Toyota Corolla vs Chevrolet Cruze

The 2017 Toyota Corolla showcased a refreshed front end with thinner LED headlights, giving it a more assertive appearance. The Toyota badge split the fascia with a sharply angled open-mouth grille, reminiscent of Lexus designs. Despite the aggressive front, the Corolla maintained an innocuous look. Inside, the cabin received upgraded upholstery, enhancing its already attractive interior. Standard features for 2017 included a reversing camera and Toyota Safety Sense P, even on the base L trim, which also offered adaptive cruise control, a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Entune, and air conditioning. The Corolla's trim levels ranged from the base L to the exclusive 50th-Anniversary Trim, with the LE adding 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, and auto climate control. The Eco version of the LE focused on efficiency with 15-inch wheels and aerodynamic tuning, while the XLE offered more common features like alloy wheels, keyless ignition, and a sunroof. The SE trim, branded as sport-themed, included an optional 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler, though it lacked true sportiness. The XSE built on the SE with additional features like a sunroof and heated seats. The 50th-Anniversary Edition added unique wheels, upgraded upholstery, and special badging, with a starting price of $21,900.

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT Diesel Hatchback appeared similar to its gasoline counterpart, with sharp lines and an aggressively angled rear end. However, the diesel version featured a new 9-speed automatic transmission, transforming its performance. The diesel powertrain delivered 240 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm, significantly improving driveability compared to the gasoline engine. With 137 hp at 3750 rpm, the diesel offered adequate acceleration for highway passing. The Cruze Diesel excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging over 40 mpg in real-world tests, with highway mileage exceeding 50 mpg. Despite its impressive efficiency, the diesel engine had a higher smog rating than the gasoline version. Handling was sprightly, though the more advanced Watt’s rear linkage suspension was only available with the RS package. The Cruze's interior design was attractive yet divisive, with a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch surfaces. Interior space was comfortable, with a total cargo volume of 47.2 cubic feet, though the hatch's tight opening posed challenges for taller items.

The 2017 Toyota Corolla's performance was underwhelming, with a 1.8-liter engine producing 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. This resulted in the slowest 0-60 times in its segment. The engine was loud and coarse, struggling even on flat surfaces, and the CVT's droning compounded the issue. The Corolla's fuel economy was disappointing, with an EPA rating of 28 city and 36 highway mpg, but real-world driving yielded only 26 mpg. The suspension and steering offered little feedback, making the Corolla feel numb compared to competitors like the Focus, Civic, and Mazda3.

In contrast, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT Diesel Hatchback's new diesel powertrain and 9-speed transmission transformed its performance. The 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine delivered 240 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm, addressing the gasoline engine's shortcomings. With 137 hp at 3750 rpm, the diesel provided sufficient acceleration for highway passing. The Cruze Diesel excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging over 40 mpg, with highway tests exceeding 50 mpg. However, the diesel engine had a higher smog rating than the gasoline version. Handling was improved with the optional RS package, which included a Watt’s rear linkage suspension, enhancing stability over rough pavement.

The 2017 Toyota Corolla offered average or better passenger and trunk space, with 13 cubic feet in the trunk. However, taller passengers needed to adjust the front seats for comfort. The light steering made the Corolla easy to maneuver and park, though it lacked feedback at higher speeds. The Corolla's exterior received an aesthetic upgrade with a Lexus-inspired grille, and the 50th-Anniversary Edition featured a Black Cherry paint job and leather sport seats with cloth inserts.

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze's interior design was attractive but divisive, with a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch surfaces. The LT trim limited luxury upgrades, lacking features like heated rear seats and auto climate control. Interior space was comfortable, with a total cargo volume of 47.2 cubic feet, though the hatch's tight opening posed challenges for taller items. The Cruze's design was memorable, though not for everyone.

The 2017 Toyota Corolla made tech affordable with standard Toyota Safety Sense P, adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera. The Entune system was standard, but the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. Many customers preferred the XLE trim for its larger touchscreen and Entune Audio Plus with app-based navigation.

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Hatchback had issues with its auto stop/start system, which couldn't be disabled, potentially affecting engine longevity. Teen Driver was standard, allowing owners to set limits for secondary drivers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, compensating for the Chevy MyLink infotainment system's poor voice recognition.

The 2017 Toyota Corolla's braking performance was disappointing, with a 130-foot stopping distance from 60 mph, the longest in its segment. Despite a 5-star government safety rating, the Corolla received a Marginal rating in the IIHS small-overlap front-impact test. However, it offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features.

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze received 5-star overall and frontal crash ratings from the NHTSA, with 4-star ratings in side crash and rollover tests. Its 110-foot stopping distance from 60 mph was impressive, and the Cruze was equipped with full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags.