2022 Chevrolet Malibu Interior and Cargo

The Malibu is let down by its lack of premium materials low down in the range. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is only standard fitment on the RS and Premier, for example, and a leather-trim gear shifter on the flagship only. The LS and LT have a choice between a Jet Black interior with black premium-cloth seats or a dual-tone interior with a Dark Atmosphere and Medium Ash Gray color scheme contrasting nicely. The RS come standard with the Jet Black premium cloth only. Being the top-spec model, the Premier has perforated leather seats in either Dark Atmosphere/Light Wheat or Jet Black. The latter is also available as an optional extra on the LT but for an added cost.

The Malibu has a 15.7 cubic foot trunk, which is on the small side in this segment, although it is still big enough for a month's worth of groceries. When more space is needed, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split. The Honda Accord has a bigger trunk, offering 16.7 cubes of space.

The storage options in the cabin are more impressive. It has a large glovebox, large door pockets with bottle holders, two cupholders, and a space for small items in the center console and center armrest storage. Rear passengers get smaller bottle holders in the doors and two cupholders hidden in the armrest for trims equipped with this armrest.

The base LS trim is equipped with keyless entry and ignition, power windows, a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering column, six-way manually-adjustable front seats, manual air conditioning, a 12-volt power outlet, an electronic parking brake, a rearview camera, cruise control, visor vanity mirrors, and an outside temperature display. It enjoys a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and allows you to delve into the options list. The RS trim comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear-seat armrest, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar control. The LT adds the nice luxuries, including remote start, heated front seats, front and rear reading lamps, express-up for the driver's window, and dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents - but relegates that leather-trimmed steering wheel back to the options list. The top-spec Premier adds perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel, a 120-volt power outlet, a six-way power front passenger seat with power lumber control, a memory function for the driver's seat, an eight-inch driver-information display, an HD rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a dual-pane power sunroof, and ambient interior lighting.

Chevrolet is known for offering some of the best infotainment systems in the industry. Its systems are logical, user-friendly, and come as standard with comprehensive functionality. All Chevy Malibu models are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen interface. Even on the base car, you can also connect two phones, and it will respond to voice commands if you have a compatible phone. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and you can create a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices. A six-speaker audio system is fitted. The LT adds SiriusXM. The Premier comes with a high-definition display and a nine-speaker Bose sound system. Navigation, voice recognition, wireless charging, and an additional charging-only USB port on the back of the center console are also included on this model.