Chevrolet built its last small sedan in 2019, as General Motors shifted to higher-margin SUVs and a grand plan to electrify them all by 2035. The Cruze, which succeeded the Cobalt and the Cavalier, achieved the quality, safety, and driving performance Chevrolet had lacked for decades in this model segment. In both generations, the Chevy Cruze was genuinely competitive and, at times, better than most of its peers, including the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla, the Nissan Sentra, the Kia Forte, the Hyundai Elantra, the Ford Focus, and the Dodge Dart. Today, no American automaker sells a small car as a traditional sedan. The Chevrolet Trax, styled as a hatchback and sold as an SUV, is the Cruze's successor (and is also surprisingly good).
Unlike most compact sedans, the Cruze offered a range of unique powertrains, such as a diesel with a nine-speed automatic that could easily hit 50-plus miles per gallon. There was also a turbocharged gas engine with a manual transmission. Safety features such as rear side thorax airbags and front knee airbags were standard, and remain rare in any car, while amenities such as navigation, dual-zone climate control, and multi-stage heated seats make the Cruze more comfortable in upper trim levels. It was fun to drive, felt solid on the road, and generally had no major problems.
Chevrolet Cruze: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pros and Cons
- Chevrolet Cruze Generations
- Chevrolet Cruze Second Generation (2016-2019)
- Chevrolet Cruze First Generation (2011-2015)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Chevrolet Cruze years are the best?
The second generation (2016-2019) had improved headlamps, a newer infotainment system, and was available in a hatchback body style and with a diesel powertrain. The last two model years, in particular, were the most refined.
Which Chevrolet Cruze years are the worst?
Diesel models may require fuel filter and emissions servicing, but some of these repairs may still be covered under the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle warranty in qualifying states. If anything, early first-generation cars on the market are likely to be high mileage and more worn out, so watch out for that on a test drive. Avoid 2016-2018 models if engine stop-start systems bother you. The system is obtrusive and cannot be deactivated.
Is a used Chevrolet Cruze a good deal?
Yes, at less than 10 grand on average, a Chevy Cruze is a good deal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good engines
- Well-built and safe
- Comfortable on long journeys
Cons:
- Outdated tech by modern standards
- Abundance of plastic in the cabin
- Slow
Chevrolet Cruze Generations
Chevrolet Cruze Second Generation (2016-2019)
The second-generation Chevy Cruze was designed to parrot the Volt—a more expensive plug-in hybrid sedan. A split grille with a wide lower section, larger displays, and softer dashboard materials made the Cruze smarter inside and out. The previously optional turbocharged engine was standardized, while the Eco trim level was discontinued in favor of the newer generation's 250-pound weight reduction and improved engine, which now made 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque (gains of 17 hp and 54 lb-ft). A diesel engine was not offered in the first year, while a six-speed manual was standard on L, LS, and LT trim levels and unavailable on the Cruze Premier, which came with a six-speed automatic that was optional on all other trims.
This Chevy Cruze was 2.7 inches longer than the previous generation, which resulted in greater rear seat headroom and legroom. The trunk, however, was slightly smaller, at 14.8 cubic feet versus the old model's 15.9. Safety was paramount, with 10 airbags standard—as with the previous generation—including two front knee airbags and two rear side thorax airbags. Additional reinforcement of high-strength steel made the body stiffer and stronger, and a backup camera was standard. Forward collision alert (but not braking), lane-keep assist, and auto high beams were optional on the Premier. Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors were optional on the Chevrolet Cruze LT and Premier trims.
In our testing of a 2016 Cruze, we averaged 35 mpg and enjoyed the comfortable ride, even though the low handling limits were not improved over the first generation’s. There was no manual gear mode on automatic models and no way to disable the engine stop-start, which rattled the car and caused jerky motions when accelerating from a standstill. The eight-inch touchscreen system was logical and easy to use, five years of OnStar connectivity came standard from new, while a short trial was available for the 4G LTE data and Wi-Fi. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, while a wireless phone charger, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated rear seats, an AC power outlet, and automatic climate were optional with the Premier. Pricing started at $17,495 and the Cruze came fully loaded for an MSRP of around $29,000.
