As a small car with a roomy interior and lots of tech features, the used Chevrolet Cruze has mass appeal. Whether you’re shopping for a commuter vehicle or an around-town grocery-getter, these little Chevys have a lot to offer. Check out Bob Weaver’s used Chevrolet Cruze buying guide to learn more about these compact sedans and hatchbacks.
Second Generation: 2016-2019
Why choose the second-generation used Chevrolet Cruze? Get your hands on one of these model years for a strong balance of sporty performance and efficiency. Besides earning up to 37 mpg combined, these Cruzes offer sharp, precise handling. You’ll feel confident navigating everything from curvy mountain roads to dimly lit parking lots.
Inside, these compact cars are shockingly spacious. Driver and passengers will settle into soft, supportive seats and revel in head- and legroom. These used Cruzes are also big on tech features. For instance, every model comes standard with Chevy’s OnStar emergency telematics system, technology that can send both roadside and emergency assistance.
How do these used Chevrolet Cruze models drive? What’s under these hoods? As you shop this crop of used Cruzes, you’ll find two engine options. The base option, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, is a carryover from the previous generation. However, it was reworked to deliver extra power, quickening your pace with 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
How did the second-generation used Chevrolet Cruze change from model year to model year? While the diesel powertrain wasn’t available for 2016, you’ll be able to find these thrifty engines starting with the 2017 Cruze.
The 2018 Cruze was the first to offer a hatchback body style, offering both extra cargo space and a sporty new design.
The final Cruze, issued for the 2019 model year, is the most modern of the bunch. Its engine stop-start function can be turned off, giving drivers more control over performance. Chevy’s infotainment system, including a 7-inch touch-screen interface, became standard for 2019. These models are easy to spot, thanks to their updated exterior styling.
First Generation: 2011-2015
What you’ll love about the first-generation used Chevrolet Cruze: These five-passenger used compact sedans might be small on the outside, but they make excellent use of interior space. All seats are supportive and comfortable. Besides a healthy dose of comfort, the first-generation used Cruze also supplies an impressive list of tech features, like standard Bluetooth phone connectivity and full power accessories. Move up the trim model hierarchy for perks like a rearview camera and a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface.
How do these used Cruze sedans drive? What’s under these hoods? These used Cruzes strike a healthy balance between peppy performance and commuter-style fuel economy. EPA ratings reach up to 32 mpg combined (28 city/40 highway mpg with the turbocharged four-cylinder and 27/44 mpg with the diesel engine), making these used compact cars an excellent choice for anyone who wants to be thrifty at the pump.
Three engines are available for this generation. Under the Cruze LS hood, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes 138 horses and 125 pound-feet of torque, giving you steady power and a reliable daily drive. The LT, LTZ, and Eco models feature the Cruze’s thriftiest around-town option, the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s also a peppy performer, providing 138 horses and 148 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the diesel engine gives commuters an excellent balance of speed and highway fuel mileage, generating 151 horses and 264 pound-feet of torque.
Any changes to the used Chevrolet Cruze during this generation? A few high-tech features were introduced for 2013—namely, Bluetooth streaming audio and a helpful rearview camera. The Cruze’s diesel powertrain debuted for the 2014 model year.