What year did Chevy Cruze get a backup camera?
The Chevrolet Cruze first offered a factory backup camera for U.S. buyers in the 2013 model year, with broader availability in subsequent years and the backup camera becoming mandatory on all new cars by 2018.
To understand the question in context, automakers gradually added rear-visibility technology to the Cruze as part of GM’s safety and infotainment upgrades. Availability varied by trim level and market, and the US regulatory shift in 2018 effectively standardized cameras across the lineup. The following timeline outlines the typical progression and how to verify what your specific Cruze includes.
Timeline: When the Cruze got a backup camera
The following list highlights the key milestones for backup cameras on the Chevrolet Cruze in the United States, noting that feature availability depended on trim and option packages.
- 2013 model year: Backup camera introduced as an available option on higher Cruze trims (such as LT and LTZ) with the MyLink infotainment system.
- 2014 model year: Camera becomes available on more trims, expanding access beyond the top trims but not yet universal across all configurations.
- 2015–2017 model years: The rear-vision camera is widely offered, with many cruises having it as standard on mid- to high-level trims and as part of popular option packages.
- 2018 model year and beyond: Federal safety regulations require backup cameras on all new vehicles sold in the U.S., so Cruze models sold new in 2018 and later are equipped with a backup camera by default.
Understanding this progression helps in dating a used Cruze as well: older examples (pre-2013) may lack a factory backup camera, while later models almost certainly include one, though always verify via the vehicle’s display or window sticker.
How to check if your Cruze has a backup camera
Use this quick checklist to confirm whether a specific Cruze has a factory backup camera and where to find the display and controls.
- With the ignition on, shift the transmission into reverse and watch for a video feed on the dashboard screen or infotainment display.
- Consult the owner’s manual under the Safety or Infotainment sections for “Rear Vision Camera” or “Backup Camera” terminology.
- Inspect the inside rear-view mirror area and the center display for a live camera view when in reverse; some configurations show the camera feed only on the navigation/MyLink screen.
- Check the window sticker or the vehicle’s options list for “Rear Vision Camera” or “Backup Camera” to confirm it was equipped from the factory.
If you’re unsure after these steps, contact a Chevrolet dealer with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for a definitive confirmation of camera equipment and model-year specifications.
Why this matters: safety timelines and model differences
The Chevrolet Cruze’s adoption of a backup camera reflects a broader industry shift toward enhanced rear visibility, driven by consumer safety concerns and later codified by federal regulation. While early 2010s Cruzes offered the camera mainly on higher trims, the 2018 standardization rule accelerated uniform availability across all new Cruzes, regardless of trim level.
In summary, if you’re assessing a used Cruze, expect pre-2013 models to possibly lack a factory backup camera, mid-2010s models to vary by trim, and 2018-and-newer models to include a backup camera as a standard feature. Always verify per-model details to avoid surprises.
Summary
Back-up cameras appeared on the Chevy Cruze beginning with the 2013 model year in the U.S., became more widely available in 2014–2017, and became mandatory on all new Cruze models from 2018 onward due to federal safety requirements. Checking the display and the VIN will confirm whether a particular Cruze has the feature.
