What kind of gas does a 2012 Chevy Cruze take?
The 2012 Chevy Cruze runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 (AKI) or higher, and it is approved for up to 10% ethanol (E10). It does not require diesel or alternative fuels.
In practice, the Cruze is available with either a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, and both variants are designed to run on standard gasoline. While higher-octane fuels won’t necessarily improve performance, 87 AKI is the minimum and you can use higher-octane gasoline if you prefer. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact guidance for your region and engine code.
Fuel Requirements
Gasoline type and octane
Before filling up, it helps to know the core requirements for the Cruze’s fuel. The following are the typical guidelines for most 2012 Cruze models:
- Fuel type: gasoline only (unleaded). Do not use diesel or alternative fuels.
- Octane rating: 87 AKI (regular) or higher. The engine is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline; higher-octane fuels are optional but not required for everyday use.
- Ethanol content: gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is approved for use. Avoid higher ethanol blends such as E15 or E85 unless your manual explicitly allows them for your specific engine and market.
- Special additives: no special fuel additives are required beyond standard gasoline. Use a reputable fuel if you choose additives, and follow the product’s directions.
For best compatibility, use the grade recommended in your owner’s manual and stick to gasoline with up to 10% ethanol. If you operate in a region with different fuel formulations, always verify the local guidance for your exact engine version.
Regional considerations
Fuel specifications can vary by market. In the United States, the guidance above (87 AKI minimum, E10 acceptable) is typical for the Cruze. In other regions, octane ratings are sometimes described using different scales or terminology, and ethanol allowances may differ. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or with a local dealer to confirm the precise requirements for your region and engine variant.
Summary
The 2012 Chevy Cruze takes regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher and is approved for up to 10% ethanol (E10). It is not a diesel or flex-fuel vehicle, and premium fuel is not required, though you may use higher-octane gas if you prefer. Always refer to your specific owner's manual for your engine code and regional fuel guidelines.
