Is a Chevy Cruze a fast car?

No. The Chevy Cruze is not considered a fast car. It is a compact sedan built for everyday practicality, efficiency, and value, rather than high-speed performance. Its engine options—predominantly small-displacement turbocharged gasoline units and a turbodiesel—deliver adequate acceleration for daily driving but fall well short of what most people consider fast. In the United States, Cruze production ended after the 2019 model year, and it is no longer Chevrolet’s entry in the small-performance segment.

Performance by engine

The Cruze's speed and responsiveness depended on the engine and year. Here are the main options and how they typically performed on the road.

1.4-liter turbocharged engine

The modern Cruze's most common gasoline engine was a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated around 153 horsepower and about 177 lb-ft of torque. With this setup, 0-60 mph generally falls in the mid-to-high 7-second to low-8-second range depending on transmission and model year, with a top speed around 125–130 mph in many trims.

• Power: approximately 153 hp; torque about 177 lb-ft


• Transmission: typically 6-speed manual or 6/9-speed automatic depending on year and market


• 0-60 mph: roughly 7.5–8.5 seconds


• Top speed: around 125–130 mph

In short, the 1.4L turbo provides adequate daily acceleration but is not a sports-car powertrain.

1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine

Some early Cruze models used a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, delivering around 138 horsepower and modest torque. Acceleration was slower, with 0-60 mph typically in the high 9-second range, more suited to commuting than performance driving.

• Power: around 138 hp; torque near 125–130 lb-ft


• 0-60 mph: approximately 9–10 seconds


• Notes: Less torque and older design compared to the turbo

This engine option underscores the Cruze's appeal as an economical, practical car rather than a speed-focused vehicle.

2.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel

For markets that offered a diesel Cruze, the 2.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel produced about 148 horsepower and a robust 258 lb-ft of torque. The diesel's strong low-end torque improves highway acceleration and real-world responsiveness, but 0-60 times were typically in the high 7- to low-9-second range, and the diesel's real strength was highway fuel economy.

• Power: approximately 148 hp; torque around 258 lb-ft


• 0-60 mph: roughly 8.5–9.5 seconds


• Economy: notably high fuel efficiency, especially on long trips

Diesel variants emphasize torque and efficiency rather than outright speed.

Status and availability

In the United States, Chevrolet discontinued the Cruze after the 2019 model year, shifting emphasis to SUVs and crossovers. Global availability varied by region, with the model largely phased out of Chevrolet’s mainstream lineup in favor of newer compact and crossover offerings. If you’re shopping today, a Cruze is typically a used-car option rather than a current model.

Bottom line

For speed enthusiasts, the Cruze is not a fast car. It offers practical acceleration suitable for daily driving and efficient highway cruising, especially in the diesel variant, but it does not deliver sports-car pace. If speed is a priority, buyers typically consider Chevrolet’s Camaro or competitive hot-hatches from other brands.

Summary

The Chevy Cruze stands out for value, efficiency, and practicality rather than speed. Its engines provide enough punch for commuting and merging, but none of the trim levels are designed to compete with performance-focused compact sedans. With its US market departure dating to 2019, the Cruze remains a chapter in Chevrolet's history as a sensible, affordable compact, not a fast car.

Why is Chevy Cruze so cheap?

Chevy Cruzes are cheap primarily due to a combination of factors, including poor resale value driven by a reputation for lower build quality and reliability issues, the initial design goal of being a budget-friendly car, and Chevrolet's history of offering incentives and high production volumes that lead to lower prices on the used market. 
Reasons for low price

• Lower quality and perceived reliability: The Cruze has a reputation for poor build quality, and some model years have specific, frequently reported issues like turbo problems, engine troubles, and electrical glitches. This perception impacts its resale value. 
• Poor resale value: Like many GM products, Cruzes depreciate quickly, making them significantly cheaper to buy used compared to some competitors. 
• Budget-focused design: The car was originally designed to be an inexpensive and practical daily driver with a reasonable price tag, directly competing with other budget cars. 
• Market shift: The market has shifted away from smaller sedans like the Cruze toward SUVs and trucks, leading to declining sales and a less desirable used car for many buyers. 
• Rental car fleet: The Cruze was a common choice for car rental agencies due to its low purchase price, which contributes to a large supply of used models on the market. 
• High production volume: Chevrolet produced a high volume of Cruzes, which can drive down the price for buyers. 

Is a Chevrolet Cruze fast?

Speed By Chevy Cruze Trim
The Chevy Cruze will hit a maximum speed of around 125 miles per hour and will accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 8.1 seconds.

What is the top speed of Cruze?

Chevrolet Cruze Fuel Performance
The fuel type is diesel, the mileage is 17.9 kmpl, the fuel tank capacity is 60 litres, and the top speed is 210 Kmph.

How fast can a 2014 Chevy Cruze go?

The top speed of a 2014 Chevy Cruze varies by engine. The 1.8L gasoline engine has a top speed of about 124 mph, while the 2.0L diesel engine can reach up to 127 mph. Some sources indicate that the diesel version has a top speed of approximately 220 km/h, which is roughly 137 mph, while other tests of the 1.4L turbo version show a top speed of around 130 mph.
 
You can watch this video to see the 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel's performance: 58sShooting CarsYouTube · Jun 19, 2024

• 1.8L Gasoline: Approximately 124 mph.
• 2.0L Diesel: Approximately 127 mph.
• 1.4L Turbo Gasoline: Around 130 mph.
• 2.0L Diesel (some models): Around 220 km/h (about 137 mph). 

This video demonstrates the top speed of the Cruze with a 1.4L turbo engine: 57sThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Sep 7, 2013