Is the Chevy Cruze a CVT transmission?
No. The Chevy Cruze did not use a CVT transmission. Across its years of production, Chevrolet offered manual transmissions or conventional automatics, not a continuously variable transmission, in North America and most other markets.
What transmissions did the Cruze offer?
To understand the Cruze's drivetrain options, it helps to review how GM configured the car's transmissions during its production years. The model relied on manual gearboxes or traditional automatic transmissions rather than CVTs.
Manual and automatic options
Before listing the typical options, here is a quick overview of the two broad categories of transmissions used in the Cruze:
- Manual transmissions: Typically 5- or 6-speed manuals depending on year and market.
- Automatic transmissions: Commonly a 6-speed automatic paired with most engines; no CVT option in major markets.
In short, Chevrolet did not offer a CVT Cruze in North America, and there is little evidence of a CVT variant in other major markets during the model's run from around 2011 to 2019.
Why this matters for buyers
For buyers prioritizing fuel economy, smoothness, or maintenance expectations, the lack of a CVT means the Cruze's powertrain behaves with traditional step gears rather than a continuously variable belt/chain system. This can influence acceleration feel, transmission servicing, and long-term durability considerations.
Regional and model-year nuances
While Chevrolet offered different drivetrain configurations by market, there is no documented factory CVT option for the Cruze across its global lineup. Some regional packages may have included alternative transmissions, but CVTs were not part of the Cruze's standard or optional equipment in major markets.
Summary: The Chevy Cruze did not use a CVT transmission. It relied on manual transmissions (5- or 6-speed) and conventional automatics (primarily 6-speed) throughout its production years, with the model eventually discontinued after 2019.
Which chevys have CVT transmission?
2025 Chevy Equinox
The 2025 Chevy Equinox brings CVT technology to its front-wheel-drive (FWD) models.
What kind of transmission does a Chevy Cruze have?
The Chevy Cruze typically uses a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, with the specific type depending on the model year and trim level. For example, some models come standard with a 6-speed manual, while others have a 6-speed automatic.
- Manual Transmission: A 6-speed manual transmission was offered on various trims.
- Automatic Transmission: A 6-speed automatic transmission, often the Hydra-Matic 6T40, was available on many models and standard on others.
- Diesel Engine: The diesel versions of the Cruze came with an automatic 6-speed gearbox.
What Chevy does not have CVT transmission?
Chevrolet: The Bolt, Camaro, Corvette, Cruze, Impala, Sonic, Volt, Blazer, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, Traverse, Trax, Colorado and all Silverados are not equipped with CVTs.
Do Chevy Cruzes have CVT transmissions?
No, the Chevrolet Cruze does not typically have a CVT transmission; only a very small number of 2019 fleet-only models were equipped with one. Standard retail models were offered with a 6-speed automatic or, in the case of the diesel, a 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Retail models: Most Chevy Cruzes sold to individual customers came with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- Fleet models: In 2019, Chevrolet produced a limited number of Cruzes with a CVT exclusively for fleet customers, such as rental car companies. These models were not available for purchase in showrooms.
