DecodedCars2022 Chevrolet Malibu
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan, Premier 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- CVT, 9-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 29 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,126–3,223 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2022 midsize car (27.1 MPG).
Watch out for
- Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,126 lb (Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 36 highway), 18% better than the 2022 midsize car average of 27.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Malibu — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Malibu →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Kansas City, Kansas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Malibu configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ls/RS/Lt 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,126 lb | 59/41 |
| Premier 4dr Sedan | 193.7 in | 72.8 in | 57.5 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,223 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 36 / 32 | +18% | $2,100 | 275 |
| Malibu | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -4% | $3,150 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.3% |
Similar 2022 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Chevrolet Malibu (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2022 Volkswagen Passat | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Structure › Frame And Members · Dec 14, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V923000 · 2,108 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The front impact bar, a structural portion of the vehicle frame, may not be properly welded to the front frame rail.
- Risk
- An improperly welded front impact bar may result in the front crash sensors not performing correctly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the right-hand and left-hand side of the vehicle's motor rail for an incomplete weld. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Not every 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 33 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 24 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,506 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Malibu years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2024 Malibu | 31 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 44 |
| 2023 Malibu | 30 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 72 |
| 2021 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 90 |
| 2020 Malibu | 32 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 199 |
| 2019 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 195 |
| 2018 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 711 |
| 2017 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 726 |
| 2016 Malibu | 46 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 865 |
| 2015 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 267 |
| 2014 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 330 |
| 2013 Malibu | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 811 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →