Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 4.68% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,664 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $8,017.06, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze earns 4.1/5 from owners and 7.5/10 from our experts. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners repeatedly praise its impressive gas mileage, comfortable cabin, Bluetooth calling, and spacious trunk. That lines up with the overview’s focus on a practical daily driver that blends efficiency, comfort, and useful features.

For you, that means the Cruze makes the most sense if you want a compact car that feels well equipped without chasing a premium badge. 22.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there’s some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.1/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that many people find efficient, comfortable, and easy to live with over time. It also describes the Cruze as good value for buyers who want a compact car with useful features they can count on.

On the expert side, the Cruze is described as a car that can handle long highway stretches without complaint, and its powertrain is presented as refined and not working hard in normal driving. The cost-effectiveness notes also reinforce that it’s a straightforward, well-equipped compact rather than a complicated one.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that some owners report reliability concerns, so a careful inspection and service-history review matter.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

At 51.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or shows uneven panel fit. Focus on how the car drives, how the electronics behave, and whether the cabin and drivetrain feel consistent with the mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The top-level Premier adds the nicest rims and chrome trim, while the base trim is more limited in how it can be equipped.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder is the only engine, and it is paired with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual on most trims.
• Safety package: Forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams are included in optional safety packages available only on the Premier; blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims.
• Infotainment: The Cruze uses an 8-inch screen with MyLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an onboard Wi-Fi connection; wireless charging is available with the Enhanced Convenience Package.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car was rated at 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, and some models offer up to 42 mpg on the highway.

Which 2016 Chevrolet Cruze trim should I buy?

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is offered in 4 trim levels: L, LS, LT, Premier.

Here's the short version:

• L: This is the simplest way into the Cruze, but it is a true base trim with limited flexibility, so it makes sense only if your priority is the lowest possible entry price.
• LS: This is the trim that starts to make the Cruze feel like a real daily driver, and it should be the first stop for most shoppers who want value without stretching too far.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for many buyers because it sits in the core of the lineup and is the point where more of the useful tech and convenience content becomes available.
• Premier: This is the trim to choose if you want the nicest appearance and the most available equipment, including the features tied to the optional safety packages.

The safety-package features are available only on the Premier, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

This is a moderate market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep buyer’s-market bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 22.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,664 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.68% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,017.06, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze's resale value?

The current average of $8,203 sits slightly below last year's $8,606.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze has already absorbed some of its depreciation, which can help if you buy at the right number. If you keep it in good condition and avoid overpaying now, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss later.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.1/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze safe?

It earns 10 airbags, including rear side thorax airbags in the seatbacks and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Cruze includes a backup camera as standard, and it offers forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams through optional safety packages. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims, while the more advanced safety-package content is limited to the Premier.

One caveat is that the available safety-package features are not spread evenly across the lineup, so you should verify exactly which driver-assistance items are on the car you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 22.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.68% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It offers a polished ride, strong fuel economy, and useful tech for the money.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,307, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,203 average.
• It adds a hatchback body style for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the smarter starting point because it combines lower pricing with strong owner satisfaction and useful equipment. If you can spend more and want the added utility of the hatchback, the 2017 is the better alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.