What is the top speed of a 2012 Chevy Cruze?
The top speed of a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze varies by engine and transmission. In general, the 1.8-liter non-turbo version reaches roughly 115–120 mph, while the 1.4-liter turbocharged model can approach about 125–130 mph in stock form. Exact figures depend on tires, gearing, and testing conditions.
In practice, two engines dominated the lineup that year: a base 1.8-liter I4 and a turbocharged 1.4-liter I4. The turbocharged variant typically delivers a higher top speed due to its higher power output and different gearing, but results still depend on trim level, transmission choice, and tire size. What follows summarizes typical, stock-era speeds and the factors that influence them.
Engine options and estimated top speeds
The figures below reflect common, stock configurations for the Cruze in 2012, broken down by engine. They assume standard tires and factory gearing.
- 1.8-liter I4 (non-turbo): approximately 115–120 mph (185–193 km/h).
- 1.4-liter turbocharged I4: approximately 125–130 mph (201–209 km/h).
Note that these are typical values seen in independent tests and manufacturer-derived data. Actual top speeds can vary with test conditions, equipment, and vehicle condition.
What can affect top speed beyond engine choice
Several factors influence the Cruze’s actual top speed, including transmission (manual vs. automatic), final drive ratios, aerodynamics, tire size, and vehicle weight. Electronic governors or speed-limiting features may also cap the top speed differently across trims and model years. In real-world driving, speeds above the listed ranges are uncommon and typically occur only under controlled testing or exceptional highway conditions.
Summary
For the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, top speeds depend on the engine: about 115–120 mph with the 1.8L non-turbo and about 125–130 mph with the 1.4L turbo. Actual speeds vary with transmission, tires, gearing, and testing conditions, so these figures represent typical stock performance rather than a guaranteed maximum.
