Is there a Chevy Cruze SS?

There is no production Chevy Cruze SS. Chevrolet did not offer an official SS variant for the Cruze in the U.S. or most markets; the Cruze lineup included LS, LT, LTZ trims and, in some years, an RS appearance package, but no true high-performance Cruze SS.

The Cruze, introduced in 2008 as a compact sedan, was marketed for efficiency and practicality. The “SS” badge in Chevrolet’s lineup has traditionally appeared on other models (notably the Camaro SS and, for a period, the standalone Chevrolet SS sedan) rather than on the Cruze. The Cruze nameplate itself was phased out in the United States after the 2019 model year, ending the era of the compact Chevrolet sedan in that market.

Cruze trims and options that actually existed

To understand what Chevrolet offered for the Cruze, here is a concise look at the production trims and notable packages that were available during its run.

• LS


• LT


• LTZ


• RS appearance package (sporty styling cues, not a dedicated performance upgrade)


• 2.0L turbo-diesel option (available in some years/markets)

In practice, there was no official Cruze SS variant released for sale. The RS package provided visual sportiness, while the diesel option offered a different efficiency/power profile, but neither equaled a true high-performance “SS” model.

Branding and where the SS badge appears in Chevrolet's line

GM’s “SS” designation is used to denote higher-performance variants on several models, but not all Chevrolet models wear the badge. Here are the key points to understand the distinction.

Where the SS badge is typically used

• Chevrolet Camaro SS


• Chevrolet SS (the rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan sold in the U.S. from 2014–2017, sourced from Holden’s Commodore platform)


• Other GM products with an SS variant exist, but the Cruze has never carried an official SS badge

For Cruze enthusiasts hoping for an “SS” version, the available options are limited to appearance-focused packages or other Chevrolet models that carry the SS badge.

Practical takeaway for buyers and enthusiasts

If you’re chasing a sportier Cruze, the closest factory option is the RS appearance package on some model years, not a true performance upgrade. For an authentic SS experience from Chevrolet, you’d look to other models like the Camaro SS or, historically, the Chevrolet SS sedan. The Cruze itself was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2019 model year, ending the line there.

Summary

The Chevrolet Cruze was never produced as a Cruze SS in the market. The lineup featured LS, LT, LTZ trims and occasional RS appearances, plus a diesel option in certain years and markets, but no official high-performance “SS” variant. Chevrolet’s SS badge remains associated with other models, while the Cruze nameplate has concluded its U.S. run in 2019.

Did Chevy make a Cruze SS?

That's right, after a nearly decade-long hiatus, the SS name is back with the Cruze SS Concept. Let's start off with what's awesome here. The Cruze SS Concept is powered by a tiny 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which has been tuned to produce 295 horsepower.

What car is the Chevy SS?

Corvette. That's right a Corvette engine in a family sedan 415 horsepower and 415 lb feet of torque. And a 0 to 60 time of 4.5. Seconds that's the same as the Porsche Cayman GTS.

How much horsepower does a Chevy Cruze SS have?

415 horsepower
Driving the Chevrolet SS
The SS's V8 sends a whopping 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque to the car's rear wheels by way of either a 6-speed automatic or Tremec 6-speed manual.

What Chevy Cruze has a turbo?

Most modern Chevy Cruzes have a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, which became standard in model years like 2016, 2017, and 2018. Older models, like those from 2013-2015, offered the 1.4-liter turbo as an option alongside a non-turbocharged 1.8-liter engine, and some had a more powerful 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Higher trim levels of some older generations, like the LT and LTZ, typically came with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the turbocharged engines in older Chevy Cruzes: 1mTechnical EvolutionYouTube · Oct 23, 2025
Key turbo models

• 2016-2018: The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine was standard across the lineup. 
• 2014-2015: The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine was an option on some models and standard on higher trims like the LT and LTZ. 
• 2013: The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine was an option, offering better torque than the standard 1.8-liter engine. 
• Diesel models: A turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine was an option on some models, like the 2015 Cruze, and produced more horsepower than the gas engines at the time. 

This video shows a specific 2014 Chevy Cruze 1.4L Turbo model: 55sPluggedIn AutomotiveYouTube · Feb 28, 2025