beebs

2018 Chevrolet Cruze review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Chevrolet Cruze highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Sporty handling
  • Intuitive touchscreen interface
  • Thrifty diesel option

Cons

  • Leisurely acceleration
  • Engine stop-start cannot be turned off
  • Front seats lack comfort

Mileage (EPA estimate)

27 city, 37 highway, 31 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

All Chevrolet Cruze years

What is new for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

  • Automated Parking, Rear Seat Heaters, and CD Audio features are now available as options on select trims.

2018 Chevrolet Cruze trims

Curious how Chevrolet Cruze trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

L:

  • 153-hp, 177-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Manual Transmission
  • View our Chevrolet Cruze L inventory

LS:

  • Includes all features available on the L
  • Automatic Transmission

LT:

  • Includes all features available on the LS
  • 1.6L
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Turbo Diesel Engine
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • View our Chevrolet Cruze LT inventory

Premier:

Chevrolet Cruze photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze

1. A variety of engine options

The 2018 Cruze sedan comes standard with a 1.4L turbo-four cylinder engine, which returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for the manual version and 29/40 mpg in the automatic version.

 Those are some great numbers for the commute, but if you are looking for something even more frugal, the optional 1.6L turbodiesel four-cylinder will get an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and a huge 47 mpg on the highway (for the manual sedan).

2. Optional hatchback practicality

The open road awaits, and it's a lot easier if you can bring along some more bags or gear. The 2018 Cruze is available as a sedan or a hatchback, for your added convenience. While the sedan has around 14 cu-ft of space, the hatchback ramps things up to 22.7 cu-ft! That means that your trip to the grocery store or your epic road trip will be much easier. 

3. Sporty driving experience

Even the standard 1.4L four-cylinder engine in the 2018 Cruze is turbocharged. With 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque on tap, which can be paired to a fun six-speed manual, the Cruze can be a great back-road driving companion. Add in a good mix of ride comfort and handling prowess, and the 2018 Cruze can deliver a quick dose of fun into your life.

4. A rainbow of color options

The standard palette of silver, white, black, and gray might not suit everyone. If you're looking for something that stands out, the 2018 Cruze has spicy options like Orange Burst (hatchback only), Red Hot, Cajun Red, or Artic Blue. You won't have to risk losing your car in the parking lot ever again.

5. Add sport or luxury

Finding the right 2018 Chevy Cruze is made easier by the mix of trims and optional packages. Step up from the base L and you'll find great features on the optional LS and LT trim levels. The range-topping Premier trim adds niceties like larger wheels, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. If you want to add sportier looks, the RS package (LT and Premier) gets you a rear spoiler, fog lamps, a sports body kit, and RS badging. The 2018 Cruze has a little something for everyone.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Based on customer reviews, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is a dependable car that is spacious and drives well. Customers also like the way the car looks and handles.
3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Cruze an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Cruze 33rd out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze features and specs

LT 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Cloth Seats

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

153

Torque (ft-lbs)

177

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.7

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

175.3"

Width

70.5"

Height

57.7"

Leg room

F 42"/R 36.1"

Head room

F 38.9"/R 37.3"

Front tires

205/55R16

Rear tires

205/55R16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2018 Chevrolet Cruze FAQ

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.