When someone mentions Malibu, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Do you think of fun in the sun, surfing, and the hot sand on the beach? If the answer is yes, we recommend a travel agent; however, if you’re thinking about the popular Chevrolet sedan, we have some rather exciting news. The 2022 Chevy Malibu is the standard-bearer for versatility and dependability, and it’s available to those who seek an economical and practical method of transportation. With the SUV now on a pedestal as the ideal family vehicle and the EV continuing to gain traction within the marketplace, the 2022 Chevy Malibu is the tortoise among hares. Strong, steady, and independent in its demeanor, the Malibu doesn’t require bells and whistles or smoke and mirrors to show its virtues. The Malibu speaks for itself as the car for the average person. And in a world where the only thing consistent is its unpredictable nature and inconsistency, isn’t a little reassurance long overdue? We certainly think so.
Ideal Performance for a Less-Than-Ideal World
As we’ve mentioned, the world is a place that’s increasingly unpredictable with what it decides to throw your way. Luckily, the Malibu offers stability in the form of above-average performance. For the base offering, Chevrolet has equipped the Malibu with a Turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. Its 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque will certainly feel nice, especially when paired with GM’s CVT (continuously variable transmission). If it’s more power you want, the Premier edition comes equipped with a setup that’s certain to entice any driver—a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine boasts an impressive 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While CVT-equipped vehicles are excellent for smaller engines, Chevrolet knows the driver who favors horsepower also needs a transmission built to handle the horses, which is why the premier trim line comes equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Would you expect anything less? We think not.
As with other four-door sedans on the market, the 2022 Chevy Malibu places a great deal of emphasis on fuel economy. With the uncertainty of fuel prices being what they are, that’s undoubtedly a collective sigh of relief. The 1.5L engine is equipped to get favorable mileage with 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Those more performance-oriented will still save a decent amount at the pump, as the 2.0L achieves 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. These are impressive numbers for sure, and ones that don’t sacrifice performance for economy.
For the times that require a bit more control than others, all trims come with GM’s Stabilitrak system. This driving assistance technology enhances control by adjusting the car’s brakes and torque to maintain the current position. Brake assist and traction control are also part of these packages to help you handle all the curves that come your way.
Interior Motives and Cool Comfort
Effective fuel economy ensures that your commutes will be cost-effective, and your trips to the gas station for snacks will outnumber the times you have to fill up. And since you now can have efficient commutes and long road trips to enjoy some much-needed playtime, you might as well enjoy the time you’re spending inside your vehicle. Not to worry—Chevy has outfitted the Malibu with plenty of amenities to make sure that the time in your car is time well spent.
For all you audiophiles who can’t live without your tunes, the Malibu comes standard with a six-speaker audio system. Drivers who decide to opt for the Premier trim will have the luxurious advantage of a nine-speaker premium Bose sound system. Standard on all trim lines are cruise control, air conditioning, and a cabin air filter. The lower trims all have a stylish 8-inch infotainment system, but the premier line offers one with built-in navigation.
The interior for the Malibu is what you would come to expect from a mid-sized sedan; however, the trunk space is its best attribute, with over 15 cubic feet of storage space. It’s perfect for those long car trips where extra snacks are not only a possibility but an essential component. While the interior of the Malibu might not grab the attention of those who crave aesthetics, this is the perfect time to remind you that with a starting MSRP of $23,400, Chevrolet is offering consumers practicality that’s less expensive than Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, and Nissan. That’s competitive pricing for a product that allows for a better quality of life.
Driving Assistance and Safety
Safety is a concern that many average consumers have when it comes to the vehicles they decide to purchase. Rest assured that in testing by the NHTSA, the Malibu received a four-star overall safety rating. When it comes to the standard safety and driving assistance features that the Malibu comes equipped with, there’s more than enough to provide any driver with peace of mind.
A rear vision camera, a tire pressure monitoring system, and cruise control all come standard. Also standard is a 10-airbag deployment system in the event of a collision. Compatibility with OnStar Connected Services is also on all packages. Chevrolet also equips all versions of the Malibu with the Teen Driver program. As one of the best methods for reinforcing the education of younger drivers, it allows parents to keep a closer eye on the driving habits they’re in the process of developing.
Other safety features, including a forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning, are available on all trims of the Malibu but not standard. You also have the opportunity to equip higher trims of the Malibu with adaptive cruise control. If you’re someone who partakes in lengthy road trips, this is one feature that you’ll want to take advantage of. By monitoring traffic patterns, the speed of your car can be adjusted accordingly, slowing you down if there is traffic and bringing you back up to your preset speed when the way is clear. If you’ve ever traveled down a long, barren stretch of highway, you’ll want some extra help to alleviate some of the monotony.
As for the warranty coverage for added peace of mind, Chevrolet guarantees the first scheduled maintenance visit for free and all new Chevy vehicles come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty that lasts for 3 years/36,000-miles and a powertrain warranty that lasts for 5 years/60,000 miles.
An Ideal Choice for Fun in the Sun
In the movie Funny Girl, Barbara Streisand sings the song “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” The 2022 Chevy Malibu certainly lives up to its namesake as a vehicle that will keep you out of the rain and have the sun always shining. Offering efficiency, ideal fuel economy, and safety to the average consumer have long been some of the hallmarks of Chevy as a brand. The 2022 Chevy Malibu is another in a long line of vehicles that adhere to the highest quality standards. The weather, much like life itself, is uncertain, unpredictable, and at any moment can throw twists, turns, and quite a few roadblocks in your direction. Malibu offers consistent sunny days for when these unforeseen events occur. After all, you have enough to worry about—the last thing you need is some raindrops ruining your parade.
