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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2014 Chevrolet Cruze

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Overview

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2014 Chevrolet Cruze Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.8

Just a few short years ago, the compact-sedan segment was dominated by foreign automakers. Fast-forward to today, though, and we see extremely respectable models coming from the domestics. Among them is the Chevrolet Cruze, which burst onto the scene a couple of years ago with good looks, smart features, lofty fuel economy and a comfortable ride. The Cruze doesn't feel like an economy car, and its sales have proven that a quality compact from an American automaker can connect with buyers. The Cruze isn't the sportiest sedan in the segment – which includes the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla – but it offers impressive comfort and fuel economy. That latter characteristic gets a further lift in 2014 with the introduction of a turbodiesel model.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Cruze stands out from other compacts with its comfort-oriented ride and overall feeling of solidity and strength. If you've been yearning for a powerful, high-mileage diesel compact sedan, the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the only such vehicle available for 2014 besides Volkswagen's Jetta.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you want your compact 5-seater in the form of a coupe or wagon, look to a model such as the Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, or Ford Focus. If all-wheel drive or sporty driving manners are on your wish list, check out the Subaru Impreza or Mazda's Mazda3.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.8
Driving Dynamics

6.3
Comfort & Convenience

7.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.5
Value

6.6
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#2

out of 5

MPG

#4

out of 5

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2014

The big news for 2014 Cruze models is the availability of a turbodiesel engine. This is the powerplant of choice in about 40 percent of European Cruze models because of its fuel economy (40-plus mpg) and power output. Unlike diesels from decades ago, today's engines are quiet and don't emit stinky fumes.

Driving the Cruze

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Whether running errands around town or, yes, cruising on the highway, the 2014 Cruze's driving manners stand out for their comfort and refinement. While most compact cars have no problem...

shuffling short distances, offering similar levels of ease on long commutes can be another matter. Here the Cruze lives up to its name with impressive smoothness. The 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder found on most models puts out the same 138 horsepower and more torque as the larger, naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine found on base LS trims, yet achieves better fuel economy. Unfortunately some turbo lag was evident from a dead stop, and the 6-speed automatic transmission in our test model was a bit sluggish to downshift. The Cruze's steering is a bit numb in the corners but nicely weighted. Stay tuned for our impressions of the diesel model, slated to arrive in summer.

Favorite Features

1.4-LITER ECOTEC TURBO ENGINE
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze sedan's 4-cylinder turbocharged engine not only delivers ample torque for a relatively fun driving experience, it's also quiet and fuel-efficient. Drivers who enjoy shifting for themselves will appreciate the Cruze's light and easy-to-use manual transmission.

MYLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
MyLink provides voice controls for the phone, music and radio, as well as Bluetooth music streaming. MyLink can also pair with certain smartphones to stream popular apps such as Stitcher and Pandora.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Details

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

For a compact car, the Chevrolet Cruze's interior is surprisingly roomy. In fact, it qualifies as a mid-size sedan, according the EPA's rating system. Material quality is impressive. Controls for functions such as audio and climate are easy to see, reach and use. The Cruze is commendable when it comes to seat comfort. Front legroom is excellent, while the rear bench seat is comfortable for two adults, provided the front seats are not fully extended. Higher-trim models have leather seating standard in place of cloth. Abundant sound-deadening material makes the Cruze's cabin one of the quietest in the segment.

Exterior

The Chevrolet Cruze's exterior styling is neither bold nor bland. We predict that the sedan's angled lines and confident stance will hold up well in the years to come. In front, the Cruze is highlighted by a split front grille that has become the "face" of other Chevrolets. What is perhaps the sedan's most striking feature are its headlights and lens housings that wrap around the front and angle sharply above the front fenders. Despite the Cruze's cavernous cargo hold, the car's trunk lid and rear are surprisingly tidy. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze comes in six trim levels that admittedly seem like alphabet soup: LS, 1LT, Eco, 2LT, LTZ, and Diesel. Even a base LS is reasonably well-equipped with premium cloth seating, Bluetooth, a 6-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/USB audio system, keyless entry, and a 6-month trial of GM's OnStar service. The LS does not come with cruise control. It is also the only gasoline model to use the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine – the others employ the smaller, more efficient 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The Diesel is now the top banana of Cruze models and brings leather seats, remote starting, and MyLink audio system with 7-inch touchscreen display. All models have an impressive 10 airbags.

Optional Equipment

Options for the 2014 Chevy Cruze vary by trim and include navigation, a rear-view camera, 9-speaker Pioneer premium audio, a power driver's seat, a power sunroof, and a remote vehicle starter. An RS package offers a sportier look with a rear spoiler, lower bodywork, fog lights, and unique front and rear fascias. Enhanced safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist.

Under the Hood

Three engine choices are available for the 2014 Cruze. The two gasoline models use a naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter 4-cylinder or a smaller, more-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder. Both gasoline engines make 138 horsepower and run on regular unleaded. The third choice is a new 2.0-liter turbodiesel that makes an estimated 148 horsepower and impressive 258 lb-ft of torque. The diesel is estimated to earn a stunning 46 miles per gallon in highway driving, but a rancid 27 mpg in the city. While that figure is close to the manual-transmission Cruze Eco, we've found that diesels often get better-than-stated highway fuel efficiency. The diesel uses an emissions fluid that requires refilling every 10,000 miles to coincide with oil changes. The 2014 Cruze Diesel includes a 2-year maintenance plan. Gasoline models offer a choice of 6-speed manual or auto transmission, while diesels exclusively use a 6-speed automatic.

Cruze LS
1.8-liter inline-4
138 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
125 lb-ft of torque @ 3,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/36 mpg (manual), 22/35 mpg (automatic)

Cruze LT, LTZ and Eco
1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
138 horsepower @ 4,900 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm (manual), 148 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm (automatic)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/38 mpg (manual), 26/38 mpg (automatic), 28/42 mpg (manual, Eco), 26/39 mpg (automatic, Eco)

Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
148 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm, est.
258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm, est.
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/46 mpg

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the Chevrolet Cruze starts around $18,000 for a base LS model with a manual transmission. Moving up to an LS with an automatic adds about $1,000 more. The top gasoline trim is the LTZ, which starts at over $24,000. At $25,695, the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel represents the highest trim level and most expensive version of the Cruze. Compared with other compact sedans, the Cruze's starting price is in line with that of the Honda Civic, but on the high side of the Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte and Dodge Dart. Before buying, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2014 Cruze. In terms of resale value, the Cruze is expected to be mid-pack in the segment with values similar to Hyundai Elantra and below leaders such as Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza.

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2014 Chevrolet Cruze Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 303 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.6/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

9.0/10

Best commuter car in over 50+ purchased

By pwrdad (CA) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "None for the use"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I bought this car new the first year out, LTZ. I averaged over 31 mpg since purchase. I travel >100 miles each day to work, highway/in town, high desert/ocean climates and over a major grade splitting the county. I have had many other commuter vehicles, including Honda and Toyota, none compare with my Cruze. It has everything I need including inexpensive cell phone through on star. In California we must have hands free and this feature allows me to work even when in the car through my sound system in the car. I am a Porsche lover and this car gives me the ability to drive a fun car at a lot less cost, this is the 5th one I have purchased for Exes and kids. My only dilemma now is do I trade for the diesel? No I am not comparing to any of my Porsches, but it is by far the best of all my cars to make these long daily trips and it is fun!!!"

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IT WAS A GAS SAVER & STYLISH

By bigdawg (MI) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: car was totalled - My approximate mileage is 24,200

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "comes in a stick, real peppy, 29.7 cmpg etc."

Cons: "it isnt a v8 when it comes to power!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"With just a few hundred dollers i turned my normal cuze into a sporty gas savin machine! installed a cold air intake and was getting 29.7mpg city! with 87! do 55-60 on the freeway and get 45-50mpg! i had the 1.4T and loved it if i could afford another one i would but sadly mine was wrecked :( i deffinately recommend the manual version though feels alot more peppy."

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Cruze! It's made for cruising not racing

By johhnyboy07 (TX) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "138 turbo charged engine feels weak"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Had the car for a while now, I don't do a lot of driving but overall I am very impressed with Chevy. I like everything about the car. I wish it had more horsepower, it is pretty slow in acceleration but it gets up at speed. Where is the turbo? lol. I used to drive a customized Civic so I'm used to fast acceleration that I had. Anyways, Love the car for going to work/school, great mileage."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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4 issues from the start

By Veronica (VA) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I purchased the LTZ and I am in love with the car but my heart is breaking. Bluetooth cannot find my phone. My right headlight does not work from week one and today the left side speakers no longer work either. I just made 500 miles this afternoon and still have a temporary plate. Going to the dealership tomorrow... Mind you I DO LOVE THE CAR just sad, too sad to be angry. Riders well, all n, all I do recommend to anyone to give this beauty a try."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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I love my Cruze!

By Sara (FL) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great gas mileage, interior space, classy design"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I used to sell cars at a dealer and I have driven many of the new cars out there (Our dealership had over 5 new car franchises.) I never found a car worthy enough of trading my 2003 VW Jetta VR6 until I drove the Cruze. It feels so solid but turns and drives like a dream! It will turn on a dime! Also I like the look, it is very classy. It has enough space for my fiancé and I, and he is 6'4" as well as family in the back seat. I have the LS Cruze manual and love the shifting, the car actually learns your driving habits. Chevrolet really outdid themselves with this!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great Car

By Bubby774 (WV) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Excellent gas mileage, nice looking, quiet ride"

Cons: "None for me"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Mileage rating 26/36, I get exactly 28.3 around town. Never had any problems but cooling fan went bad around 34000 miles. Car rides good and is very quiet inside. Power is adequate with the 6 speed manual and good in snow."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 303 reviews