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Chevrolet Cruze: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Chevrolet Cruze is a front-wheel-drive compact car sold in the U.S. as a sedan and, in its later years, a hatchback. It is known for good fuel economy, quiet comfort, simple controls, and useful phone-friendly technology.
Across its 2011–2019 U.S. run, the Cruze focused on making everyday compact-car driving feel easy and comfortable rather than sporty. The first generation emphasized a quiet, roomy cabin, fuel economy, and a strong standard safety package. The second generation added better phone integration, more rear-seat room, and a practical hatchback while keeping the same sensible character.
Strengths
- The Cruze favors a quiet, comfortable ride and straightforward controls over a sporty feel.
- Fuel economy is a clear strength, and the 2019 diesel was rated at 45 to 48 mpg on the highway depending on body style.
- The hatchback adds useful cargo flexibility without moving up to a larger vehicle.
- Phone integration became especially easy with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the redesigned 2016 Cruze.
- The 2016 redesign added more rear-seat room, making the second-generation car friendlier for passengers.
- Safety received meaningful attention, from 10 standard airbags and stability control at the 2011 launch to standard Teen Driver technology in 2017.
Who it's for
The Cruze best fits commuters, first-time buyers, and small households looking for an easygoing used car for daily errands and highway trips. The sedan suits shoppers with straightforward transportation needs, while the later hatchback is more useful for bulky cargo. A diesel Cruze makes the most sense for someone who regularly covers long highway distances.
Chevrolet Cruze lineup
The L and LS sit at the value-focused end of the lineup, so they suit shoppers who mainly want simple transportation. The LT is the middle-ground Cruze and is the natural step up for a broader mix of everyday conveniences. LTZ in the first generation and Premier in the second occupy the more upscale end of their respective lineups. Earlier Eco models focus on gas mileage, while Diesel and LT Diesel versions are the highway-efficiency choices; in later years, LT Diesel was also offered as a hatchback.
Chevrolet Cruze generations
From 2011 to 2019, the Cruze spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2016, following the 1st Generation — J300 (2011–2015).
2nd Generation (2016–2019)
The second-generation Cruze arrived as a lighter, roomier sedan with a stronger standard turbo engine and a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A hatchback joined for 2017, and the front styling received a light update for 2019.
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2019
The lineup received a revised front end and a newer standard 7-inch touchscreen system. An LS hatchback trim joined the range, and U.S. models became automatic-only.
2018
The diesel engine expanded to the hatchback. The rest of the sedan and hatchback lineup mostly carried over.
2017Trim changes
The first Cruze Hatchback arrived, a diesel sedan was added, and Teen Driver became standard across the lineup.
2016New generation
The redesigned sedan brought a lighter body, more rear-seat room, a stronger standard turbo engine, and standard smartphone integration. The outgoing car remained on sale for one final year as the Cruze Limited.
1st Generation — J300 (2011–2015)
The first U.S. Cruze replaced the Cobalt with a roomier, quieter compact sedan. It introduced six-speed transmissions, 10 standard airbags, stability control, and a choice of regular, turbocharged, and later diesel engines.
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2015Trim changes
A new base L trim joined the lineup. The Cruze also received a cleaner front end and updated phone-friendly touchscreen features.
2014Trim changes
A Diesel model joined with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine and an automatic transmission. Gas-powered versions changed little.
2013
The 7-inch touchscreen system expanded to more trims, while new option packages added features such as a rearview camera, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2012
Equipment was reshuffled, and some automatic turbo models gained a 2-mpg highway fuel-economy improvement.
2011New generation
The Cruze debuted in the U.S. as the Cobalt’s replacement, with two four-cylinder engines, six-speed transmissions, 10 airbags, and stability control. The fuel-focused Eco model arrived later in the year.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Chevrolet Cruze.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Cruze a sedan or a hatchback?
It was sold as both. The U.S. Cruze began as a compact sedan, and a hatchback joined the second-generation lineup for 2017. The hatch has a more flexible cargo area, while the sedan has a traditional separate trunk.
Does the Chevrolet Cruze come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. Cruze lineup covered here used gasoline or diesel engines, not a hybrid system. The Eco trim saved fuel through aerodynamic changes and a small turbo gas engine, while Diesel models were aimed at long highway trips.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze all-wheel drive?
No. The later U.S. Cruze lineup uses front-wheel drive, which sends power to the front wheels. It was designed as an efficient everyday compact car rather than an AWD vehicle.
What is the Chevrolet Cruze known for?
The Cruze is known for good fuel economy, straightforward controls, quiet comfort, and useful phone integration. It favors easy everyday driving over sporty handling, and the hatchback and diesel versions add cargo flexibility and long-distance efficiency.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze good for long highway commutes?
Yes, especially in diesel form. Cruze Diesel models were built around low fuel use and long highway range, while still offering comfort features such as heated front seats. Gas models also suit commuting but are less specialized for high-mileage highway use.
Should I look for a Cruze sedan or hatchback?
Pick the hatchback if folding-seat cargo flexibility matters most. Pick the sedan if a separate trunk and the broadest range of older used examples suit you better. Both share the Cruze’s compact size and everyday-driving focus.
How many generations of the Chevrolet Cruze were sold in the U.S.?
Two generations are covered here. The first-generation U.S. Cruze ran from 2011 through 2015, then remained briefly as the Cruze Limited. The redesigned second-generation sedan arrived for 2016, added a hatchback for 2017, and ended after 2019.
Chevrolet Cruze Reviews
What owners are saying about the Chevrolet Cruze.
4.1
Chevrolet Cruze
(1,787 reviews)
“It is a good vehicle as long as you don't get a coolant issue. Once it overheats, you are in and out of the shop constantly until multiple things are fixed.”
“An economical fun little car, a great grocery getter or daily commuter but definitely not a long haul vehicle.”
“I am really enjoying my new 2015 Chevrolet Cruze, however I do wish I had cruise control features as well as cup holders in the back seat area!”
“Chevy Cruze is perfect for someone who wants good gas mileage with modern technology at an affordable price.”
“The Chevy cruise is a great car. I love driving it. It is a perfect yet stylish family vehicle.”