Is the Chevy Cruze a fast car?

Not by sports-car standards. The Cruze is a compact sedan/hatch built for practicality, efficiency, and everyday usability, with turbocharged variants that can feel quick in daily driving but not a performance-focused machine. This article breaks down what speeds you can expect, the engine options that influence acceleration, and how the model sits in today’s market.

Speed by engine: what powers the Cruze

Across generations and markets, the Cruze offered a mix of engines, with turbocharged gasoline and, in some regions, diesel options delivering the most acceleration. The interpretation below reflects typical configurations you would have found in common North American and European models.

• 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline: The go-to quick option for many Cruze buyers, generating roughly 138–153 horsepower depending on year and trim. In real-world driving, this setup provides brisk acceleration for a compact car, with 0–60 mph times commonly cited in the upper 7-to-9-second range depending on transmission and equipment.


• 1.8-liter naturally aspirated gasoline: More modest in acceleration, generally delivering comfortable but slower punch off the line, often placing 0–60 mph in the 9–11-second range and prioritizing smoothness and efficiency over quick sprints.


• 2.0-liter diesel (in markets where offered): A torque-rich option that can feel notably quicker off the line than the NA gasoline, with strong highway passing capability and competitive 0–60 times for a compact diesel—typically in the high 7- to low 9-second range depending on transmission and configuration.

In addition to engine choice, the transmission matters: manuals tend to feel a touch quicker in light-handed driving, while automatics smooth power delivery for daily use. Overall, turbo variants are where the Cruze looks fastest; the base engines emphasize efficiency and comfort.

Real-world drive: how fast is it in everyday use?

On the road, speed perception for the Cruze hinges on engine choice, load, and gearing. A turbocharged Cruze can feel sprightly during highway merges or overtaking, especially when equipped with a manual or an efficient automatic. The naturally aspirated versions, while capable for daily commuting, typically feel less punchy when carrying passengers or climbing grades. The Cruze’s ride quality and handling emphasize comfort and predictability over razor-sharp cornering or straight-line speed, which means even the briskest versions aren’t tuned to thrill-seekers looking for track-ready performance.

Turbo vs. naturally aspirated in practice

In everyday use, the turbo versions deliver noticeably faster acceleration from stop and during passing, while the NA engine is adequate for daily driving but trails the turbo models when you need quick bursts of speed. For drivers prioritizing speed, the turbo Cruze is the more relevant variant, though it remains a compact family car rather than a performance-focused vehicle.

Market reality and the Cruze’s legacy

The Cruze’s career differs by market. In North America, Chevrolet ended Cruze sales after the 2019 model year as the brand shifted focus to other compact offerings and crossovers. Globally, the Cruze lived within various regional lineups and shared technology with other GM compact models, but the nameplate is no longer the primary Chevrolet compact in many regions. The vehicle’s legacy rests in its efficiency-focused design and the turbocharged powerplants that gave it usable pace without sacrificing practicality.

What this means for buyers today

If you’re seeking a fast car from Chevrolet today, the Cruze is no longer a primary option in most markets. For speed-focused needs, buyers typically look to other segments or brands, or consider used turbo Cruze examples where available. If efficiency and comfortable daily driving remain priorities, the Cruze historically fit those goals well, even when it wasn’t the quickest car in its class.

Summary

Bottom line: the Chevy Cruze can be reasonably quick in turbo form, especially compared with base compact cars, but it is not engineered as a sports car. Its strengths lie in practicality, efficiency, and everyday usability rather than blistering speed. With the model largely retired in North America after 2019, prospective buyers today would look to different Chevrolet offerings or used examples for a balance of pace and practicality. The Cruze’s legacy remains a reminder of how GM balanced performance with economy in a compact package.

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

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.

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.