How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 9.11% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,420 listings available, which suggests you should have some room to compare prices and equipment.

If you find a listing below $9,869.42, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Yes — the 4.67/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.67/10. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Owners consistently praise the Cruze for its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. The model also comes across as a practical fit for families or students, and the overview highlights its uncommon diesel availability as a clear differentiator in a segment where diesel choices were scarce.

With 23.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a competitive offer if you shop carefully.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that many drivers find smooth, comfortable, and efficient, with several owners describing it as a dependable everyday choice. The expert notes also emphasize that the diesel setup delivers strong mileage and usable power without needing to be overworked, which supports the sense that it can be a trouble-free commuter when maintained properly.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is making sure the diesel-specific hardware and stop/start behavior have been well cared for.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

At 54.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and 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 gaps, and any evidence that repairs were done after a collision. Because this model year includes a diesel variant, it also makes sense to pay close attention to how the powertrain feels in normal driving and whether all convenience and driver-assistance features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LT Diesel Hatchback is presented as a conventional Cruze at a glance, with only a small TD badge setting it apart, and it comes standard with the Convenience Package. That package adds a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start, so base-equipment gaps matter if you want those everyday conveniences.
• Powertrain: The diesel setup uses a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine with a 9-speed automatic, and it delivers strong low-end torque along with impressive fuel economy. The gas version is described as slower and less satisfying, so the diesel is the more compelling choice if you value drivability and efficiency.
• Safety package: Teen Driver is standard, and it lets owners set speed and distance limits for a secondary driver while sending app-delivered reports and notifications when those limits are exceeded. The car also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and they help offset the MyLink system’s weak voice recognition. The setup is designed to let you use your phone’s voice-command features instead.
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel is rated at 35 mpg combined, and real-world testing returned at least 40 mpg on trips, with a highway loop topping 50 mpg.

Which 2018 Chevrolet Cruze trim should I buy?

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is offered in 1 trim level: LT Diesel Hatchback.

Here's the short version:

LT Diesel Hatchback: This is the diesel model to focus on if you want the Cruze’s strongest mix of efficiency and everyday usability. It adds the diesel powertrain, the 9-speed automatic, and the Convenience Package with a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start. It’s the best-value choice here if your priority is fuel economy and a more distinctive compact car.

The safety content notes strong crash performance and standard airbags, which adds confidence to the trim’s overall appeal.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 23.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,420 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.11% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 54.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,869.42, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze's resale value?

The current average of $9,929 sits slightly below last year's $10,924.

That price movement suggests the Cruze has already absorbed some of its near-term depreciation, which can help if you buy at the right price and hold the car for a while. For a future seller, the current softness means you may not see a big short-term gain, but a well-kept example can still appeal to shoppers who want efficiency and comfort without paying new-car money.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze safe?

Five-star overall and frontal crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are joined by four-star ratings in side crash and rollover tests.

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

Teen Driver is standard, and it lets you set speed and distance limits for a secondary driver while sending reports and notifications when those limits are exceeded. The Cruze also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. The main caveat is that the crash-test profile is strong but not perfect, with four-star results in side and rollover testing.

Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 23.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 54.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.11% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 stands out for its uncommon diesel availability, which gives you a distinctive efficiency-focused option.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,307, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,929 average.
• It adds a hatchback body style to a newly redesigned compact car, giving it more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the more distinctive diesel-powered Cruze and are comfortable shopping carefully, the 2018 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2017 is the more budget-friendly path and still brings useful hatchback versatility.

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