Is a Chevy Cruze a 4-cylinder or 6 cylinder?
The Chevy Cruze uses four-cylinder engines in every production variant, and there has never been a factory V6 option in the Cruze lineup.
Engine options through the years
What engines have been available in the Cruze over its lifetime? Across generations, all Cruze powertrains have been four-cylinder configurations. Gasoline options included a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine and a turbocharged 1.4-liter, while some markets also offered a 2.0-liter Duramax diesel. All of these are four-cylinder designs.
Before you review the specifics, here is a quick overview of the main engine options that have appeared in Cruze models:
- Gasoline engines
- 1.8L inline-4 (naturally aspirated) – used in early Cruze models
- 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 – became the common choice in later years for a balance of performance and efficiency
- Diesel engines
- 2.0L Duramax inline-4 diesel – offered in select markets
Bottom line: All factory Cruze engines have been four-cylinder designs; there has never been a factory V6 Cruze.
No six-cylinder option in the Cruze
There has never been a V6 or inline-6 option offered in the Cruze. For buyers seeking more power within the Chevrolet lineup, other models in GM’s portfolio provide larger engine choices, while the Cruze focused on four-cylinder efficiency and practicality.
What to consider when shopping for a Cruze engine
When evaluating a used Cruze, the key is to identify the exact engine variant and review maintenance history. A well-kept 1.4L turbo or a 2.0L Duramax diesel can deliver strong efficiency and usable performance, while older 1.8L examples may offer simpler maintenance but different efficiency characteristics. Turbo engines require attention to the turbo and cooling system, and the diesel version has its own maintenance considerations and emissions equipment.
Summary
The Chevy Cruze is built around four-cylinder powertrains across its gasoline and diesel variants. There is no factory six-cylinder Cruze, and buyers have historically seen either a 1.8L or 1.4L turbo gasoline engine, with a 2.0L Duramax diesel available in some markets. This reflects the Cruze’s emphasis on compact efficiency and practical performance rather than larger displacement power.
