2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited review

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.