DecodedCars2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- 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
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 37% better than the average 2018 compact car (27 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 31 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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), 37% better than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Cruze →
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 | +37% | $2,600 | 276 |
| Cruze Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 52 / 37 | +37% | $2,600 | 274 |
| Cruze Hatchback Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 45 / 35 | +29% | $2,750 | 291 |
| Cruze Hatchback Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 48 / 35 | +29% | $2,750 | 290 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 40 / 33 | +22% | $2,050 | 267 |
| Cruze Premier | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +22% | $2,050 | 269 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 40 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 277 |
| Cruze Hatchback | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 32 | +18% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Cruze Premier Hatchback | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +14% | $2,150 | 287 |
| Cruze Hatchback | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 38 / 31 | +14% | $2,150 | 285 |
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27 MPG2018 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 5 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Cruze (this car) | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 30, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 210,628 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
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.
Not every 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
109Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
17Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
24,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 27 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 24,500 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 Cruze | 37 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 201 |
| 2016 Cruze | 34 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 250 |
| 2015 Cruze | 32 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 252 |
| 2014 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 10 | 643 |
| 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 →