2011 Chevrolet Cruze: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is an all-new compact sedan for the U.S., replacing the Cobalt. It brings a new body, cabin, chassis, engine lineup, and a strong set of standard safety features.
About the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
1st generation Cruze (J300), first U.S. model year.
Chevrolet positioned the Cruze as a compact car for shoppers who wanted small-car efficiency without feeling like they were settling for a stripped economy sedan. The core pitch was “more” — more room than key rivals, more safety equipment, a quieter and richer-looking cabin, and strong fuel economy. In everyday terms, the Cruze was meant to be an easy commuter and family sedan that felt closer to a midsize car in comfort and cabin polish than buyers expected from this class.
The LS is the straightforward everyday version, while the turbocharged LT provides a more relaxed middle-of-the-line setup. The LTZ emphasizes comfort with leather, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors, while the turbocharged Eco uses aerodynamic changes and lighter wheels to favor highway fuel economy.
What changed, by category
2011 Chevrolet Cruze specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 136 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp |
| Torque | 123 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze the first U.S. model year?
Yes. The 2011 Cruze is the model's first U.S. year, and it replaces the Chevrolet Cobalt with an all-new compact sedan.
What engines does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have?
The 2011 Cruze has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the LS and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the LT, LTZ, and Eco. Every trim uses a six-speed transmission, with manual or automatic setups depending on the version.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco a hybrid?
No. The 2011 Cruze Eco is not a hybrid; it uses the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. Its aerodynamic front treatment, grille air shutter, rear spoiler, and lightweight wheels are intended to improve highway fuel economy.
What safety features are standard on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
Every 2011 Cruze has 10 airbags, electronic stability and traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. This standard safety package applies across the lineup, including the LS.
What makes the 2011 Cruze LTZ different from the other trims?
The 2011 Cruze LTZ is the comfort-focused top trim. It combines the turbo engine with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, four-wheel disc brakes, and 18-inch alloy wheels.