Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale near Iowa

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 1.67% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,690 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

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 delivers solid everyday value. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners repeatedly praise the Cruze for its impressive gas mileage, comfort, Bluetooth calling, and spacious trunk. That lines up with the overview’s focus on an efficient, practical compact sedan that can handle real-world driving with ease, especially if you want a commuter-friendly car with useful features.

The market also shows 26.6% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you 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 summary points to a car that many people find efficient and feature-rich, and it also uses language that suggests good value for buyers who want a dependable compact car. The expert drive notes that the Cruze can cover long distances without complaint and feels polished in everyday use, which supports the idea that it can be a car you count on for routine driving.

At the same time, some owners mention vibrations and overheating, so a used example with a clean maintenance history is the safer long-term bet.

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

At 52.1% 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 higher mileage or incomplete service records. Focus on signs of prior body damage, uneven panel fit, and any evidence of cooling-system or drivability issues. A careful test drive should also check for vibration, transmission smoothness, and whether the car behaves consistently when cold and fully warmed up.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The L is the base trim and is available only one way, while the LS and LT add more everyday equipment. The Premier brings the nicest rims and chrome trim, plus the most upscale presentation, but the base trim leaves you with the fewest conveniences.
• Powertrain: The Cruze uses a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual in most trims. The setup is tuned for smooth, efficient everyday driving rather than sporty response.
• Safety package: The Cruze includes a backup camera and 10 airbags, including rear side thorax airbags and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. Forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams 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.
• Infotainment: The Cruze has an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Wireless charging is part of the Enhanced Convenience Package, and the system also supports live traffic and easy menu navigation.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car returned 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, and some Cruze 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 value-focused entry point, but it is available only one way, so you should expect the fewest conveniences. It makes sense if your priority is the lowest possible price and you can live without the nicer equipment found higher up.
• LS: This is the first step up for shoppers who want a more balanced daily driver without jumping too far in price. It should be the trim to compare first if you want the best mix of equipment and affordability.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for most used buyers because it sits in the core of the lineup and opens the door to more desirable equipment. If you want the Cruze’s stronger tech and convenience options without paying Premier money, this is the trim to target.
• Premier: This is the most upscale version, with the nicest rims and chrome trim, plus access to the most advanced safety options. Choose it if you want the most features and are willing to pay more for them.

Safety-package note: forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams 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 looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 26.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,690 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.67% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,992, 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 $8,225 sits slightly below last year's $8,364.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can work against a future seller if the market stays steady. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition, you may be better positioned to limit depreciation later. The model’s practical appeal and efficient reputation should help it remain relevant with budget-minded 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?

The Cruze is one of the few cars sold with rear side thorax airbags mounted in the seatbacks, and it has 10 airbags in total, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.

It earns an 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 on the Premier trim. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims. Auto-braking and adaptive cruise control are not available.

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:

• 26.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.67% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The second-generation redesign gives the Cruze a fresher, more polished feel.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,233, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,225 average.
• It adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2016 is the smarter starting point because prices are softer and inventory is broad enough to shop selectively. If you can spend more for added utility, the 2017 is worth a look for its hatchback body style.

How does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze compare to the 2016 Honda Civic?

Our experts score the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 7.5/10 and the 2016 Honda Civic 8/10. The Cruze is the cheaper buy by a wide margin, which makes it appealing if your budget matters most. The Civic counters with stronger fuel economy, more power, and a higher expert score, so it is the better all-around pick if you can spend more.

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