Chevrolet Cruze Specs and Review • Road Sumo

The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car that has been around since 2008 and offers more than just a pretty face.

The Chevy Cruze, for more than a decade, offers remarkable efficiency, performance, safety, and technology. Either you choose the sedan or the hatchback body style. The Cruze can go the distance with its lively and responsive engine.

Read on to learn more about the Chevrolet Cruze, including its key features and specs.

About the Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze offers the following:

Remarkable efficiency,
Performance,
Safety, and
Technology.

Whether you choose the sedan or the hatchback body style, you’ll never go wrong due to its lively and responsive engine.

The Chevrolet Cruze was first made in 2008 and hit the South Korean market under the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere’s name. Chevrolet originally designed the Cruze as a four-door compact sedan.

Chevy, in 2010, launched the five-door hatchback body. The hatchback variation is meant to replace the Chevy Cobalt.

The Chevrolet Cruze has a 1.4L turbocharged gas engine with 240 lb.-ft. Of torque. It is also available in 1.6L Turbo Diesel. Moreover, the four-cylinder engine comes with a six-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet marketed the Chevy Cruze globally for more than a decade in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Unfortunately, the 2021 year model will no longer be available in the North American market.

The 2021 Chevrolet Cruze is still available in several international markets and mostly in the South American market.

Chevy Cruze Specs and Features

Engine and Performance

The Chevrolet Cruze has a 153-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Available in an optional six-speed automatic transmission, the Chevy Cruze is eager to accelerate. The diesel variation of the Cruze comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economic and Real-World MPG

The Cruze’s powertrain is impressive and the most efficient in an already affordable class. The gas-powered sedan with a six-speed automatic has a rating of 36 mpg.

Interior

Both the sedan and the hatchback Chevy Cruze model have nearly identical interior measurements in the head and legroom. Depending on the trim level, you can upgrade the Chevy Cruze’s cabin to a surprisingly upscale level.

Cargo

The sedan can hold 14.8 cubic feet in the trunk. It is 13.9 for the LT and Premier Trims. The hatchback behind the rear seats can hold 22.7 cubic feet and 47.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Infotainment

The Chevrolet Cruze features an excellent infotainment system. It comes with a 4G LTE connectivity, a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen with buttons for key functions, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and much more.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Most of the features are optional and not standard on all the trim levels. Options include the automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning.

Warranty and Maintenance

Chevrolet offers the following – limited warranty (3 years of 36,000 miles), powertrain warranty (5 years or 60,000 miles), and complimentary maintenance coverage for the first visit.

Below is an excellent Chevy Cruze review including a detailed look at its specs and features:

Here is an in-depth review and test drive of the Chevrolet Cruze as well as how it compares to its close rivals.

Chevrolet Cruze Trim Levels

Chevrolet Cruze L

This trim is placed below the LS and was first introduced in 2015. The L offers identical standard equipment like the LS trim, but it does not include the standard front and rear carpeted floor mats.

The L trim is only available in sedan and comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 15-inch steel wheels, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports.

Chevrolet Cruze LS

The LS (Luxury Sport) is the base trim for the Chevy Cruze. It is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Aside from the automatic start and stop functions and floor mats, the Cruze LS also comes with the following:

15-inch black-painted steel wheels,
Power windows and door locks,
Premium cloth seating surfaces,
Keyless entry,
Dual manually-adjustable front bucket seats,
Auxiliary audio input jack with a six-speaker audio system, and
An A/M-F/M stereo with a single-disc CD/MP3 player.

Chevrolet Cruze LT

Aside from all the features in the Chevy Cruze LS, the LT (Luxury Touring) trim is equipped with a Driver Confidence package for crash avoidance. And to watch the car’s sides and rear, you get a Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, and a Lane Change Alert. Higher editions add a distance indicator and a forward collision alert.

Chevrolet Cruze Premier

The Cruze Premier is the top trim that comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a proximity key with push-start ignition, a heated steering wheel, upgraded rear suspension, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and LED-accented tail lights.

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

The Chevrolet Cruze’s diesel variation comes with heated front seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a remote engine starter, and a proximity key with push-start ignition.

The Driver Confidence package comes with a rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.

Pros and Cons of the Chevy Cruze

New Style in the Front End

The 2019 model of the Chevy Cruze received a new style in the front end. It also features a revised taillight, wheel design, new colors, and a standard 7-inch touch screen.

If you are looking for a small and sporty feel, the Cruze is not best for you. You should consider the Honda Civic or the Mazda 3.

Infotainment System

For the 2019 model, one of the positive things is the infotainment system. The infotainment system comes with an easy-to-see 7-inch touchscreen display.

There are also Auto connectivity features, Apple CarPlay, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. It has excellent driver connectivity and helps drivers to stay safe on the go.

Teen Drive Technology

Another favorite feature of the Chevy Cruze is the Teen Drive Technology. It is an innovative system that monitors the teen driver’s driving habits. It sends alerts and updates based on their driving performance.

The system also allows you to set the speed and the audio system volume. The sound system remains disabled once the front-seat occupant is not wearing the seatbelt.

Automatic Emergency Braking Is Not Standard

Another unsatisfying thing about the Chevy Cruze is the safety features that do not come standard in the lower trims. The automatic emergency braking is not standard in the Cruze but available in the Toyota Corolla or the Honda Civic.

The manual transmission is also no longer available in the 2019 Cruze, which might disappoint some.

Redesigning the Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevy Cruze was available in the North American market for a decade. It is a good car but not as popular compared to its close rivals.

The Chevy Cruze, since it was released in 2018, continued to deliver a comfortable and reliable ride. For each model year, the Cruze was redesigned to improve the features and performance further.

Redesigned Year 2011 – 2015

The Chevy Cruze was first released in 2008. Chevrolet redesigned it in 2011. The 2011-2015 Cruze comes with handsome styling. It has a solid feel and nice handling. It offers a steady and firm ride that feels controlled.

The redesigned Chevy is equipped with two four-cylinder engines in either a base 1.8L engine or a 1.4L turbocharged variation. The turbocharged engine also offers power and lesser noise.

Both offer an unimpressive 26 mpg. Compared to its class, the noise level of the vehicle is moderate. The Cruze is a bit cramped in the rear, but the nicely finished cabin feels more spacious, even for tall drivers.

Redesigned Year 2016 – 2019

Chevrolet made several changes to the Chevy Cruze since 2016. There are several features from the older models that are no longer available in the recent models.

In 2016, the Cruze received new styling. It comes with a standard rearview camera and a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 2016 year model is more fuel-efficient as well.

For 2017, Chevrolet introduced the notable Teen Driver feature. There are more standard features available in much lower trims. Further, the hatchback body style is available with a turbo-diesel engine in the 2018 model year.

For the 2019 Cruze, they discontinued the manual transmission. They modified the features as well as the exterior styling. The 2019 model also offers an expanded availability of hatchback body style.

Chevy Cruze Rivals

Here are the major rivals of the Chevrolet Cruze:

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of the best-selling compact cars from Honda and a major competitor to the Chevy Cruze. Honda introduced the Civic in 1972, and they originally launched it as a subcompact vehicle. The subcompact variation was around until 2000, and they offered the compact class from then until the present.

The Honda Civic is in its eleventh generation. It is also available in hatchback and sedan variations. The Civic has a combined MPG of 32-36.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling and popular cars worldwide and is another Chevy Cruze competitor. It was first launched in 1966, and in 1997, it surpassed the best-selling Volkswagen Beetle.

The Toyota Corolla’s earlier models were mostly rear-wheel drive, but Toyota offered it in front-wheel-drive for later models.

There are also four-wheel-drive variations. The Corolla is originally a subcompact car, but a compact model has been around since 1991 until the present.

The twelfth generation, which is the latest generation, is available in three body types – the hatchback, sedan, and station wagon. In 2016, Toyota reached the milestone of 44 million units sold.

Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra has been around since 1990. It is famous as the Hyundai Avante in South Korea and Hyundai Lantra in Europe and Australia. It is classified as a compact car and has an MPG of 33 in the city and 43 on the highway.

Hyundai fully redesigned the 2021 model year of the Elantra. It is slightly longer and wider and has a sleeker roofline. The small sedan is available with a four-engine option.

Chevy Cruze Value

The 2019 model of the Chevy Cruze has a starting price of $18,870. It has a nice design, in hatchback and sedan body styles. It has nice infotainment and a comfortable ride. However, if you look at the overall package, the Cruze does not give value to money.

One of the major drawbacks is the safety features that are not standard. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla cost a couple of thousand dollars more, but these cars give more value than the Cruze. There is indeed a reason why the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are best-sellers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chevy Cruze a Good Car?

The Chevy Cruze sedan and hatchback cars are good cars and would be a great choice as your regular, daily driver. It offers good cargo capabilities and excellent fuel economy. Moreover, it has a well-built interior, and the ride is smooth.

What Are the Common Problems of the Chevy Cruze?

Some owners reported having an oil leak in the engine, transmission seals, and cooler lines. Coolant leaks required that the thermostat housing be replaced. The Chevy Cruze has also had trunk release switch issues, which aren’t too expensive to fix but are annoying.

How Long Will the Chevy Cruze Last?

Before the major parts require replacement, the Chevy Cruze can last up to 150,000 to 200,000 miles. The new Chevrolet Cruze should be good for 10 to 13 years.

Is the Cruze a Reliable Car?

According to RepairPal.com, the 2019 Chevy Cruze ranks 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is above average.

How Much Is the Cost to Own the 2019 Chevy Cruze?

The total cost is approximately $5,030 per year. The cost includes insurance, gas cost, repairs, maintenance, and taxes.

Conclusion – Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze has a lot to offer. It offers a comfortable ride, an upscale infotainment system, and a sporty feel. It is also a huge plus that it is offered in sedan and hatchback body styles.

However, the Chevy Cruze is not the dynamic star in its class, given its poor-performing manual transmission.

Some features are only limited to the top trim levels. Overall, the Cruze is a good car that can last up to 150,000 to 200,000 miles. It is ideal for those who are seeking comfort and top-of-the-line technology.