What is a Chevy Cruze 0-60?
The Chevy Cruze’s 0-60 mph times vary by engine and transmission, but turbocharged gasoline and diesel variants generally accelerate faster than the base gas engines. In practical terms, fastest Cruze models reach 60 mph in roughly 7.5–9 seconds, while the more common base configurations run around 9–11 seconds. The exact figure depends on model year, market, tires, and drivetrain.
To put the numbers in context, the Cruze was produced from around 2008/2009 through 2019 in many markets, with US models offering a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, and select markets also getting a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Gasoline and diesel variants have different powertrains and tuning, which leads to a range of 0–60 times. Official Chevrolet performance figures are scarce for this model line, so most times come from automotive press and manufacturer testing under various conditions.
Engine options and observed 0-60 times
Below is a snapshot of the most common Cruze powertrains and how they tend to perform in acceleration testing.
- Gasoline, 1.8-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder (base trims; typical in earlier US models): 0–60 mph generally around 9.5–11.0 seconds, depending on transmission and tires.
- Gasoline, 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (most common in 2012–2019 Cruze): 0–60 mph typically in roughly 8.0–9.5 seconds; manual transmissions often yield quicker times, while automatics can be slightly slower.
- Diesel, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (Cruze Clean Diesel; select markets and years): 0–60 mph commonly in the mid-7 to mid-8 second range, influenced by transmission and tire condition.
Times vary by model year, market, and testing method, so use these as general guidelines rather than exact specifications for a specific car.
Notes on market differences and practical takeaways
In the United States, the Cruze diesel option was available only for a limited period, and most buyers encountered turbocharged gasoline variants. In Europe and other regions, diesel versions were more prevalent and could show stronger performance in 0–60 tests. For prospective buyers or enthusiasts, the best predictor of real-world acceleration is to look up test results for the exact trim, transmission, and tire setup of the specific model year you’re interested in.
Summary
The Cruze’s 0–60 time depends heavily on engine and transmission. Turbocharged gasoline and diesel variants lead the sprint, often landing in the mid-7 to low-9 second range, while base naturally aspirated gasoline versions typically reach 60 mph in the high 9s to low 11 seconds. With production ending in 2019, precise times are best verified from model-year-specific tests or owner reports for the configuration you’re considering.
