“The chevy cruise is a great choice for an everyday commute vehicle. Great on gas, comfortable, and can go fast when you need it to. Don't let its small size fool you, it's comfortable and is more spacious than you think.”
2017 Chevrolet Cruze: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is the arrival of the first Cruze Hatchback. Chevrolet also adds an LT Diesel sedan and makes Teen Driver standard across the lineup.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
2nd generation Cruze for North America, second model year. The redesigned sedan arrived for 2016; 2017 adds the first hatchback and the new diesel sedan.
Chevrolet positions the 2017 Cruze as a connected, efficient compact car with more room and a more polished feel than shoppers might expect from a small car. The core pitch is everyday usability: smartphone-friendly infotainment, strong fuel economy, a roomy cabin, and now either traditional sedan practicality or hatchback cargo flexibility. Against rivals, the Cruze leans more toward comfort, technology, and value-packed features than overt sportiness.
The 2017 Cruze ranges from straightforward L and LS sedans to better-equipped LT and Premier models, with the new hatchback giving LT and Premier more cargo flexibility. Every trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premier adds leather seating, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The new LT Diesel is aimed at long-distance drivers with its 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine, heated front seats and power driver’s seat.
What changed, by category
Structural
The first Cruze Hatchback joins the lineup in LT and Premier form, expanding the Cruze beyond the sedan body style.
Powertrain
A new LT Diesel sedan adds a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Teen Driver becomes standard on every Cruze trim. It lets an owner set up a key-linked driving profile intended to encourage safer habits for a young driver.
2017 Chevrolet Cruze specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 30 mpg | 29–30 mpg | 28–29 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 40 mpg | 38–40 mpg | 37–39 mpg | 52 mpg |
| Horsepower | 153 hp | 153 hp | 153 hp | 137 hp | |
| Torque | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.8 cu-ft | 14.8 cu-ft | 13.9–22.7 cu-ft | 13.9–22.7 cu-ft | 13.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze a full redesign?
No. The Cruze sedan was redesigned for 2016, and 2017 is the second year of that generation. The main update is a broader lineup led by the first Cruze Hatchback and the new LT Diesel sedan.
Which 2017 Chevrolet Cruze trims came as a hatchback?
The 2017 Cruze Hatchback was offered in LT and Premier form. LT focuses on useful everyday equipment, while Premier adds comfort features such as leather seating, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
What is different about the 2017 Cruze LT Diesel?
The 2017 Cruze LT Diesel is a new sedan trim powered by a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. It pairs that engine with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic and includes heated front seats, keyless entry and start, and a power driver’s seat.
Does every 2017 Chevrolet Cruze have Teen Driver?
Yes. Teen Driver is standard across the entire 2017 Cruze lineup, including the L, LS, LT, LT Diesel and Premier trims.
How did the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze trim lineup change?
The LT Diesel joined the Cruze lineup for 2017, while the older 1LT, 2LT, Eco and LTZ names were dropped. The 2017 range uses L, LS, LT, LT Diesel and Premier trim names, with hatchback versions of LT and Premier.
2017 Chevrolet Cruze Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze.
4.2
2017 Chevrolet Cruze
(637 reviews)
“Sporty, reliable car with great features. Great gas mileage and amazing trunk space. The inside could be a little roomier but compared to the 2014 model it's way bigger. The backseat comfortably seats 2 car seats with room for 1 an adult. I wish the front passenger seat had electric controls but other than that it's a nice car”
“For the price I was able to get all the features I wanted. It will get you around town but it does feel a little small inside.”