2022 Chevrolet Malibu

The entry-level Malibu is the LS. It has 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, and keyless entry. The RS is a sporty version of the Malibu and comes with 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, a black grille with black badging, and dual exhaust outlets. It also has body-colored exterior side mirrors. Next, step up to the LT for 17-inch wheels, LED running lights, heated side exterior mirrors, and LED taillights, or choose the high-end Premier for 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a dual-pane sunroof.

Chevy gives you a choice between two engines for the Malibu. The first is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower that comes with all trims except the Premier. This engine uses a continuously variable automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive. The Premier gets power from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower. It uses a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Premier's four-cylinder engine is much peppier than the base powertrain and is worth the step up. With either powertrain, the Malibu offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The suspension does an excellent job absorbing bumps in the pavement, and the strong brakes combined with the responsive and light steering make it easy to drive.

Inside, there is room for up to five people in the Malibu. The cabin has comfortable and spacious seating in both rows. Cloth upholstery comes standard, and the entry-level LS has air conditioning and cruise control. The RS adds a power-adjustable driver's seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the LT has heated front seats. Choose the Premier for a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated outboard rear seats.

There's an 8-inch touch-screen display in all Malibu models, and you also get a wireless version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB port, and Bluetooth. A Wi-Fi hot spot and a six-speaker stereo are standard features. Satellite radio comes in the LT, but if you bump up to the Premier, it has all the tech features, including an upgraded touch screen with navigation, a nine-speaker stereo, and wireless charging.

Every 2022 Chevy Malibu has a rearview camera, GM's Teen Driver system, and Buckle to Drive. This feature won't allow the car to shift out of park until the driver buckle's up. For more advanced driver aids, Chevy offers several packages. You can get adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic frontal braking, lane-departure alert, and rear parking sensors. A blind-spot monitor is also available and comes with a rear cross-traffic alert. Depending on the package you add, automatic high beam headlights are also part of the group.