2022 Chevy Malibu Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know

October 14th, 2022 by

A red 2022 Chevy Malibu is shown driving on a city street after leaving a Chevrolet Malibu dealer.

Car shoppers looking for a quality midsize sedan will find the 2022 Chevy Malibu is a solid choice in the highly competitive segment. The options and features available from a Chevrolet Malibu dealer are extensive and varied based on what you’re shopping for. If you need help figuring out what trim, color, features, and packages are right for you, this buyer’s guide outlines all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision. If you still have questions by the end, contact the team here at Blossom Chevrolet, and we will get you the answers you need.

What Is the 2022 Chevy Malibu?

The Chevy Malibu has been in production since 1964. Since its debut, the Malibu has been a mainstay in Chevy’s lineup. Currently, the vehicle is in its ninth generation, which was launched for the 2016 model year. The 2022 Chevy Malibu is a midsize, four-door sedan that seats up to five people across two rows. It features a total passenger volume of 102.9 cu.ft. and a max cargo volume of 15.7 cu.ft. It’s available in multiple trims, colors, and powertrain configurations. You can also have the Malibu equipped with various packages from select Chevrolet Malibu dealers like Blossom Chevrolet.

2022 Chevy Malibu Engines & Fuel Economy

You can get the 2022 Malibu in two alternate engine setups, both of which are turbocharged. The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and it’s paired with a continuously variable transmission. The second engine option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder is standard on all but one trim, whereas the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is only available for the Premier trim.

The 2022 Malibu delivers 29 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, for 32 MPG combined with the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder provides drivers with 22 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway for 26 MPG combined. With the 2022 Malibu being available only in front-wheel drive, you get the best possible fuel economy regardless of which engine option you go with.

A close up shows the wheel on a red 2022 Chevy Malibu parked near a lake.

2022 Chevy Malibu Colors & Wheel Options

The 2022 Chevy Malibu is available in a total of seven different colors for the LS, LT, and Premier, whereas the RS trim is available in six different colors. The seven exterior colors include:

  • Mineral Gray Metallic
  • Dark Ash Metallic
  • Northsky Blue Metallic
  • Silver Ice Metallic
  • Summit White
  • Mosaic Black Metallic
  • Cherry Red Tintcoat

There are four different interior colors and material options available depending on the trim. This includes the base Jet Black premium cloth and Medium Ash Gray premium cloth. For additional luxury, you can opt for Jet Black leather seats or Light Wheat leather seats on the LT and Premier trims.

There are multiple wheel options depending on the trim you go with. The LS comes with standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, while the RS is equipped with 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Premier comes standard with 19-inch aluminum wheels. The LT trim has the most wheel options available, with six different designs to choose from. While 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard, you can opt for 16-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch wheels instead.

2022 Chevy Malibu Trims and MSRP

The 2022 Chevy Malibu can be acquired from a Chevrolet Malibu dealer in four different trim formats. The base model is the LS trim, while the sports model is the RS trim. The most customizable model is the LT trim, while the luxury-oriented model is the Premier trim. This should give you an idea of what works for your budget based on the features you desire from a Chevy Malibu:

  • 2022 Chevy Malibu LS – $23,400 [a]
  • 2022 Chevy Malibu RS – $24,000 [a]
  • 2022 Chevy Malibu LT – $26,800 [a]
  • 2022 Chevy Malibu Premier – $33,500 [a]

2022 Chevy Malibu LS

The 2022 Chevy Malibu LS features halogen headlamps with available IntelliBeam technology. Power-adjustable mirrors that can be manually folded with black caps come standard on the midsize sedan. Inside, you have plenty of amenities and technology to accommodate drivers and passengers alike. This includes the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring an eight-inch diagonal color touchscreen display with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with the Malibu LS, along with multiple USB ports, including Type-A and Type-C ports for wired charging.

Steering wheel-mounted media controls are standard for audio adjustments, media playback, and cruise control. A manual telescopic and tilt steering column is also a standard inclusion for the LS trim, along with a six-speaker sound system, keyless open, and keyless start. You have access to six-way manual driver and passenger front seats, power windows, and a theft-deterrent system that comes installed right from the get-go.

A silver 2022 Chevy Malibu is shown from the rear parked on a city street.

2022 Chevy Malibu RS

The 2022 Chevy Malibu RS is outfitted with a number of features both inside and out that separate it from the Malibu LS. On the exterior, this includes dual-outlet polished exhaust tips, special black Chevrolet bowtie badges on the front and rear of the vehicle, as well as black Malibu and red RS trim badges. Black inserts and a chrome surround help distinguish the grille from the other trims, along with the body-color side mirrors. The added touch of a rear spoiler identifies the Malibu RS as the sports trim in the lineup.

Inside, you have all of the standard features from the LS trim but with a few additional features as well, starting with convenient power express-up windows. The eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar control elevates the interior comfort, while a leather shift knob and a matching three-spoke leather steering wheel with mounted audio and media controls help round out the RS’ features.

2022 Chevy Malibu LT

For variety and customization, the 2022 Malibu LT is an easy choice for those visiting a Chevrolet Malibu dealer. While the RS focuses on sporty appeal, the LT is more chameleon in nature, allowing shoppers to outfit it as they see fit, thanks to the plentiful available package options. It does come standard with LED tail lamps and daytime running lamps, though, an added benefit over the halogen lamps. Various interior features also help boost the value of the LT.

Many of the standard features from the RS trim come standard for the LT, such as cruise control with electronic set and resume speed. However, the LT features dual-zone individual climate control settings for the air conditioning, along with heated side mirrors for handling cold mornings. The LT also comes with rear console vents and a three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.

2022 Chevy Malibu Premier

Finally, there is the Chevy Malibu Premier, which is the top-most trim offered for the 2022 Malibu. It comes standard with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that features variable valve timing and a dual overhead camshaft. Like the RS trim, the Premier comes with dual-outlet polished exhaust tips. Unlike the other trims, though, the Premier is equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard continuously variable transmission.

The Premier also comes equipped with LED automatic on/off headlamps, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, and a panoramic sunroof. Like the LT, the Premier comes with a remote vehicle starter system and an extended-range remote keyless entry feature. Where the Premier separates itself from the LT trim is with the eight-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar control and driver seat memory settings. The memory settings also extend to the outside mirrors. Additionally, you get a six-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar control, all in addition to a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM.

A close up shows the driver side taillight on a red 2022 Chevy Malibu.

2022 Chevy Malibu Packages

Select trims are available with optional packages available for those who want to spruce up their 2022 Chevy Malibu or add additional amenities to the overall purchase. You can ask your sales representative at Blossom Chevrolet to find out how you can add select packages to your Malibu purchase. Several different packages are available for the 2022 Malibu, as well as some special editions for select trims. The main packages include:

  • Driver Confidence I Cloth Package – Available for LS, RS, LT
  • Driver Confidence I & II Package – Available for LS, RS, LT
  • Enhanced Driver Confidence Package – Available for Premier
  • Leather Package – Available for LT
  • Midnight Edition – Available for LT
  • Redline Edition – Available for LT
  • Sport Edition – Available for LT

If you want additional active safety features, such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, and Side Blind Zone Alert, you will need to select the Driver Confidence I Package. The Driver Confidence II Package includes additional safety features, such as Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Be sure to talk to our team about which vehicles on our lot are equipped with which packages. If you need any other questions answered or help with purchasing your 2022 Chevy Malibu, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Blossom Chevrolet.

[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.
Posted in Chevrolet Malibu Dealer