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.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
Key Takeaways
- Completely redesigned second-generation Cruze: Split front grille, slightly longer body, and a more masculine exterior mark the first all-new Cruze since the nameplate launched in 2008.
- 153-hp 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder: All trims use the same turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Premier trim tested replaced the outgoing LTZ name.
- 34 mpg combined on regular gasoline: EPA ratings of 30 city / 40 highway / 34 combined put the Cruze near the top of the compact sedan segment for fuel economy.
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi and OnStar standard on LT and Premier: Both trims include 24 months of LTE connectivity (24 gigabytes) plus OnStar guidance — a segment differentiator from GM’s corporate tech stack.
- $23,120 base, $29,035 as-tested: The review Premier added the RS Sport Package and Sun and Sound Package totaling roughly $5,000, including Bose audio with subwoofer, heated leather, sunroof, and 8-inch MyLink navigation.
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.
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 int he 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.
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.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze: 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:
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.
What We Like
- 34 mpg combined on regular gasoline
- Spacious cabin with midsize sedan feel in a compact footprint
- Standard 7-inch MyLink touchscreen with CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot standard on LT and Premier
- Quiet composed ride at freeway speeds
What We Don’t
- Rear-seat headroom tight for taller passengers
- As-tested pricing approaches $30,000 with the premium packages
- Kinetic Blue Metallic paint is polarizing
- Warranty trails Korean rivals (3-year bumper-to-bumper vs. 5)
- Backup camera quality is below some segment rivals
Facts & Figures: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 153 |
| Transmission | 6-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 30 city / 40 hwy / 34 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | $23,120 |
| Price As Tested | $29,035 |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2016 Honda Civic | |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | |
| 2016 Mazda Mazda3 | |
| 2016 Hyundai Elantra | |
| 2016 Ford Focus | |
| 2016 Nissan Sentra |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have?
All 2016 Cruze trims use the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 153 horsepower paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
EPA ratings are 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined on regular gasoline — among the best in the compact sedan class.
What trim levels does the 2016 Cruze offer?
The 2016 Cruze is offered in L, LS, LT, and Premier trims. The Premier replaces the outgoing LTZ name and adds heated leather, upgraded wheels, and available advanced driver-assistance features.
How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?
The Premier trim MSRP is $23,120. The review vehicle with RS Sport Package and Sun and Sound Package reached $29,035 as-tested — about $5,000 in options added.
What standard features come on the 2016 Cruze?
Standard equipment across the lineup includes a 7-inch MyLink touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, air conditioning, power windows/locks, and keyless entry. LT and Premier add 24 months of 4G LTE Wi-Fi and OnStar connectivity.
What’s new on the 2016 Cruze vs. 2015?
The 2016 Cruze is a complete redesign — the first all-new Cruze since the nameplate launched in 2008. Changes include a new split front grille, slightly longer body, new 1.4L turbo engine across the lineup, standard MyLink infotainment, and optional 4G LTE.
Is the 2016 Cruze reliable?
As a first-year redesign, long-term reliability was not yet established at the review date. GM’s 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides coverage, but the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper term trails Korean rivals.
What are the main rivals to the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
Primary competitors include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, and Nissan Sentra in the compact sedan segment.
Article Last Updated: April 17, 2026.
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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.