Is the Chevy Cruze good on gas?
Yes. For a compact sedan, the Cruze offers competitive fuel economy, especially with the 1.4-liter turbo engine paired with an automatic transmission. Actual mileage varies by year, engine, and drivetrain.
The Cruze spans multiple generations and markets. In the United States, most buyers encountered either a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 1.4-liter turbo, with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions available in different years. Gasoline powertrains were the norm, while diesel options existed in some markets but not for US-spec Cruzes. Because mileage figures depend on the exact year and configuration, checking the EPA rating for a specific vehicle is essential.
Fuel economy by generation and engine
The following summarizes typical EPA estimates for common US-market configurations. Exact figures vary by model year and transmission, so consult the EPA label for a specific vehicle.
- 1.8L naturally aspirated gasoline engine (early Cruze years; commonly paired with a 6-speed automatic): roughly 26–29 mpg city, 36–38 mpg highway; combined in the low 30s.
- 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine (most US models from 2011–2019; available with manual or automatic): roughly 27–29 mpg city, 38–40 mpg highway; combined typically around 32–34 mpg. Manual transmissions can push highway economy slightly higher in some trims.
- Diesel variant: not offered in the US Cruze; in markets where present, the 2.0L turbodiesel could achieve very high highway efficiency (often above 50 mpg), but this is not applicable to US models.
In practice, many Cruze owners report real-world mpg in the 28–40 mpg range, depending on driving conditions, maintenance, and the chosen configuration. Highway cruising tends to yield the best efficiency, while stop-and-go city driving lowers the numbers.
Markets outside the United States
Outside the US, engine offerings and transmissions can differ, and some markets have had diesel options or hatchback variants that alter typical mpg figures. Always verify local specifications and EPA-equivalent ratings for your region.
Real-world factors that affect fuel economy
Fuel economy is influenced by how you drive, the car’s condition, and even the environment. The Cruze's mpg can swing based on several everyday factors. Here is a quick guide to what matters most.
- Driving style: gentle acceleration, steady speeds, and mindful braking maximize mpg; aggressive driving lowers it quickly.
- Terrain and traffic: hilly or congested routes reduce efficiency versus flat, open highway driving.
- Tire maintenance and rolling resistance: properly inflated tires (per manufacturer spec) improve mileage; underinflated tires reduce it.
- Vehicle maintenance: timely oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug service help sustain fuel economy.
- Climate control and accessories: air conditioning and heater use, roof racks, and heavy luggage can reduce mpg.
These practical factors are why real-world mileage often lags behind EPA estimates, especially in city driving or extreme weather. For buyers, a test drive and real-world observation are critical to gauge expected fuel economy.
Is the Cruze a sensible choice today solely for fuel economy?
In the North American market, the Chevrolet Cruze was discontinued after the 2019 model year, so new examples are not available in the US. In other regions, the model has undergone updates or been replaced by newer designs. If fuel economy is a priority, compare the latest compact sedans (such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra) for the newest efficiency figures and technologies like turbocharged engines or mild-hybrid options. For used Cruze buyers, review maintenance history and reliability reports and verify the exact fuel economy figures for the specific vehicle (often shown on the window sticker or owner-provided data).
Summary
The Chevy Cruze has historically offered solid fuel economy for a compact sedan, particularly with the 1.4L turbo engine. MPG varies by year, engine, transmission, and driving conditions, but many configurations deliver highway efficiency in the 38–40 mpg range with mid-30s combined overall. The model is no longer sold new in the US, so prospective buyers should evaluate current compact options and verify the specific fuel economy of any used Cruze before purchasing.
