2012 Chevrolet Cruze Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Chevrolet Cruze gets more user friendly for 2012, with tech and equipment upgrades across the model lineup and a 2-mpg bump on the highway for the automatic transmissions. There’s also a new 5-door hatchback configuration, but we won’t get to see it on these shores.
The Cruze has a lot pressure on it to perform, with Chevrolet hoping it’ll be the lynchpin of its continued expansion in Europe, pinning it to compete with brands in the old world. Over there, compact hatchbacks are king, but here we’ll have to deal with the sedan version alone.
Thankfully, it’s an easy burden to lift, with the Cruze superseding expectations set in years past by dismal entries like the Cobalt and the Cavalier. Things get even easier in 2012 with this FWD 4-door sedan offering previous options as standard features. In 2011 a Connectivity Cruise Package was offered for $525 and got you Bluetooth with USB, cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel, as well as leather trim there and on the shifter. For 2012, the 1LT and Eco trims both receive these features standard. The 2LT and LTZ trims get keyless start, while the Eco, 2LT and LTZ trims get a 7-inch touchscreen display. Additionally, the LTZ gets foglamps this year, and all trims benefit from remote keyless entry with push-button start.
These changes – especially considering they aren’t part of a planned mid-cycle refresh – show Chevrolet’s continued attempts to up its game. This has been increasingly necessary in light of the updates to the Focus we’ve seen, which have definitely shown that economy cars don’t need to feel cheap.
All Cruze trims except the LS share the same turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, producing 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Buyers have a choice of 6-speed transmissions, and the automatic gets an economy bump of 2 mpg on the highway this year, topping out at 38 mpg for non-Eco trims. The Eco does even better, managing 42 mpg with the 6-speed manual on the highway. These improvements are due to a lowering of the final drive ratio down to 3.53 from 3.87, essentially making overdrive more efficient without losing power down low where the Cruze is certainly not flush. The LS gets a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine, good for 136 hp and still managing 26 mph city/36 highway.
Additional features for the Cruze start with a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, an 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a satellite-ready CD and MP3 player with auxiliary input. The Eco trim also gets lighter wheels wrapped in low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic improvements and additional weight-saving deletions. Unfortunately, one of those adjustments is a smaller fuel tank, which seems a bit like robbing Peter to pay Paul.
More for less is always welcome, and it seems Chevy has figured that out. With competitors continually raising the bar in this previously maligned class, the offerings should only improve. If this is what Chevy has in store for a yearly update, the official mid-cycle refresh should be an interesting affair.
User reviews for 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Write a review2012 Chevrolet Cruze Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.94
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 438 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: black · Window trim: black
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.53
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 438 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Pioneer · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.84
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 438 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 250 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.84
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 438 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 250 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.84
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 438 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Pioneer premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 250 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.5 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ashtray: with lighter · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.53
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: 438 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: polished aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
