2022 Chevrolet Malibu Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is officially not recommended for towing by the manufacturer, meaning its official maximum towing capacity is 0 pounds. While aftermarket hitches are available for this midsize sedan, attaching a trailer and pulling weight with a 2022 Malibu can cause severe damage to the powertrain and potentially void your vehicle's warranty. If you need to transport gear, you must rely on the vehicle's payload capacity rather than towing.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 0 lbs (Towing is not recommended by Chevrolet)
• Max Payload: 850 – 1,000 lbs (varies by trim and equipment)
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 4,630 lbs (approximate max, varies by trim)
• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): N/A (Not rated for towing)
• Curb Weight: 3,135 – 3,366 lbs
• Hitch Class: Aftermarket Class I only (for bike racks/cargo carriers, not trailers)

Note: Because towing is not recommended, this vehicle does not have an SAE J2807 tow rating. Always verify your specific payload capacity by checking the tire and loading information sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The 2022 Malibu is offered with two engine options: a 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder and a 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder. Regardless of the engine, drivetrain (Front-Wheel Drive), or trim level, Chevrolet explicitly states in the owner's manual that the vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.

Tow package contents

Because the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is a passenger sedan not designed for towing, there are no factory tow packages available.

• Transmission Cooler: Not available for towing purposes.
• Integrated Brake Controller: Not available.
• Trailer Sway Control: Not equipped.
• 7-Pin Wiring Harness: Not available (aftermarket 4-pin harnesses exist but are discouraged for actual trailer use).

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

Weight Distribution Hitches (WDH) are strictly for vehicles that can tow significant loads. Because the Malibu cannot tow, WDH requirements are not applicable. If you install an aftermarket Class I receiver hitch (typically 1.25-inch), it should strictly be used for hitch-mounted accessories like lightweight bike racks or small cargo trays. Ensure that the total weight of the accessory and the cargo does not exceed the tongue weight limit of the aftermarket hitch (usually 150 to 200 lbs) or the rear axle weight rating of the car.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

1. Do Not Tow: The most important tip for the 2022 Malibu is to avoid towing entirely. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with the 1.5L engine, and the 9-speed automatic paired with the 2.0L engine, are not engineered to handle the thermal loads and mechanical stress of pulling a trailer.
2. Utilize Payload Instead: Maximize your interior cargo space and trunk. The Malibu offers a spacious trunk, and folding down the rear seats can accommodate larger items.
3. Hitch Accessories: If you use a hitch for a bike rack, remember that this weight counts against your total payload capacity. Subtract the weight of the hitch, the rack, and the bicycles from your door-jamb payload rating to ensure you don't overload the sedan.
4. Roof Racks: A better alternative for carrying extra gear is a roof rack system. Be sure to check the aftermarket roof rack manufacturer's weight limits (dynamic roof weight is usually limited to around 100-150 lbs).

Common towing-related issues

If an owner ignores the manufacturer's warnings and attempts to tow with a 2022 Malibu, several severe issues are likely to occur:

• Transmission Failure: The most common failure when towing with a non-rated vehicle. Overheating can destroy the CVT or the 9-speed automatic transmission very quickly.
• Brake Fade: The Malibu's brakes are sized for the weight of the car and its payload, not the added momentum of an unbraked trailer.
• Suspension Sag: The rear suspension will bottom out under the tongue weight of a trailer, leading to poor steering control, erratic handling, and uneven tire wear.
• Voided Warranty: Dealerships can easily identify damage caused by unauthorized towing, which will instantly void powertrain warranty claims.

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