How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 5.80% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,654 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $8,016.51, 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 — 4.1/5 from owners and 7.5/10 from our experts point to a compact car that makes a strong case for itself. The Cruze’s appeal centers on efficiency, comfort, and useful features, and the overview frames it as a practical daily driver that can stand up to more familiar compact-car choices. Owners repeatedly praise the gas mileage, Bluetooth calling, and spacious trunk, while the expert notes reinforce its polished driving feel and long-distance composure. With 25.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have 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 many people find dependable for everyday use, especially when you value efficiency and comfort over flash. The expert notes also describe it as a polished, confidence-inspiring compact that can handle long drives without complaint. That said, some owners mention overheating and other reliability concerns, so a careful pre-purchase inspection matters if you want to reduce long-term ownership risk.

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

At 52.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. Then prioritize a thorough inspection of the body, suspension, and interior condition so you can judge how the car was treated. Because some owners mention vibrations and reliability concerns, it’s smart to focus on how the car drives, idles, and responds under load.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim is more limited, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience features. The top-level Premier brings the nicest rims and chrome trim, and the cabin presentation is noticeably richer with stitched, soft leather-like material and large full-color displays.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder is the only engine, with 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The automatic transmission is smooth and keeps the engine from feeling strained, and fuel economy is strong for the class.
• Safety package: Forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams are part of optional safety packages available only on Premier. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier. Auto-braking and adaptive cruise control are not available.
• Infotainment: The Cruze uses an 8-inch screen with MyLink, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. OnStar connectivity and onboard Wi-Fi are included, and wireless smartphone charging is available with the Enhanced Convenience Package.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car was rated at 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and some Cruze models offer up to 42 mpg highway. The expert also averaged close to 35 mpg over 400 miles.

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:

• Base trim: The L is the least expensive path in, but it is available only one way and leaves out many of the convenience and tech upgrades found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The LS and LT trims represent the core of the lineup in the low-$20,000 range, with enough equipment to make the Cruze feel well rounded without pushing into top-trim pricing.
• Premium/top trim: The Premier is the best choice if you want the nicest interior presentation, the most upscale exterior details, and access to the most advanced safety options.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable for this model year.

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

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

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

• Deal availability: 25.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,654 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.80% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,016.51, 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 $8,139 sits slightly below last year's $8,640.

That price movement suggests the Cruze has already absorbed some of its near-term depreciation, which can help future sellers if the car is bought at the right price. If you pay close to the low end of the range and keep the car in good condition, you may have a better shot at limiting your loss later. Strong fuel economy and practical features should continue to support demand among budget-minded used-car shoppers.

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 mounted 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 optional safety packages add forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Those advanced features are not spread evenly across the lineup, so trim choice matters if safety tech is a priority. The expert notes also say the car feels substantial and heavier than a typical compact, which supports confidence behind the wheel.

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:

• 25.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.80% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert notes highlight a polished ride, strong fuel economy, and a more refined compact-car feel.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,348, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,139 average.
• Chevrolet added a hatchback body style for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the stronger starting point because pricing has softened and inventory is healthy. If you can stretch for the next year and want more utility, the 2017 is worth a look, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2016.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.