How much boost does a stock Cruze make?
The turbocharged Cruze's stock boost is typically about 18–20 psi at peak, while non-turbo variants have essentially zero boost. Exact figures vary by engine, model year, and market.
Engine options and stock boost basics
The Cruze has been offered with several engines around the world. The most common turbocharged version in many markets is the 1.4-liter ECOTEC turbo, while some regions sold naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engines and diesel turbo variants. Boost pressure is a function of the engine variant and the ECU calibration, so not all Cruze models produce the same boost.
- Gasoline 1.4L turbo (the prevailing Cruze turbo): typically around 18–20 psi (approximately 1.25–1.40 bar) of boost at full boost.
- Gasoline 1.8L naturally aspirated: no boost, since it is not turbocharged.
- Diesel 2.0L turbo (in markets where Cruze diesel was sold): generally higher and more variable boost than gasoline turbo; exact numbers depend on variant and market, often in the mid-20s psi range or higher.
In practice, these figures reflect stock factory settings. Real-world boost can vary with altitude, temperature, throttle input, and the specific calibration for a given market or model year.
How boost relates to performance
Boost pressure is what feeds the turbo with compressed air, enabling more fuel to be burned and thus increasing horsepower and torque. For the Cruze, the turbocharged 1.4L engine has produced roughly 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque in earlier years, with later versions nudging to about 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The actual peak boost you experience correlates with RPM, throttle position, and the ECU’s control strategy.
Notes on measurement and variability
Boost readings are typically measured as pressure above ambient (psi or bar) and can differ based on the gauge, measurement point, and driving conditions. GM does not publish a single universal boost figure for all Cruze variants, so owners may see small differences between cars of the same model year.
Summary
For the common turbocharged Cruze, expect roughly 18–20 psi of stock boost, with non-turbo models displaying zero boost. Diesel versions, where offered, tend to run higher boost targets, but exact numbers vary by market and year. If you’re measuring boost on a specific car, the most reliable approach is to use a proper boost gauge and note that readings will shift with operating conditions and calibration.
