2018 Chevrolet Cruze

Overview

Getting noticed in the compact-car segment is no easy feat, but the Chevrolet Cruze is doing its best. Squeezed into a class that contains almost two dozen cars, including two recipients of our 2018 10Best Cars award (the Honda Civic Sport and the Volkswagen Golf), the Cruze stands out with a comfortable ride, a surprisingly large cargo hold, and several high-tech features. Despite those recommendations, the Cruze’s powertrains fall short where those of several competitors excel. The entry-level model feels underpowered and lacks verve, while a pricey diesel engine delivers excellent fuel economy but uninspiring acceleration. It’s easy to find a satisfactory car in the Cruze’s diverse lineup, but true excellence must be sought elsewhere.

What's New for 2018?

The 2018 Cruze will look very familiar to anyone who was paying attention in 2017. The model lineup saw just a couple of changes this year: a new exterior color called Satin Steel Metallic and the availability of the existing turbo-diesel engine in the sporty-looking hatchback model. Additionally, some running changes implemented during the 2017 model year helped raise the Cruze’s NHTSA rating from four to five stars for both sedan and hatchback.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• L Sedan: $17,850
• LS Sedan: $19,400
• LT Sedan: $21,795
• LT Hatchback: $22,195
• Premier Sedan: $24,395
• Premier Hatchback: $24,895

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Cruze powertrains come in several flavors, and most of them deliver competent performance. The manual transmission, however, kills any fun there is to be had and is best avoided. The diesel engine that was introduced in sedan models last year is now available in the hatchback, too. The diesel hatchback is available with a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. Of the two, the automatic is better equipped for maximizing the diesel’s abundant low-end torque. The Cruze’s base powertrain is a 153-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Usually, we prefer manual transmissions, but not in this case. In our experience, the manual’s tall gearing puts the Cruze to sleep around town, necessitating lots of extra shifting—which is no pleasure, due to an overly light clutch pedal and long, sloppy shifter throws. Outfitted with the optional automatic, however, the Cruze is more eager to accelerate and manages to avoid the weaker—and noisier—part of the engine’s rev range above 5500 rpm. The Cruze’s available diesel is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four that produces 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque A six-speed manual is standard, while a nine-speed automatic is optional. The Cruze feels substantial on the road, larger and more stable than its dimensions would suggest. Its supple ride, relaxed handling, comfy seats, and impressively quiet interior make it the long-distance cruiser of this class. If you’re looking for a sporty driving experience in your small car, however, there are several better choices. The Cruze’s soft suspension causes it to feel imprecise when driven aggressively in corners, but the payoff is a smooth ride over bumps and potholes.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Depending on the trim level, the Cruze’s cabin can be optioned to a surprisingly upscale level for a compact car, but many Cruze customers will be priced out of these desirable extras. The Cruze comes with very few standard amenities. The cloth seats found in the base models are comfortable, but buyers will have to opt up to the Premier trim before you can get a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Premier’s optional heated steering wheel and heated rear seats are a treat in this segment; that cruise control isn’t standard dulls the sheen. Despite its diminutive dimensions, the Cruze carries about as much cargo as many mid-size sedans and matches or betters much of its competition in our carry-on luggage test. Opting for the hatchback nets an extra 11 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded, that cargo space nearly doubles to 47 cubic feet.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system is excellent, and the Cruze gives buyers access to technology such as 4G LTE connectivity. Displayed on a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen with a row of redundant buttons for key functions along the bottom of the screen, MyLink is a simple system that most users will easily understand. Navigation is only available in Premier models, but owners of base-model cars can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to source directions from a smartphone. The Cruze Premier model we tested returned good results in our test of its touchscreen’s average response times. The Cruze rates highly in its class in feature availability as well as performance.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Chevrolet Cruze’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.