DecodedCars2017 Chevrolet Cruze
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- automatic, manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 31 city / 52 hwy
- Length
- 175.2–183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,756–2,893 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 38% better than the average 2017 compact car (26.9 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 1.4L 4-cyl turbo) 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).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (31 city / 52 highway), 38% better than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 201 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- New diesel version
- Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 34 to 37
- NHTSA overall rating up from 4 to 5 stars
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Cruze →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Lordstown, Ohio · Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Cruze configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 183.9 in | 70.9 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 2,756 lb | 61/39 |
| 5dr Hatch | 175.2 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 2,893 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 Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 47 / 37 | +38% | $2,600 | 276 |
| Cruze Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 52 / 37 | +38% | $2,600 | 272 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 34 | +26% | $1,950 | 265 |
| Cruze Premier | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +23% | $2,050 | 269 |
| Cruze Hatchback | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 274 |
| Cruze Premier Hatchback | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +15% | $2,150 | 287 |
| Cruze Hatchback | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +15% | $2,150 | 286 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Cruze 5 DR FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2017 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2017 Chevrolet Cruze 5 DR FWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2017 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2017 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Cruze (this car) | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Not every 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Chevrolet Cruze buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 73 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 38 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 32 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,000 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 Cruze | 34 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 250 |
| 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 →