Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
FIAT
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Honda
Hyundai
INFINITI
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Lucid
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
MINI
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Polestar
Porsche
RAM
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo
Convertible
Coupe
Crossover
Hatchback
Sedan
SUV
Truck
Van/Minivan
Wagon
HUMMER
Isuzu
Mercury
Oldsmobile
Plymouth
Pontiac
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Suzuki
smart
Electric
Hybrid
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:
L
Comes with the 1.8-liter engine and manual transmission only, plus basic features like a split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone, and a six-speaker sound system.
LS
Adds a spare tire, carpeted floor mats, satellite radio, and a compass. The automatic transmission become available at this level.
1LT
Gets several key upgrades, including alloy wheels, cruise control, and enhanced trim inside and out. The 1.4-liter engine is standard at this level and above. The available Technology package adds a rearview camera and Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system. There’s also a Driver Convenience package with heated mirrors, a power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and remote start (requires automatic).
2LT
Builds on the 1LT with leather upholstery, a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, and standard MyLink. The Driver Convenience package for the 2LT includes the rearview camera.
Eco
Focuses on efficiency with aerodynamic body components, lightweight alloy wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, and a smaller gas tank on manual-equipped models. The Eco gets up to 33 mpg in combined city and highway driving. My Link comes standard, and all other equipment and options mirror the 1LT.
LTZ
Gets all of the 2LT's options as standard, including the automatic transmission. You also get 18-inch wheels, chrome door handles, keyless access and ignition, automatic climate control, and upgraded interior trim.
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.
Get your price on a Chevrolet Cruze Limited »
