The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu sits in the long-running midsize Chevrolet sedan tradition, aimed at buyers who want everyday comfort with a clean, contemporary profile. On this generation, tire selection is closely tied to trim level and wheel package rather than one universal setup for the whole model line. The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu uses radial tire sizes ranging from 205/65R16 up to 245/40R19, with additional 17-inch and 18-inch fitments in between. That creates meaningful differences in sidewall height, wheel diameter, and available tire styles, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline choices in some sizes. The first step is matching the exact sub-model and wheel size before comparing appearance and road-use priorities.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu uses four primary tire sizes, and they are tied directly to sub-model and wheel diameter. All of them are radial metric fitments, but the correct choice depends first on identifying the exact Malibu trim and confirming whether the car carries 16-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to sidewall style, tire series, and the kind of driving character you want from the available options.
A 205/65R16 tire uses a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 16-inch rim. On the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, this size serves as a comfort-oriented fitment with a taller sidewall than the larger-wheel alternatives used elsewhere in the lineup. That sizing format is familiar to modern buyers and is centered on straightforward late-model radial fitment rather than vintage-style sidewall presentation. This is the size to verify when the Malibu is equipped with 16-inch wheels and an owner wants to stay with the correct primary wheel-and-tire relationship for that setup.
A 225/55R17 tire has a 225-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and it mounts on a 17-inch rim. For the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, this size bridges everyday street use with a more substantial footprint than the 16-inch fitment while still keeping a moderate sidewall. Available choices include BFGoodrich tires in g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Silvertown Radial lines, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall treatments. It is a useful size for buyers who want to confirm correct 17-inch fitment first, then compare appearance and product character within that size.
A 245/40R19 tire combines a 245-millimeter nominal section width with a 40-series profile, radial construction, and a 19-inch rim. On the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, this fitment pairs the widest primary size on the page with the shortest sidewall profile, making wheel confirmation especially important before selecting a replacement. Product choices in this size center on BFGoodrich blackwall performance-oriented radial lines, including g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and g-Force Phenom T/A. This is the size to evaluate when the Malibu carries 19-inch wheels and the goal is staying with the correct primary fitment for that wheel package.
A 245/45R18 tire uses a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim. For the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, it offers the same nominal width as the 19-inch fitment but with a slightly taller sidewall and a different wheel requirement, so 18-inch wheel confirmation comes first. Available choices include blackwall tires from BFGoodrich in the g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A series, along with the Nitto NT555 G2. This size is worth close comparison when the car is already on 18-inch wheels and the buyer wants to sort through multiple radial product options.
Tire fitment on the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu varies by sub-model, so the trim name matters before any tire is selected. Some versions use one dedicated size, while the LT can appear with more than one wheel-and-tire package, making wheel confirmation just as important as identifying the trim itself.
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2022 Chevrolet Malibu LS
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu LS uses a single radial tire fitment tied to its 16-inch wheel setup. That makes selection relatively straightforward, with the main priority being confirmation that the car still carries the correct wheel diameter and has not been changed to another package.
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu LT is the trim where fitment needs the closest attention, because it appears with 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch radial tire setups. Tire choice starts with confirming the wheel diameter on the car now, then comparing the available product styles and series within that exact size.
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu Premier uses the 19-inch radial fitment, which places it on the lower-profile end of the Malibu range. Selection is less about sorting through multiple primary sizes and more about choosing among the available blackwall radial tire lines in the proper 19-inch size.
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu RS uses the 18-inch radial fitment rather than the 16-inch, 17-inch, or 19-inch alternatives seen elsewhere in the lineup. Tire shopping is most useful once the 18-inch wheel setup is confirmed, since this size has multiple blackwall performance-style choices from more than one brand.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2022 Chevrolet Malibu Tires for Sale
Available 2022 Chevrolet Malibu tire choices center on the 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch fitments, with BFGoodrich joined by Nitto in 245/45R18. Buyers can compare blackwall performance-oriented series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and, in 225/55R17, Silvertown Radial options with wide whitewall or redline styling.
Common 2022 Chevrolet Malibu tire questions usually come down to the right size for each trim, wheel diameter, product differences within each fitment, and the checks worth making before putting the car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu uses four primary tire sizes: 205/65R16, 225/55R17, 245/45R18, and 245/40R19. These are all radial fitments, but they do not apply across the entire model line in one universal way. The correct size depends on the specific Malibu sub-model and the wheel package installed on the car.
The most important next step is to confirm both the trim and the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle. A Malibu LS, LT, Premier, or RS may not share the same tire setup, and the LT can appear with more than one size. Checking the tire sidewall and wheel before ordering helps avoid choosing the right size for the wrong Malibu configuration.
What size rim does a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu use?
A 2022 Chevrolet Malibu can use 16-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch rims depending on sub-model and wheel package. The 205/65R16 size uses a 16-inch rim, 225/55R17 uses a 17-inch rim, 245/45R18 uses an 18-inch rim, and 245/40R19 uses a 19-inch rim. Rim diameter changes with the tire size rather than staying constant across the lineup.
That means wheel diameter should be verified before anything else, especially on used cars that may have had wheel changes over time. Reading the current tire size on the sidewall is often the quickest confirmation. Once the rim diameter is settled, the buyer can compare tire series, sidewall style, and brand options that match that exact wheel setup.
