imminent, you may want to change your tune a bit when you cast your eyes on a crowd favorite. We’re talking about the 2022 Chevy Malibu, a mid-size sedan that has been delivering an inspiring performance since the mid-1960s. It’s one of the oldest sedans on the road today, and it’s still turning heads with its sculpted design and intense performance, helping it uphold the integrity of the mid-size sedan segment, showing that these vehicles aren’t going anywhere.
An Expansive Cabin
SUVs seem to have a leg up on sedans due to the fact that they’re much larger; however, don’t write off the 2022 Malibu just yet. It’s got a few tricks inside its polished doors that are ready to absolutely wow you. The Malibu is known to have one of the most spacious cabins and trunks in its class, offering a maximum cargo volume of 15.7 cubic feet, making it perfect for drivers who need a little extra space. Its large trunk is ideal for families, who need more room for strollers, while its roomy backseat is perfect for car seats, hauling materials for work, or for carpool duties, helping the Malibu to accommodate all types of needs
With plenty of legroom throughout, plus exceptional visibility, the interior of the Malibu showcases all the space you need for a more comfortable ride. Its backseat is large enough to fit adult passengers with ease, offering 38.1 inches of rear legroom, making the Malibu a strong option in the Chevy lineup. Even though it’s up against a sea of SUVs, the Malibu offers great space inside, which is desired by many drivers who don’t want to feel cramped on their way to work, running errands, or on their next road trip adventure.
Smooth Driving Dynamics
There’s a misconception out there that the smaller the vehicle, the more you’re going to feel every bump on the road. That’s simply not the case in the 2022 Malibu, as it features a smooth, agile ride that makes you feel like you’re floating on air. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) not only offers seamless transitions between gears it also enhances the efficiency of the ride, making the Malibu a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to have during any commute.
For a boost of power, the Malibu is also available with a stronger 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which provides it with jaw-dropping 250 horsepower. Few mid-size sedans offer that much power, so when it’s time to enjoy an exciting ride, the Malibu proves that it’s got what it takes to impress. Its superior suspension system allows for maximum comfort, even in rough road conditions, and with velvety smooth handling, guiding this car anywhere is a treat. It helps to enjoy the ride, even if you’re just commuting to work, and the Malibu shows that you don’t need a large and in-charge vehicle in order to do this with grace.
Upscale Features
Modern vehicles are filled with elegant and plush appointments, making any ride cozy and peaceful, and when you want to be dazzled, just take a look at what resides within the Malibu. From premium materials to sink into while you unwind after a busy day to an available acoustic laminated windshield to dampen the noise around you, the Malibu makes for a journey filled with tranquility. Available features, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8-way power driver’s seat provide the Malibu with an upscale appeal that you’d think could only be found in a luxury vehicle.
If you’re looking to be even more inspired, check out its available special editions, which offer even more enhanced design elements. Its Midnight Edition envelops the Malibu in black accents, including 19-inch Black-painted aluminum wheels and more blacked-out features within. The Malibu just continues to offer drivers more, effortlessly keeping up with the stylish designs of its competitors, making it a force in the industry that’s giving the standard SUV a run for its money.
Late-Breaking Tech
It seems as though SUVs and trucks are getting all of the fun tech features lately, with sedans being outfitted with just the bare necessities. In the 2022 Malibu, however, it’s easy to see why it’s continuing to impress drivers near and far. It’s equipped with all of the coveted tech features you’re looking for in a vehicle, like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Alexa Built-In available to make your drive even more productive.
Its easy-to-use infotainment system is also a shining attribute of the Malibu, making this mid-size sedan a favorite for many drivers. If you thought that you could only find this type of tech in an SUV or a large truck, think again. The Malibu is proving why the reign of the sedan is far from over, as it continues to keep up with the demands of the modern-day traveler. That’s why, when drivers want a car that they can rely on with all the features they’re looking for, the Malibu checks all the boxes on their wish lists. Nowadays, tech is a must in all vehicles, not just SUVs, and as more cars follow in the Malibu’s footsteps, sedans are solidifying their occupancy on dealership lots across the nation.
Affordable Reliability
With all that the Malibu offers and with its affordable price tag, it’s no wonder why this sedan continues to be in Chevy’s arsenal year after year, decade after decade. It’s economically priced, dependable, and built with the Chevy reputation standing behind it. Chevrolet has been building vehicles since 1911, and in this time frame, it has perfected its skills, keeping up with the evolving market and the ever-changing desires of drivers across the country. Pair this well-respected reputation with the Malibu’s features, driveability, and design, and it’s a winning combination.
The Fate of Midsize Cars
A lot of drivers speculate that midsize sedans are going to soon be obsolete; however, with all of the impressive options out there, we don’t think this is the case. Who knows what the future holds, especially as more electric vehicles make their way onto roadways everywhere, but there’s a reason why mid-size sedans are still around after all this time. They’re affordable, reliable, easy to drive, and they offer just as many perks as SUVs and trucks offer. The Malibu is a perfect example of this, with its spacious interior, perfect to handle more passengers and gear, its smooth ride and powerful engine, and its designer features to add more elegance to your ride.
Continuing to elevate the status of mid-size sedans from all brands, the Malibu serves as a testament that sedans are just as capable, if not more capable, of delivering the ride many drivers are looking for than their larger counterparts. As our needs continue to change, vehicles will have to follow suit, and year after year, the Malibu continues to do this with unmatched poise. If you think that there’s no place on the road for mid-size sedans, you haven’t met the Malibu.
