Now eight years old, the Chevrolet Cruze has been redesigned for 2016 and further adds to the long list of competition in the compact sedan market. The new Cruze has a more masculine exterior appearance with a split front grille and it’s slightly longer than its predecessor.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the top-line Premier, with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 153 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Redesign: The new Cruze has a more masculine exterior appearance with a split front grille and it’s slightly longer than its predecessor.
- Options: more than $5,000 in the RS Sport Package and Sun and Sound Package.
- Connectivity: 24 months/24 gigs of 4G LTE Wi-Fi, 24 months of SiriusXM satellite radio and 24 months of OnStar guidance are included.
- Segment: With the market full of standard bearers like the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, the 2016 Chevrolet moves toward to the top of the list with its debuting second edition.
- Size: Designated as a compact sedan, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has a midsize car feel.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
With the market full of standard bearers like the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, the 2016 Chevrolet moves toward to the top of the list with its debuting second edition.
Like others in the compact sedan group, the Chevrolet Cruze is offered in several trims, including the top-line Premier, my weekly driver. It replaces the LTZ trim. The 1.4-liter turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine produces 153 horsepower and is operated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
With keen competition in the segment, the standard equipment lists are expanding, including the collection offered in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.
All new edition
All trim levels feature a seven-inch MyLink touch-screen infotainment system with A/M-F/M radio, USB integration, a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, voice control, and CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, keyless entry, power windows, power door locks and air conditioning.
The LT and Premier trim also feature several added feature package. My test vehicle included more $5,000 in options RS Sport Package and Sun and Sound Package. Combined, more than a dozen items are listed in the packages, mostly importantly:alloy wheels, remote start, keyless access with push-button ignition, a premium sound system by Bose with external amplifier and subwoofer, an eight-inch MyLink infotainment system with GPS navigation, a power tilt-and-sliding sunroof, and power seats.
The Premier trim is offered only with a six-speed automatic transmission and it also includes: heated leather seating surfaces and upgraded alloy wheels, among other luxury features.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Verdict
Driving the new Chevrolet Cruze is surprising. It’s a compact sedan with a midsize sedan feel. It’s comfortable for front-seat and rear-seat passengers, although head room from taller back seat occupants is snug. The ride is quiet and composed, particularly at freeway speeds where the Cruze’s name is appropriate.
New Technology
The new Chevrolet Cruze has also kept up with the technology enhancements offered my other manufacturers. In the LT and Cruze trims, 24 months/24 gigs of 4G LTE Wi-Fi, 24 months of SiriusXM satellite radio and 24 months of OnStar guidance are included.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes
Overall spaciousness. Cavernous trunk. Intuitive infotainment system. Confident ride. Superior gas mileage.
Dislikes
Tight back seat headroom. Exterior color (Kinetic Blue Metallic) is too bright.
Facts & Figures: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Trim | Premier |
| Engine | 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 153 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Options on Test Car | More than $5,000 (RS Sport and Sun and Sound packages) |
| Fuel Economy | 30 city / 40 highway / 34 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
