How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 9.48% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,430 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare options.

If you find a listing below $9,847.17, 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 — 4.67/5 from owners and 6.67/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. Many also appreciate the safety features and see it as a strong fit for families or students.

That lines up with the Cruze’s role as an efficient, comfort-first compact car, especially if you want something practical rather than quick. The market also shows 26.6% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

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 feels smooth, efficient, and comfortable, with several drivers describing it as a strong everyday choice. The review summary also highlights safety features and family-friendly appeal, while the expert notes emphasize the diesel’s strong drivability and impressive mileage.

The expert evaluation also suggests the diesel powertrain can feel more capable than the gasoline version, which supports the idea that this Cruze can be a dependable commuter if maintained well. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the diesel-specific hardware and stop/start behavior have been cared for properly.

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

At 55.6% 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 you’re considering a higher-mileage diesel example. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the car’s equipment works as expected in daily use. Because this model year has a distinctive diesel setup, it’s smart to pay extra attention to how it drives and whether it feels well maintained.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LT Diesel Hatchback looks like a conventional Cruze at a glance, but it stands apart with its diesel drivetrain, a small TD badge, and a 9-speed automatic instead of the gasoline car’s older 6-speed automatic. It also comes standard with the Convenience Package, adding a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start.
• Powertrain: The 1.6-liter turbodiesel makes 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, with torque arriving at 2000 rpm. It’s not quick, but it delivers strong low-end pull and excellent mileage, with a combined estimate of 35 mpg and real-world results that can run higher.
• Safety package: Teen Driver is standard, letting you set speed and distance limits for a secondary driver and receive 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 the system uses Chevy MyLink. The setup is helped by phone-based voice-command features, though the built-in voice recognition is described as weak.
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel is rated at 35 mpg combined, with test results averaging at least 40 mpg and a highway loop returning better than 50 mpg. The auto stop/start system cannot be disabled.

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:

• Base trim: The LT Diesel Hatchback already includes the Convenience Package, but you still don’t get the more complex rear suspension setup unless you add the RS package.
• Premium/top trim: This diesel version’s appeal is its efficiency and standard convenience features, not extra luxury hardware.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable for typical daily driving, though the diesel’s stop/start system and diesel-specific ownership considerations may matter more than any performance upside.

The safety package note is straightforward: Teen Driver is standard, and the car also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 26.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,430 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.48% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,847.17, 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 $9,922 sits slightly below last year's $10,961.

That kind of price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

Because this Cruze has a distinctive diesel setup, well-kept examples may stand out to buyers looking for efficiency and something less common. 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, giving you tools to set speed and distance limits for a secondary driver and receive reports and notifications when those limits are exceeded. The Cruze also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags.

One caveat is that the car’s strongest safety story is crash protection and monitoring rather than a long list of advanced driver-assistance features. That means you should still verify the exact equipment on any used listing.

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:

• 26.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.48% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Chevrolet expanded the lineup with diesel versions, giving this year a distinctive efficiency-focused appeal.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,348, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,922 average.
• It added a hatchback body style for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the more distinctive and efficiency-focused Cruze, 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 practicality.

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