“I love my car because it's the right size and fit for me and my needs. Very good on gas and is cute, but also kind of sporty. I love the extras for the radio system and most importantly the notices you get from the car alerting you to low tire pressure, how long till you need an oil change, if there is ice outside and to be careful while driving.”
2016 Chevrolet Cruze: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2016 is the arrival of an all-new, second-generation Chevrolet Cruze sedan. Chevrolet also kept the outgoing car on sale as the Cruze Limited, making 2016 a split year with two distinctly different versions.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
Split year: all-new 2nd-generation Cruze sedan, first year; outgoing 1st-generation sedan, final year sold as Cruze Limited.
For 2016, Chevrolet positioned Cruze as a compact sedan that tried to feel more grown-up than a basic economy car. The redesigned Cruze leaned on better fuel economy, a quieter cabin, more rear-seat room, and easy smartphone integration, while Cruze Limited covered the lower-price end with a familiar, proven layout. Across both versions, the core idea was straightforward: a roomy, everyday small sedan with good highway manners, useful tech, and strong value.
The redesigned Cruze uses L, LS, LT and Premier trims, with LT serving as the mainstream model and Premier adding leather seating, heated front seats and keyless entry. The older Cruze Limited remains in L, LS, 1LT, Eco, 2LT and LTZ forms; Eco emphasizes fuel economy, while LTZ carries the most comfort equipment.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The redesigned Cruze received a stronger standard 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower. The diesel was dropped from the carryover Cruze Limited lineup.
Styling
The second-generation Cruze introduced an all-new body, while the outgoing body continued under the Cruze Limited name.
Safety
The redesigned Cruze gained a standard rearview camera and four-wheel disc brakes.
Tech
The redesigned Cruze came with a standard touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On Cruze Limited, a touchscreen became standard on 1LT, while navigation became standard on 2LT, Eco and LTZ.
Structural
The redesigned Cruze used a lighter body and provided more rear-seat room than the outgoing car.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive / Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25–29 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 30 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36–41 mpg | 35–42 mpg | 42 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 39 mpg | 38 mpg | 42 mpg |
| Horsepower | 138–153 hp | 138–153 hp | 153 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp | 153 hp |
| Torque | 125–177 lb-ft | 125–177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4–36.1 in | 35.4–36.1 in | 36.1 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
The biggest change is the launch of the all-new second-generation Cruze sedan. It has a lighter body, a stronger standard turbo engine, more rear-seat room and newer phone connectivity, while the previous-generation car remained on sale as the Cruze Limited.
What is the difference between the 2016 Cruze and Cruze Limited?
The 2016 Cruze is the redesigned second-generation sedan, while the Cruze Limited is the outgoing first-generation car carried over for one final year. The redesigned model uses L, LS, LT and Premier trims; the Limited lineup uses L, LS, 1LT, Eco, 2LT and LTZ trims.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the redesigned 2016 Cruze has a standard touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Cruze Limited uses the older infotainment system and should not be assumed to have the redesigned car’s phone integration.
Was a diesel Chevrolet Cruze offered for 2016?
No, the diesel was dropped from the Cruze lineup for 2016. Chevrolet kept gasoline versions of the outgoing Cruze Limited on sale alongside the redesigned Cruze.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze substantially different from the 2015 model?
Yes, if it is the redesigned 2016 Cruze; that car has a new body, stronger standard turbo engine, more rear-seat room and updated touchscreen technology. A 2016 Cruze Limited is much closer to the 2015 car because it carries over the outgoing design.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.
4.0
2016 Chevrolet Cruze
(436 reviews)
“After the first few months, I am extremely satisfied with my Chevy Cruze. So far no problems. A great experience. I hope it continues.”
“It's a great looking car inside & out & it's really good on gas which is very important to me”