What kind of oil does a 2016 Chevy Cruze LT take?
The Cruze LT uses Dexos1 Gen 2 certified engine oil with a viscosity of 5W-30, typically in full synthetic form.
For the 2016 Cruze LT, which could come with a 1.4-liter turbo engine or the optional 1.8-liter engine, GM specifies Dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 as the standard lubrication. The oil capacity is roughly 4.2–4.5 quarts with filter, and routine changes are commonly recommended every 7,500 miles under normal driving, with shorter intervals under severe service. Always verify the exact spec for your specific vehicle in the owner's manual or via the oil-life monitor in your car.
Oil specifications and capacity
Important details to guide your oil purchase and maintenance schedule are summarized below.
- Dexos1 Gen 2 certification: Oil must meet the Dexos1 Gen 2 specification to meet GM’s warranty and performance requirements.
- Viscosity: 5W-30 is the recommended grade for most 2016 Cruze LT engines.
- Type: Preferably full synthetic oil; synthetic-blend that is Dexos1 Gen 2 approved is typically acceptable as well.
- Oil capacity: Approximately 4.2–4.5 quarts with a filter change.
Using the correct oil specification helps protect the engine and maintain warranty coverage. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual or ask a Chevrolet service professional.
Maintenance intervals and scheduling
Intervals depend on driving conditions and the oil you use. The following guidelines summarize common practice for the 2016 Cruze LT.
- Normal service: About every 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers) or 12 months, whichever comes first, when using Dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 and under typical driving conditions.
- Severe service: More frequent changes, roughly every 3,000–5,000 miles (4,800–8,000 kilometers) or every 3–6 months, if you routinely drive in conditions that stress the oil (short trips, heavy traffic, extreme temps, towing, or dusty/corrosive environments).
Always follow the schedule shown in your owner's manual and heed the vehicle’s oil life monitor, which can adjust recommended intervals based on actual driving conditions.
Tips for choosing and verifying the right oil
Before you buy or top up oil, use these checks to ensure you select the correct product.
- Look for the Dexos1 Gen 2 logo on the oil bottle to confirm compatibility.
- Confirm the viscosity is 5W-30 as specified for the Cruze LT.
- Prefer full synthetic oil for optimal protection, though a Dexos1 Gen 2-approved synthetic blend is acceptable if labeled accordingly.
- Use a compatible oil filter (OEM/ACDelco or equivalent) and replace it with every oil change.
If you’re unsure, ask your dealer or a qualified technician to confirm Dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 compatibility for your exact vehicle configuration.
Summary
For a 2016 Chevy Cruze LT, the recommended oil is Dexos1 Gen 2 certified 5W-30, preferably in full synthetic form, with an oil capacity of roughly 4.2–4.5 quarts per change. Follow the maintenance schedule in your manual and use the oil-life monitor to tailor changes to your driving conditions.
