Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009–2010 Chevrolet Cobalt lineup starts with the XFE, the simplest and most mileage-focused commuter. The LS and LS XFE form the everyday base tier, adding air conditioning; LS XFE combines that comfort with the fuel-saving manual setup. LT and LT XFE are the comfort step-up, with power features and upgraded front seats. The SS is a separate performance branch: a turbocharged coupe with much more power, stronger brakes, and sharper handling.
The Entry-level trim level — XFE — is the stripped-back, mileage-minded Cobalt built around simple equipment and a fuel-saving manual transmission.
Best for: Commuters who value highway fuel economy and simplicity over extra cabin conveniences.
Highlights
The Base Model trim level — LS and LS XFE — is the straightforward daily-driver Cobalt, with air conditioning and either a regular automatic setup or the mileage-focused XFE manual.
Best for: Drivers who want an uncomplicated commuter with an important comfort basic: air conditioning.
Highlights
Adds air conditioning and broadens the powertrain choice: LS uses a four-speed automatic, while LS XFE keeps the five-speed manual and 37-mpg-highway XFE setup.
0 in stock
The Mid-Level trim level — LT and LT XFE — is the comfort-focused Cobalt, adding power conveniences and more supportive front seating without changing its basic commuter role.
Best for: Daily drivers who want a more convenient, less bare-bones cabin while keeping the Cobalt’s practical small-car character.
Highlights
Adds power windows, locks, and mirrors, plus sport cloth front seats with driver lumbar support and a front center armrest.
0 in stock
The Performance trim level — SS — is the driver-focused Cobalt coupe, trading the lineup’s economy-first character for turbocharged power, sharper handling, and stronger brakes.
Best for: Drivers who want quick acceleration and more responsive handling in a compact coupe.
Highlights
Changes the Cobalt’s mission with a 260-hp turbo engine, five-speed manual, performance suspension, Brembo front brakes, and upgraded Pioneer audio.
0 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Entry-level | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | LT, LT XFE0 in stock | LS, LS XFE0 in stock | XFE0 in stock | |
| Engine and power | 2.2L four-cylinder, 155 hp | 2.2L four-cylinder, 155 hp | 2.2L four-cylinder, 155 hp | Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder, 260 hp |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual | LS: 4-speed automatic; LS XFE: 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| EPA city/highway fuel economy | 24/33 automatic; 25/37 manual | 24/33 automatic; 25/37 manual | 25/37 mpg | 22/30 mpg |
| XFE fuel-saving setup | LT XFE only | LS XFE only | Standard on XFE | No XFE version |
| Cabin focus | Power features and upgraded front seats | Air conditioning | Basic commuter equipment | Driver-focused displays and equipment |
| Audio system | 4-speaker CD/MP3 with auxiliary input | 4-speaker CD/MP3 with auxiliary input | 4-speaker CD/MP3 with auxiliary input | 7-speaker Pioneer with USB and Bluetooth |
| Performance hardware | Comfort-focused setup | Everyday commuter setup | Economy-focused XFE gearing | Performance suspension and Brembo front brakes |
| Doors | 2 or 4 | 2 or 4 | 2 or 4 | 2 |
XFE identifies the fuel-economy-focused setup on 2009–2010 Cobalts. It combines a five-speed manual transmission with fuel-saving gearing and an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway rating. XFE appears alone and as a suffix on LS and LT trims.
For 2009–2010 models, the bare XFE is the simpler mileage-focused car with a five-speed manual. The LS adds air conditioning and, in this lineup, uses a four-speed automatic with regular gearing instead of the XFE setup.
The main difference on 2009–2010 models is the drivetrain. LS uses a four-speed automatic and regular gearing. LS XFE uses a five-speed manual with fuel-saving gearing for an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway. Both include air conditioning.
On 2009–2010 Cobalts, LT adds power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, sport cloth front seats with driver lumbar support, and a front center armrest. It keeps the same basic 155-hp 2.2-liter engine.
On 2009–2010 models, both have the LT comfort features. LT XFE adds the five-speed manual and fuel-saving gearing rated at 37 mpg highway, while regular LT uses the non-XFE drivetrain setup.
On 2009–2010 Cobalts, LT XFE adds power windows, door locks, and mirrors, plus sport cloth front seats with driver lumbar support and a front center armrest. Both use the same mileage-focused five-speed manual setup.
The 2009–2010 SS is a performance model, not simply a better-equipped LT. It has a 260-hp turbocharged engine, five-speed manual, sharper suspension, Brembo front brakes, stability control, a performance display, and upgraded audio.
The LS fits that role in the 2009–2010 lineup. It pairs the 155-hp 2.2-liter engine with a four-speed automatic and includes air conditioning, a folding rear seat, and a CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary input.
An XFE version is the mileage-focused choice among 2009–2010 Cobalts. The basic XFE is the simplest option, LS XFE adds air conditioning, and LT XFE adds power features and upgraded seating. All use a five-speed manual.
The LT is the comfort-focused choice in the 2009–2010 lineup. It adds power windows, locks, and mirrors, sport cloth seats with driver lumbar support, and a front center armrest while keeping the regular 2.2-liter engine.
The SS is the enthusiast-focused trim on later Cobalts. Its 260-hp turbocharged engine, manual transmission, performance suspension, Brembo front brakes, stability control, and performance display set it apart from commuter trims.
In the 2009–2010 lineup, LT and LT XFE include power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors. The lower XFE, LS, and LS XFE trims focus more heavily on basic equipment.
Yes. On 2009–2010 models, the SS has a seven-speaker Pioneer system with USB and Bluetooth. XFE, LS, LS XFE, LT, and LT XFE use a four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary input.