For 2017, a new Cruze hatchback debuted in higher-spec LT and Premier trims, in a nod to the sportier hatchbacks popular in Europe. In our test of a 2017 Cruze hatchback, we found the car to be slow when climbing hills or merging onto a highway, which caused our fuel efficiency to drop to only 22 mpg. An upgraded rear suspension system on Premier trims made it feel more agile than versions without it. Cargo space improved greatly to 22.7 cubic feet and 47.2 with the rear seats folded, but the hatch opening was tight and sharply angled, which could restrict access. For 2018, a new 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine was made available, with 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. We tested a 2018 Cruze diesel hatchback and found it to be quick and more enjoyable to drive, thanks to a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaced the six-speed on all diesel trims and body styles. For 2019, Chevrolet made the seven-inch touchscreen system standard on all trims, gave the car a mild exterior refresh, and allowed the driver to disable the problematic stop-start system.
The Cruze was discontinued partway through the 2019 model year. Average list prices for Cruze models in this generation are all under $12,000.
Chevrolet Cruze First Generation (2011-2015)
The Cruze sedan was designed and built by the South Korean firm Daewoo, which General Motors purchased in 2002 to tap into its lower-cost manufacturing and easy entry into Asian and Pacific markets. While Chevrolet began to sell rebadged Daewoo models in its showrooms, engineers worked on the Cruze as the first ground-up product to emerge from the deal. While the Cruze launched overseas in 2008, Chevrolet continued to sell the Cobalt through 2010 and imported the Cruze into the U.S. as a 2011 model.
With a base price of $16,995, Chevrolet had a compelling car that it did not—and really, could not—build by itself. The standard 10 airbags—including two front knee airbags and two rear side thorax airbags—were unheard of in most cars at the time. It also came standard with stability control before it was mandated by U.S. rules. The Cruze was quiet, rode comfortably, packed a large trunk (15.9 cubic feet), and came with OnStar connectivity at a time when Bluetooth was only just gaining traction. A turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine was standard on 1LT trims and above, which delivered only 138 horsepower but a greater amount of low-end torque (148 lb-ft) than the standard 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (123 lb-ft), while a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic sent power to the front wheels. Standard equipment on the base Cruze LS included power windows, keyless entry, air conditioning, and an XM radio. An Eco trim promised up to 42 mpg on the highway thanks to the turbo engine, a lower final drive ratio, and aero enhancements including unique 17-inch wheels. The LTZ added leather, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, more chrome, 18-inch wheels, automatic climate, remote start, rear parking sensors, and a USB port. An RS package added fog lights, a rear spoiler, and new trim pieces around the sides and front of the car.
For 2012, Chevrolet made previous options standard on all Cruze trims, including keyless entry, Bluetooth, a USB port, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and audio system controls on the steering wheel. Automatic transmission models gained 2 mpg on the EPA highway rating and the LTZ model came with push-button start. For 2013, the Cruze introduced three exterior colors—Cyber Gray Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic and Atlantis Blue Metallic—made the MyLink infotainment standard on 1LT trims and above and added safety options including a backup camera and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. For 2014, the Cruze offered a turbodiesel engine, which was priced above the LTZ but matched the 2LT’s level of equipment. The 2.0-liter engine made 151 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque and was rated up to 46 mpg highway. In testing, we found the Cruze Diesel was surprisingly quiet, nimble, and easily kept up with traffic. For 2015, the Cruze received a mild facelift with LED running lights on 1LT and LTZ models. It was also the first Chevrolet to debut a 4G LTE modem with a Wi-Fi hotspot.
This generation continued for 2016 as the Cruze Limited, alongside the second-generation Cruze, and was sold at a discount. Average list prices for first-generation Cruze models range from $6,000 for 2011-2013 model years and $7,000 to $8,000 for 2014-2015 model years.
