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2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Chevrolet Cruze
Pictured: 2017 Chevrolet Cruze LT in Arctic Blue Metallic, Front Left. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan New Generation, Limited 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/Eco
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
34 combined · 30 city / 40 hwy
Length
181.1–183.9 in
Curb weight
2,756–3,084 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,756 lb (4dr Sedan New Generation).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 40 highway), 28% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 250 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2016

  • New body dimensions: 2.8 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • No diesel version any more
  • Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 32 to 34
  • NHTSA overall rating down from 5 to 4 stars

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Cruze →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan New Generation183.9 in70.9 in57.5 in106.3 in61.4 / 61 in2,756 lb61/39
Limited 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/Eco181.1 in70.9 in58.3 in105.5 in60.6 / 61.4 in3,084 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cruze1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 40 / 34+28%$1,950261
Cruze Premier1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 40 / 34+28%$1,950265
Cruze Limited Eco1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 40 / 33+26%$2,050274
Cruze1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32+20%$2,100274
Cruze Limited Eco1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 37 / 30+15%$2,250295
Cruze Limited1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 36 / 30+15%$2,250300
Cruze Limited1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 37 / 30+15%$2,250298
Cruze Limited1.8L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 29+11%$2,300309
Cruze Limited1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 34 / 26-1%$2,600336
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.6 MPG2016 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2016 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2016 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Chevrolet Cruze (this car)34 MPG★★★★★4
2016 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★1
2016 Honda Civic35 MPG★★★★★5
2016 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated4
2016 Toyota Camry40 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated1
2016 Toyota Prius56 MPG★★★★★5

Recalls (4)

Fuel System, Gasoline · May 10, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V304000 · 111,966 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint · Jan 26, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V057000 · 17,197 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. A bracket used in the driver or front passenger seat-back recliner mechanism may have been incorrectly welded to the seat-back frame, as a result, in the event of a crash, the head-restraints may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
Risk
In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seats, replacing any with seat-back frames that are incorrectly welded, free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17035.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Jul 1, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V498000 · 32,913 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cruze vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to May 26, 2016. The headlight assemblies are not marked with a three-digit identifier code used to properly aim the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Risk
Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will mail owners instructions and adhesive labels, with the correct code, to install on their headlight assemblies. Owners may also bring the vehicle to a GM dealership for any assistance with applying the label, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet Customer Service Department at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 50190.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

250Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
56,639 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine102
Electrical System59
Unknown Or Other43
Fuel/Propulsion System35
Power Train29
Air Bags21
Steering18
Service Brakes18
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/03: 123/05: 123/06: 223/07: 323/08: 423/09: 523/10: 123/11: 224/02: 124/06: 124/07: 424/08: 224/10: 124/11: 124/12: 125/03: 125/04: 125/08: 125/10: 126/04: 226/05: 126/06: 226/08: 226/09: 123/0323/0723/1024/0624/1025/0325/1026/06max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 102 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 59 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 35 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 56,639 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Cruze years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Cruze37183.9 in★★★★★223
2018 Cruze37183.9 in★★★★★3109
2017 Cruze37183.9 in★★★★★2201
2015 Cruze32181.1 in★★★★★4252
2014 Cruze32181.5 in★★★★★10644
2013 Cruze32181.5 inNot rated5450
2012 Cruze32181.5 inNot rated7581
2011 Cruze32181.5 inNot rated7424

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →