Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Cruze

2018 Chevrolet Cruze sedan

Pros: Roomy front-row accommodations; quiet cabin; comfortable and refined ride; availability of economical diesel engine

Cons: Limited rear-seat space; disappointing real-world fuel economy with gasoline engine

CG Says: For 2018, a diesel engine is available in the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback. Last year, the diesel was only offered in the Cruze sedan. Cruze is a compact car that is sold in sedan and 4-door hatchback body styles. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder that develops 153 horsepower and has engine stop/start. Also available is a thrifty 137-hp turbodiesel 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an EPA-estimated highway mileage of up to 52 mpg. Both engines are offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. The gasoline engine can be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel can be mated to a 9-speed automatic. Available features include forward collision warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, keyless access and starting, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, wireless cell-phone charging, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Cruze earns praise for being especially refined and comfortable. Though not sporty in any way, Cruze rewards drivers and passengers with a smooth ride, quiet cabin, and plenty of interior room. Sadly, we got nowhere near the fuel economy Cruze’s EPA estimates (gasoline engine) suggest we should have. A shame, as this is otherwise a very compelling compact offering.

The Facts
Class Compact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Chevrolet
Nation of Manufacture USA
Base Prices L sedan: 17,850
LS sedan: $19400
LT sedan: $21,720
LT hatchback: $22,115
Premier sedan: $24,350
Premier hatchback: $24,820
Diesel sedan: $24,670
Diesel hatchback: $26,310

Base Engine
turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
153
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
27-29
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
37-40

Optional Engine
turbodiesel 1.6-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
137
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
9-speed automatic
EPA City Range (mpg)
29-31
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
45-52

2016 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Chevrolet Cruze sedan
Chevrolet Cruze hatchback
2018 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 5
100%
Side Crash - 4
80%
Rollover - 4
80%

For complete ratings click here.

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