beebs

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Chevrolet Cruze Limited highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Choice of frugal engine options
  • Smooth ride meets responsive handling
  • Spacious trunk

Cons

  • Unresponsive automatic transmission
  • Cabin could be bigger
  • Interior isn’t the most comfortable

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 35 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Refined practicality for everyday life

If you are looking for the ideal compact sedan for your daily life, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited should be on your shopping list. It offers a compelling mix of comfort, practicality, versatility, and a refined driving experience. Both engines are nicely balanced, while the trunk is suited for everyday cargo. You also get a strong selection of features regardless of which trim level you choose. From the morning commute to the school run to holiday road trips and shopping jaunts, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited is a faithful companion for your busy lifestyle.

All Chevrolet Cruze Limited years

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited

1. Choice of two thrifty engines 

There are two engine options available for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited, and both are well-balanced for daily driving. To start, base L and LS trim levels have a 1.8L four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. When paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission, this unit can achieve a very useful 29 mpg combined and 35 mpg on the highway.

The optional engine is a 1.4L turbo, which still manages to produce 138 horsepower, with 148 lb-ft of torque, and achieve an impressive 30 mpg combined and 37 mpg on the highway.
 

2. Comfortable ride balanced with sharp handling 

Sticking to the theme of balance, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited manages to blend a smooth and serene ride with sharp steering and nimble handling. There are even several handling and performance upgrades to look out for. Select the 2LT trim and you get all-round disc brakes for more stopping power, 17-inch alloy wheels, and sports suspension to increase agility. If you want to go in on the sporty vibe, the RS package which can be found on LT and LTZ trims adds more sporty and aggressive styling details, as well as a rear spoiler and fog lights.  

3. Plenty of cargo space behind the rear seats 

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited is classified as a compact sedan, but happily for you, there’s nothing compact about its trunk. Behind the rear seats is a useful 15.0 cu-ft of cargo volume, larger than average for vehicles of this type. You’ll have no problems fitting the weekly groceries in here, or holiday luggage for extended road trips. But if you do need a bit more space, 60/40 split-folding rear seats are included as standard, allowing you to fold the rear seats flat and open up more space for large and awkwardly shaped items.  

4. Extended feature list  

Everybody likes to feel like they got the maximum amount for their money, and the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited has the kind of lengthy feature list that makes you feel like this regardless of which trim you choose. Even the fairly simplistic L and LS models include the OnStar™ system with available 4G and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

LT trims are where the feature selection really opens up, with 2LT models having the Chevrolet MyLink™ infotainment system, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. At the top of the range is the LTZ trim, with all previous packages and features included as standard, as well as automatic climate control and premium interior trim.  

5. Eco trim offers enhanced frugality 

Both engines on offer with the 2016 Cruze Limited are already fairly frugal in standard configuration. But to squeeze the most miles out of every fill-up, select the Eco trim. It comes with the equivalent features to the 1LT trim but is also designed for maximum fuel-sipping performance. These tweaks include aerodynamic enhancements, lightweight alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. When teamed with the 1.4L turbocharged engine, the results speak for themselves: an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined and 37 mpg on the highway with the optional six-speed automatic transmission.

This increases to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined and 40 mpg on the highway when paired with the standard manual transmission.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.5 out of 5

6 customer reviews
3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Cruze Limited an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Cruze Limited 40th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Cruze Limited is $656, compared to an average of $453 for Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

According to RepairPal, Chevrolet Cruze Limited owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.2 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 13% for the Chevrolet Cruze Limited, compared to an average of 12% for Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited features and specs

LS 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Flex Fuel Vehicle
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.8L

Horsepower

138

Torque (ft-lbs)

125

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

15.6

Wheelbase

105.7"

Overall length

181"

Width

70.7"

Height

58.1"

Leg room

F 42.28"/R 35.35"

Head room

F 39.3"/R 37.9"

Front tires

P215/60R16

Rear tires

P215/60R16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited FAQ


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.