How much horsepower does a 1.4 L turbo Cruze have?
The Chevrolet Cruze’s 1.4 L turbocharged engine is typically rated at 138 horsepower, with torque around 148 lb-ft. This is the standard figure for most U.S.-market Cruzes, though exact numbers can vary slightly by model year and region.
What the 1.4 L Turbo Engine Means for Cruze Performance
The 1.4 L turbo is GM’s compact, turbocharged four-cylinder family, designed to blend fuel efficiency with usable mid-range power. In the Cruze, this setup aims to provide confident daily acceleration while preserving highway and city fuel economy.
Official Horsepower Figures by Market
Power figures for the Cruze’s 1.4 L turbo are most commonly cited as a baseline across markets. Here are the typical specifications you’ll encounter for Cruzes with this engine.
- Horsepower: 138 hp (103 kW)
- Torque: 148 lb-ft (201 Nm)
- Displacement: 1.4 L
- Turbocharged and direct-injected
- Transmission options: manual or automatic, depending on market and trim
The numbers above reflect the standard U.S.-spec Cruze and are representative of many international versions. Some markets may list slightly different horsepower figures due to regional tuning or regulatory requirements.
US-Spec vs. Global Variants
In the United States, the 1.4 L turbo in the Cruze has consistently been rated at 138 hp with 148 lb-ft of torque. Global variants in Europe and other regions may feature minor calibration differences, but the core performance remains broadly similar for everyday driving.
Real-World Considerations
Horsepower is only part of the story. Real-world performance depends on transmission choice, vehicle weight, gearing, and aerodynamics. For the Cruze, the 1.4 L turbo is designed to deliver practical acceleration for daily commuting while maintaining competitive fuel economy for a compact car.
Summary
The 1.4 L turbocharged engine in the Chevrolet Cruze is typically rated at 138 horsepower with about 148 lb-ft of torque in most markets, including the United States. While the core figure is stable across model years, regional calibrations can yield slight variations. For exact specifications, consult your specific model year and VIN documentation.
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 much horsepower does a 1.4 turbo Chevy Cruze have?
The horsepower for a Chevy Cruze 1.4L turbo varies by model year, with earlier models like the 2014 having 138 horsepower, while later models, starting around 2016, produce 153 horsepower. The 153 hp engine produces 177 lb-ft of torque, while the 138 hp engine has 148 lb-ft of torque.
This video shows a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L Turbo, highlighting its features and providing information about its horsepower: 58sPluggedIn AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 28, 2025
- 138 hp: Found in earlier models, such as the 2014 Chevy Cruze.
- 153 hp: Found in later models, including the 2016, 2017, and 2018 models.
- Torque: The 1.4L turbo engine produces 177 lb-ft of torque in later models (around 2000-4000 RPM) and 148 lb-ft of torque in earlier models.
You can watch this video to learn more about the horsepower of a modified Chevy Cruze 1.4L Turbo: 1mZZPerformanceYouTube · Feb 26, 2025
How much horsepower does a 2012 Chevy Cruze 1.4 turbo have?
138-horsepower
The Cruze is offered with a choice of four-cylinder engines: a 1.8-liter and an optional turbocharged 1.4-liter. Mechanical features include: Standard 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes 125 pounds-feet of torque. Optional 138-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder makes 148 pounds-feet of torque.
Is the Chevy Cruze turbo fast?
According to vehiclehistory.com, the Chevy Cruze top speed is 125 miles per hour. This number doesn't make it come even close to being the fastest car on the planet, but it does put up a fight in its compact car category.
