2013 Chevrolet Cruze: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is a broader technology rollout, led by wider use of the 7-inch MyLink touchscreen. New safety and convenience packages also spread features such as a rearview camera, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert across more of the lineup, while the engines and basic structure carry over.
About the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
1st generation Cruze (U.S.-market J300), third model year, before the later mid-cycle refresh.
Chevrolet positioned the Cruze as a compact sedan that feels more substantial than many small cars. Its selling points were a quiet ride, an upscale-looking cabin for the class, strong safety equipment, a roomy trunk, and a choice between a simple base engine and more efficient turbocharged versions. Against rivals like the Civic, Corolla, Focus, and Elantra, the Cruze leaned on big-car feel, safety confidence, and value-focused technology rather than flashy styling or outright sportiness.
The LS is the straightforward value model, while the turbocharged LT serves as the mainstream step up with alloy wheels and cruise control. The Eco emphasizes fuel economy with aerodynamic body pieces, lightweight wheels, and a 42-mpg highway rating, but it also has the MyLink touchscreen and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The LTZ is the comfort-focused version, with heated leather-appointed front seats, keyless access and start, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera.
What changed, by category
2013 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 | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 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 | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
The biggest change is expanded in-car technology. Chevrolet put the 7-inch MyLink touchscreen on more Cruze versions and introduced new packages that broadened access to camera-based parking help and driver alerts.
Is the MyLink touchscreen standard on every 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
No, the MyLink touchscreen is not standard on every 2013 Cruze. It is standard on the Eco, LTZ, and upper LT versions, while the LS has standard Bluetooth phone connectivity and a USB port without the MyLink touchscreen.
What safety equipment changed on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
The 2013 Cruze added new packages that brought a rearview camera, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert to more versions. The LTZ also gained a rearview camera as standard equipment.
Did the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze get a new engine?
No, the 2013 Cruze did not receive a new engine. The LS kept its 1.8-liter four-cylinder, while the LT, LTZ, and Eco continued with the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Is a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze meaningfully different from a 2012 model?
Yes, mainly in technology and driver-assistance equipment. The 2013 model spreads the MyLink touchscreen to more versions, makes Bluetooth and a USB port standard on the LS, and offers broader access to a rearview camera and driver alerts, but its engines and basic structure remain unchanged.