Why does the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu have more than one tire size?
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu has more than one tire size because tire fitment changes with trim level and wheel package. The lineup spans 16-inch through 19-inch rim diameters, and the LT alone can appear with 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch tire fitments. Those differences create distinct primary sizes rather than one replacement size that suits every Malibu.
For the buyer, that means the decision starts with vehicle configuration rather than tire brand. Two Malibus from the same model year can need different tires even when they look broadly similar. Matching the exact size already on the car, unless the wheel package has been intentionally changed, is the safest starting point before comparing tread style or sidewall appearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact Malibu trim and wheel diameter, because the 2022 lineup uses four different radial fitments. After that, compare the product character within that size, including tire series, sidewall style, and any useful specifications such as rim-width range, weight, or stated load figure where those details are available.
The right choice depends on how the car is used and how the owner wants it to look. A blackwall performance-style radial may suit a more contemporary presentation, while the 225/55R17 size also opens the door to wide whitewall or redline styling. Staying inside the proper wheel and tire relationship matters more than choosing the most aggressive-looking option.
What sidewall styles are available for 2022 Chevrolet Malibu tires?
Sidewall style depends on tire size. Blackwall choices appear in the 225/55R17, 245/45R18, and 245/40R19 Malibu fitments, while 225/55R17 also includes wide whitewall and redline options through the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial line. That means sidewall appearance is not the same across every 2022 Chevrolet Malibu size.
The practical takeaway is that appearance decisions come after confirming the correct wheel package. A Malibu on 17-inch wheels has more visual variety than the 18-inch and 19-inch fitments shown here, which stay focused on blackwall presentation. If maintaining a certain look matters, confirm the exact size first and then narrow the search to the sidewall treatments available in that fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
BFGoodrich appears across the available 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch Malibu fitments, and Nitto is also available in 245/45R18. Within BFGoodrich, the product range includes g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Silvertown Radial in selected sizes. Brand choice is broader in some sizes than in others.
That makes size-specific comparison important. A buyer shopping for 245/45R18 can compare BFGoodrich and Nitto, while someone shopping for 245/40R19 is working within BFGoodrich-only choices here. Looking at brand alongside tire series, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility gives a more useful comparison than trying to choose a brand before the exact Malibu fitment is confirmed.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
A period-style approach on a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is more about preserving the car's intended wheel-and-tire proportions than recreating a vintage look from another era. The first decision is staying with the exact primary size that matches the car's trim and wheel package. In 225/55R17, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options add a more distinctive visual treatment than a standard blackwall.
That can be useful for an owner who wants a more custom or stylized presentation without leaving the correct basic fitment category. The 18-inch and 19-inch choices shown here stay in blackwall form, so they keep a more modern appearance. If visual authenticity to a specific build matters, compare the tire choice against the car's actual wheel package and trim presentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
On a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance decision because the primary fitments shown here are all radial. The visible appearance differences come more from wheel diameter, section width, sidewall height, and sidewall treatment than from construction type. A 16-inch setup presents differently from 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch fitments even before brand is considered.
That means a restoration-minded or appearance-focused owner should think first about preserving the correct trim-level wheel and tire proportions. In 225/55R17, wide whitewall and redline choices create a noticeably different look from blackwall options, while the larger Malibu sizes remain more contemporary in presentation. Matching the tire to the car's intended visual character matters as much as matching the numbers.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu even when the replacement tire matches one of the factory-style primary sizes. Aftermarket wheels, altered offset, suspension changes, lowering, and body modifications can all change how much space the tire has at the fender, strut, or steering components. That matters even more on the wider 18-inch and 19-inch Malibu fitments.
A modified Malibu should be checked as it sits now rather than treated like an untouched car from the showroom. Confirm actual wheel diameter and width, then inspect clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel. That extra step helps prevent choosing a tire that is correct for a stock setup but not necessarily suitable for the vehicle's current wheel and suspension arrangement.
What should I inspect before driving a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu on new tires?
Before driving a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu on new tires, confirm the size matches the car's wheel package and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire and vehicle. It is also wise to inspect the wheels for damage, verify that valve stems are in good condition, and check that the tires seat properly and rotate without rubbing.
A short initial road test helps catch any vibration, pull, or clearance issue before normal use. It also makes sense to look over suspension and steering components if tire wear on the old set was uneven. Fresh tires perform best when the surrounding hardware is in good order, especially on the Malibu trims that use lower-profile 18-inch or 19-inch fitments.
How often should tires on a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu be inspected?
Tires on a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu should be inspected regularly, not only when they look low or worn. A quick visual check for cuts, bulges, punctures, irregular tread wear, and sidewall damage is worth doing often, and pressure should be monitored consistently as part of normal ownership. Routine inspection matters whether the car runs 16-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch tires.
More frequent checks are especially useful before highway trips and after seasonal temperature swings that can affect air pressure. Low-use cars still need attention, because aging and slow air loss can develop even when mileage is modest. Catching a problem early protects the wheel, preserves ride quality, and helps the Malibu's tire size perform the way it was intended to.
