How many miles per gallon does a 2012 Chevy Cruze 1.4 get?

Roughly 30 miles per gallon combined for the 2012 Cruze 1.4 turbo, with about 26–28 mpg in city driving and around 38 mpg on the highway, depending on the transmission and driving conditions.

EPA fuel economy by configuration

The following EPA estimates reflect typical US-market configurations for the 2012 Cruze 1.4L turbo. Actual results vary based on driving style, route, and maintenance.

• Automatic transmission (6-speed): 26 mpg city / 38 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined.


• Manual transmission: about 28 mpg city / 38 mpg highway / 30–31 mpg combined.

Real-world results often differ from EPA estimates due to how you drive, tire pressure, cargo load, and vehicle condition.

What influences your actual MPG

Transmission and drivetrain

The Cruze 1.4L turbo offered both automatic and manual transmissions. The manual typically delivers a slight edge in city fuel economy, while highway efficiency tends to be similar across transmissions. Real-world differences can be modest but noticeable in city driving.

Driving conditions and maintenance

Highway driving, steady speeds, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance (air filter, spark plugs, oil changes) help maximize MPG. Aggressive acceleration, heavy loads, and frequent short trips can significantly reduce fuel economy.

Summary

The 2012 Chevy Cruze 1.4L turbo generally achieves around 30 mpg combined, with EPA estimates around 26–28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway depending on whether the car has an automatic or manual transmission. Real-world mileage varies with driving style, route, and maintenance.

What is the top speed of the 2012 Chevy Cruze 1.4 turbo?

Turbos Wanted, Any Fuel
It feels burdened if you turn on the air conditioning, particularly under high load, and it struggles to take the car to its claimed 124-mph top speed.

Is the Chevy 1.4 turbo a good engine?

The Chevy 1.4L turbo engine is not generally considered a good engine due to a poor reliability record, though it offers good fuel economy and performance when working well. It is prone to common failures, particularly in earlier versions, including issues with the oil filter housing, valve cover (specifically the PCV diaphragm), water pump, and head gasket. Proper and consistent maintenance, especially oil changes, is crucial for extending its life. 
You can watch this video to see the common failure points of the 1.4L turbo engine: 58sspeedkar99YouTube · Mar 4, 2024
Drawbacks and common issues

• Reliability: The first-generation 1.4L turbo has a reputation for being unreliable compared to its non-turbo 1.8L counterpart. 
• Cooling system problems: Many models have a history of cooling system issues, such as water pump failures and leaks from various components. 
• Oil leaks and PCV issues: A major problem is the integrated PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) diaphragm in the plastic valve cover, which is prone to failure. This can lead to oil leaks from various seals, including the rear main seal and oil cooler lines. 
• Turbocharger problems: Turbochargers can fail, and the exhaust housing is susceptible to cracking. 
• Maintenance-intensive: While maintenance items are not considered expensive, consistent upkeep is necessary to prevent problems. Owners who report positive experiences often emphasize the importance of diligent maintenance. 

Benefits

• Fuel economy: The engine is known for good fuel efficiency, often achieving high 30s or nearly 40 MPG on the highway. 
• Performance: It delivers more torque at lower RPMs than its non-turbo counterpart, providing a more responsive feel. 

This video provides an overview of the 1.4L turbo engine including its design, performance, and issues: 53sUsed Car GuideYouTube · Jun 5, 2025
What to consider

• Maintenance history: If you are buying a used vehicle with this engine, a complete maintenance history is essential. 
• DIY vs. mechanic: This engine can be suitable for those who are comfortable performing repairs themselves. 
• Version: Later versions of the engine (2016.5 and newer) are generally considered more reliable than the first generation. 

How many miles per gallon does a 1.4 Chevy Cruze get?

The Cruze Eco with turbocharged 1.4-liter gasoline engine is rated up to 42 mpg highway, while the Cruze Diesel has ratings of 46 mpg highway and a driving range of up to 717 miles on a tank of diesel. The base engine remains a 1.8-liter four-cylinder rated at 36 mpg highway.

How many miles per gallon does a 2012 Chevy Cruze get?

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze's MPG varies by trim level, but generally ranges from 25 city / 36 highway MPG for the base LS model to 28 city / 42 highway MPG for the Eco model. The 1LT, LTZ, and 2LT models get an estimated 26 city / 38 highway MPG. 
You can watch this video to see a test drive and review of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: 57sScott NewellYouTube · Sep 5, 2012

• LS: 25 city / 36 highway MPG
• 1LT, LTZ, 2LT: 26 city / 38 highway MPG
• Eco: 28 city / 42 highway MPG