Is there an AWD Chevy Cruze?
No. Chevrolet did not offer an all-wheel-drive version of the Cruze in the United States, and the model was discontinued after the 2019 model year.
Context and history
The question of all-wheel drive for the Cruze often comes up for shoppers comparing small cars and crossovers. In the U.S., the Cruze was positioned as a practical, fuel-efficient compact with front-wheel drive across its entire production run. While some markets and related GM models explored different drivetrains, there is no record of an officially sold AWD Cruze in North America.
Key milestones in the Cruze’s drivetrain options in the U.S. are outlined below.
- 2011–2015: Cruze models were available with front-wheel drive only; no factory AWD option was offered in the U.S.
- 2016–2019: The Cruze continued to be front-wheel drive only in North America, with no AWD variants released.
Conclusion: In the U.S. market, there were no all-wheel-drive Cruze models during its production, and GM ultimately discontinued the Cruze after the 2019 model year.
Markets and variants
Some readers wonder whether any non-U.S. markets ever sold an AWD Cruze. Chevrolet’s Cruze branding and its related Opel/Vauxhall platforms generally used front-wheel drive across regions. There is little evidence of an official AWD Cruze offered for sale in major markets. For buyers who require all-wheel drive, the practical path is to consider Chevrolet crossovers or other brands’ AWD compact cars rather than the Cruze.
What this means for potential buyers is that you’ll typically find AWD in Chevrolet’s SUV lineup rather than in the Cruze sedan/hatchback form.
- Equinox offers available all-wheel drive across many model years and trims.
- Trax (a subcompact SUV) has had AWD availability on certain trims and years.
- Blazer and other larger Chevrolet SUVs also offer AWD options.
Conclusion: If all-wheel drive is a priority, consider these Chevrolet SUV options rather than the Cruze.
Bottom line and alternatives
For buyers who specifically want an AWD vehicle, the Cruze is not the right choice. There are multiple Chevrolet models that provide all-wheel drive, particularly in the SUV segment, and there are numerous compact AWD options from other manufacturers if you’re set on a non-SUV AWD sedan.
Summary
The Chevrolet Cruze never offered all-wheel drive in its U.S. production, and GM ended the model in 2019. If AWD is important, explore Chevrolet crossovers like the Equinox, Trax, or Blazer, or look to other brands for compact AWD sedans or hatchbacks. Always verify the drivetrain for the specific year and trim you’re considering, as availability can vary by market and model year.
