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
CG Says: Chevrolet Cruze gains a new hatchback bodystyle and diesel engine for 2017. Otherwise, Cruze is relatively unchanged after its redesign last year. A new Teen Driver feature monitors driving habits. LT and Premier trims gain a charge-only USB port in the rear of the center console. Cruze is larger with more rear passenger room than the previous generation—yet is up to 250 pounds lighter. Initially, the only engine was a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder that develops 153 horsepower and has engine stop/start. Added midyear, was a 137-hp turbodiesel 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an EPA-estimated highway mileage of up to 52 mpg. The new 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.
| Class | Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
| Nation of Manufacturer | USA |
| Base Prices | L sedan: $16,975 LS sedan: $18,525 LT sedan: $21,150 LT hatchback: $21,240 Premier sedan: $23,475 Premier hatchback: $23,975 Diesel sedan: $23,795 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 153 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 28-30 |
| 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) 30-31 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 47-52 |
