How much does the Chevrolet Cruze cost in today's market?

Used Chevrolet Cruze prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Chevrolet Cruze's current nationwide average price is $8,004, and its year-round low is $7,997.35. That puts the model's pricing in a fairly tight band, with used examples spanning from budget-friendly older years to pricier late-model versions. Recently, prices have come down for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Yes — the Chevrolet Cruze earns a strong overall reputation from owners, with the all-generations user rating anchoring that view.

The all-generations owner rating is 4.33/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Cruze for comfort, fuel efficiency, and a smooth, easygoing driving experience. They also frequently highlight its spacious interior, stylish design, and useful tech features.

Expert reviews rate the 2016 and 2014 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs that show up in expert feedback are modest power in some versions, dated-feeling tech in earlier models, and a few drivability quirks such as stop-start behavior and rougher road feel in certain setups.

22.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Chevrolet Cruze models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Cruze’s comfort, efficiency, and everyday usability as its biggest strengths. Across the model years, it comes across as a practical compact car that many drivers find easy to live with.

• Owners rate the Chevrolet Cruze between 3.0 and 4.67 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term ownership risk is that some examples have drawn reliability concerns, so a careful pre-purchase inspection and service-history review are especially worthwhile.

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

Across all model years, at 53.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Teen Driver
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Fuel efficiency: 35 mpg combined, at least 40 mpg, and better than 50 mpg

Which Chevrolet Cruze trim should I buy?

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze offers these trims:

• LT Diesel Hatchback: This is the standout choice if you want the diesel setup, the 9-speed automatic, and the Convenience Package with a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start. It suits you if efficiency and a more distinctive driving character matter most.
• Cruze: The gasoline version is the simpler, more mainstream pick, and it works well if you want the Cruze’s core shape and everyday usability without stepping into the diesel-specific setup.

What Chevrolet Cruze do most buyers choose?

The Chevrolet Cruze years with the most listings are 2017, 2016, and 2015.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare and a wider spread of prices and conditions. That usually makes it easier to find a Cruze that fits your budget and equipment needs.

What is the Chevrolet Cruze's resale value?

The table shows broad downward movement across the Cruze lineup, which can work in your favor if you're shopping used. The sharpest drops are in the newer years, while the older model years show smaller year-over-year changes. That makes the Cruze especially appealing if you want to buy after the first wave of depreciation has already happened.

The 2015, 2017, and 2016 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Chevrolet Cruze safe?

• 2018: 8/10
• 2017: 7/10
• 2016: 8/10
• 2014: 8/10

Teen Driver was made standard last year, and this allows owners to set limits for speed and distance for a secondary driver with app-delivered reports and notifications whenever those limits are exceeded.

For the safest used buy, the 2014, 2016 and 2018 models all post the highest confirmed score of 8/10.

Should I buy a used Chevrolet Cruze now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2018 model is at −9.11% versus a year ago, and the 2017 model is at −4.57%.
• Deal availability: The 2018 model has 23% good and great deals, and the 2017 model has 23.1%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2017 model has the most listings at a current average price of $9,307. The Chevrolet Cruze offers a comfortable, easygoing driving experience that makes it a practical everyday compact car.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: With the new diesel powertrain and 9-speed transmission, the 2018 Cruze LT Diesel Hatchback feels like an entirely new vehicle, with 240 lb-ft of torque showing up at 2000 rpm from its 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine and 137 hp joining the party at 3750 rpm.
• Tech: Teen Driver was made standard last year, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
• Safety: Teen Driver was made standard last year, and this allows owners to set limits for speed and distance for a secondary driver with app-delivered reports and notifications whenever those limits are exceeded.
• Starting price: Available only in LT trim, the Diesel Hatchback comes standard with the Convenience Package that will get you a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start for an MSRP of $25,865.

If you're buying used today, the 2017 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2020 inventory to mature.

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