What engine is turbocharged in the Chevy Cruze?

The Chevy Cruze’s most widely used turbocharged engine is the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four (Ecotec) gasoline engine. In addition, a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel Duramax was offered in certain markets and model years.

Across its production run (primarily 2011–2019 in the United States, with broader availability in Europe and other regions), the Cruze relied on two turbocharged powerplants. The gasoline option was the workhorse for most trims, delivering a balance of efficiency and performance. The diesel option provided higher torque and better highway fuel economy, but it appeared only in select markets and years. Below is a closer look at each turbocharged engine and where it appeared in Cruze history.

Gasoline turbocharged option: 1.4L Ecotec

The primary turbocharged engine found in most Cruze models is the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four Ecotec. It was designed to deliver a blend of liveliness and efficiency, making it the default engine for many trims and model years.

• Engine family: 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four (Ecotec)


• Displacement: 1.4 L


• Turbocharging: Single or twin-scroll turbocharger depending on generation


• Power output: Typically in the low-to-mid 140s horsepower range, with variations up to about 153 hp across different model years


• Torque: Roughly 148–177 lb-ft (torque also varies by year and configuration)


• Transmission pairing: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic


• Model-year presence: Widely used in most US Cruze trims from around 2011 onward

In everyday driving, the 1.4L turbo provides adequate acceleration for a compact car while offering relatively strong fuel economy for its class. Its turbocharged design helps maintain responsive performance across city and highway driving, especially when paired with the available automatic transmission.

Diesel turbo option: 2.0L Duramax

In select markets, Chevrolet offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged Duramax diesel engine for the Cruze. The Duramax option emphasized high torque and improved highway fuel economy, appealing to buyers prioritizing long-range efficiency.

• Engine family: 2.0-liter turbocharged Duramax inline-four diesel


• Displacement: 2.0 L


• Turbocharging: Turbocharged diesel setup


• Power output: Approximately around 148 hp (varies by year and market)


• Torque: About 258 lb-ft of torque (significantly higher torque than the gasoline 1.4L)


• Transmission pairing: Typically matched with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, depending on market and trim


• Market presence: Available in various markets (notably Europe, Canada, and select US model years) rather than across the entire Cruze lineup

The diesel Cruze offered strong low-end torque and excellent highway efficiency, which made it popular among buyers who valued long-distance cruising and fuel savings. However, it did not appear in every market or every model year, so availability depended on region and trim level.

Where and when you’d find them

Regional availability and model-year specifics determined which turbocharged engine a Cruze buyer could choose. In the United States, the 1.4L turbo gasoline engine was the standard and most common option across late-model Cruzes. The 2.0L Duramax diesel was offered in limited trims and years, primarily for buyers seeking higher torque and improved highway mileage. In Europe, Canada, and other international markets, the diesel Duramax option was more commonly seen as part of the Cruze lineup during certain generations.

• United States: Mainstream choice is the 1.4L turbo gasoline; diesel was offered in limited trims/years


• Canada/Europe and some other markets: 2.0L Duramax diesel available in additional trims or model years


• Model-year spread: Diesel availability tended to appear in mid-2010s and varied by generation and market

Prospective buyers should check specific model year documentation or dealer配置 to confirm which engine was offered on a given Cruze in their region, as configurations shifted across generations and markets.

Summary

The Chevy Cruze’s turbocharged lineup centers on the 1.4-liter Ecotec gasoline engine, which powered most models across its US life span, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency. In selected markets and years, a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel Duramax was also available, offering higher torque and stronger highway fuel economy. Availability varied by region and model year, so customers should verify the exact powertrain on a given Cruze before purchase.

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

Does the 2015 Chevy Cruze have a turbo?

The 2015 Chevy Cruze comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower. A turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine is optional, which also makes 138 horsepower. The Cruze Diesel has a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces 151 horsepower.

Is the Chevy 1.4 turbo a good engine?

The Chevy 1.4L turbo engine is not generally considered a good engine due to a poor reliability record, though it offers good fuel economy and performance when working well. It is prone to common failures, particularly in earlier versions, including issues with the oil filter housing, valve cover (specifically the PCV diaphragm), water pump, and head gasket. Proper and consistent maintenance, especially oil changes, is crucial for extending its life. 
You can watch this video to see the common failure points of the 1.4L turbo engine: 58sspeedkar99YouTube · Mar 4, 2024
Drawbacks and common issues

• Reliability: The first-generation 1.4L turbo has a reputation for being unreliable compared to its non-turbo 1.8L counterpart. 
• Cooling system problems: Many models have a history of cooling system issues, such as water pump failures and leaks from various components. 
• Oil leaks and PCV issues: A major problem is the integrated PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) diaphragm in the plastic valve cover, which is prone to failure. This can lead to oil leaks from various seals, including the rear main seal and oil cooler lines. 
• Turbocharger problems: Turbochargers can fail, and the exhaust housing is susceptible to cracking. 
• Maintenance-intensive: While maintenance items are not considered expensive, consistent upkeep is necessary to prevent problems. Owners who report positive experiences often emphasize the importance of diligent maintenance. 

Benefits

• Fuel economy: The engine is known for good fuel efficiency, often achieving high 30s or nearly 40 MPG on the highway. 
• Performance: It delivers more torque at lower RPMs than its non-turbo counterpart, providing a more responsive feel. 

This video provides an overview of the 1.4L turbo engine including its design, performance, and issues: 53sUsed Car GuideYouTube · Jun 5, 2025
What to consider

• Maintenance history: If you are buying a used vehicle with this engine, a complete maintenance history is essential. 
• DIY vs. mechanic: This engine can be suitable for those who are comfortable performing repairs themselves. 
• Version: Later versions of the engine (2016.5 and newer) are generally considered more reliable than the first generation. 

What year of Chevy Cruze to stay away from?

The Chevy Cruze model years to avoid are 2011 through 2015, with each of these models having prevalent transmission failure and engine problems.