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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan New Generation | 183.9 in | 70.9 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 2,756 lb | 61/39 |
| Limited 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/Eco | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 58.3 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 3,084 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 34 | +28% | $1,950 | 261 |
| Cruze Premier | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 34 | +28% | $1,950 | 265 |
| Cruze Limited Eco | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 40 / 33 | +26% | $2,050 | 274 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +20% | $2,100 | 274 |
| Cruze Limited Eco | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +15% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Cruze Limited | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 30 | +15% | $2,250 | 300 |
| Cruze Limited | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 37 / 30 | +15% | $2,250 | 298 |
| Cruze Limited | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +11% | $2,300 | 309 |
| Cruze Limited | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 34 / 26 | -1% | $2,600 | 336 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |


Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Cruze (this car) | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 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.
Not every 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 102 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 59 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- 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.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 56,639 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Cruze | 37 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 23 |
| 2018 Cruze | 37 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 109 |
| 2017 Cruze | 37 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 201 |
| 2015 Cruze | 32 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 252 |
| 2014 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 644 |
| 2013 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 450 |
| 2012 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 581 |
| 2011 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 424 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →