You may have heard there's a brand new Chevrolet Cruze for 2016, but there's still plenty of life left in the generation it replaces. Last year's model is now known as the Cruze Limited and carries on as a value-oriented compact sedan.
What's New for 2016
The Cruze Limited is identical to the 2015 Cruze, except the diesel engine option is no more.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Malibu Limited
Although the Cruze Limited ranks as a compact, it has a relatively large footprint for its class and a family-size trunk. Buyers also get competent handling and a pleasant ride, even with the sport-tuned suspension installed in the upper trim levels.
The front-drive Cruze starts out with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower. The available turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder produces the same horsepower, but offers more torque and slightly better fuel efficiency. Both engines can be fitted to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The Cruze covers a lot of market territory across its six trim levels:
The LT and above can get an Enhanced Safety package with rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The LT and LTZ are eligible for an RS Appearance package featuring sporty styling elements, foglamps, and expanded instrumentation. Individual options for the upper trims include navigation, a Pioneer sound system, and a sunroof.
The entry-level L is just too austere for a modern passenger car. Even if price is your chief concern, we’d go with the LS. That said, the highly configurable LT offers the best balance of features and price.