Is a Chevy Cruze front or rear wheel drive?
The Chevy Cruze is front-wheel drive (FWD).
Drivetrain configuration
Key facts about the Cruze's drivetrain layout and how it affects handling, efficiency, and compatibility with different markets.
- Layout: All Chevrolet Cruze models sold in major markets use front-wheel drive with a transverse engine (FWD).
- All-wheel drive: GM did not offer a factory all-wheel-drive Cruze in the United States or most other markets.
- Platform: The Cruze rides on GM's Delta II front-wheel-drive platform, designed for compact-to-mid-size sedans.
- Transmissions: Depending on the model year and trim, Cruze offered manual or automatic transmissions, but the drivetrain remained front-wheel drive.
- Efficiency and maintenance: FWD layouts typically provide good fuel economy and simpler maintenance compared with AWD configurations, which can influence ownership costs and reliability.
In short, the Cruze is driven by the front wheels in standard configurations, with no factory AWD option in the common markets, which shapes its handling and efficiency characteristics.
Market variations and retirement
Context on where the Cruze was sold and how long it remained in production helps clarify how the drivetrain applied across different regions.
Regional notes
Across the United States and Europe, and in most other markets where the Cruze was offered, the model used front-wheel drive throughout its lifespan. The vehicle was introduced in the late 2000s and largely phased out after the 2019 model year in North America, with ongoing sales in some international markets for a time longer in other configurations.
Summary
The Chevrolet Cruze is a front-wheel-drive vehicle across its production history. There was no factory all-wheel-drive Cruze offered in the major markets, which influences its handling, fuel economy, and suitability for certain weather conditions. Knowing the FWD layout is important for buyers comparing compact sedans and hatchbacks from GM and its global partners.
