beebs
Skip to main content

2018 Chevrolet Cruze review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Chevrolet Cruze highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Sporty handling
  • Intuitive touchscreen interface
  • Thrifty diesel option

Cons

  • Leisurely acceleration
  • Engine stop-start cannot be turned off
  • Front seats lack comfort

Mileage (EPA estimate)

27 city, 37 highway, 31 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $14,998 - $15,998*

View our Chevrolet Cruze inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

6 photos

Find your Cruze
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our Cruze inventorySearch for a different car

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

All Chevrolet Cruze years

What is new for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

  • Enhanced safety features including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
  • Updated infotainment system with larger touchscreen and improved connectivity options.
  • New fuel-efficient engine option available for better mileage.
  • Revised interior materials for a more premium feel.

2018 Chevrolet Cruze trims

Curious how Chevrolet Cruze trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

L:

  • 153-hp, 177-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Manual Transmission
  • View our Chevrolet Cruze L inventory

LS:

LT:

  • Includes all features available on the LS
  • 1.6L
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Turbo Diesel Engine
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • View our Chevrolet Cruze LT inventory

Premier:

Chevrolet Cruze photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze

1. A variety of engine options

The 2018 Cruze sedan comes standard with a 1.4L turbo-four cylinder engine, which returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for the manual version and 29/40 mpg in the automatic version.

 Those are some great numbers for the commute, but if you are looking for something even more frugal, the optional 1.6L turbodiesel four-cylinder will get an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and a huge 47 mpg on the highway (for the manual sedan).

2. Optional hatchback practicality

The open road awaits, and it's a lot easier if you can bring along some more bags or gear. The 2018 Cruze is available as a sedan or a hatchback, for your added convenience. While the sedan has around 14 cu-ft of space, the hatchback ramps things up to 22.7 cu-ft! That means that your trip to the grocery store or your epic road trip will be much easier. 

3. Sporty driving experience

Even the standard 1.4L four-cylinder engine in the 2018 Cruze is turbocharged. With 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque on tap, which can be paired to a fun six-speed manual, the Cruze can be a great back-road driving companion. Add in a good mix of ride comfort and handling prowess, and the 2018 Cruze can deliver a quick dose of fun into your life.

4. A rainbow of color options

The standard palette of silver, white, black, and gray might not suit everyone. If you're looking for something that stands out, the 2018 Cruze has spicy options like Orange Burst (hatchback only), Red Hot, Cajun Red, or Artic Blue. You won't have to risk losing your car in the parking lot ever again.

5. Add sport or luxury

Finding the right 2018 Chevy Cruze is made easier by the mix of trims and optional packages. Step up from the base L and you'll find great features on the optional LS and LT trim levels. The range-topping Premier trim adds niceties like larger wheels, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. If you want to add sportier looks, the RS package (LT and Premier) gets you a rear spoiler, fog lamps, a sports body kit, and RS badging. The 2018 Cruze has a little something for everyone.

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

4.5 out of 5

24 customer reviews
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze offers excellent fuel efficiency, a smooth ride, and solid reliability, making it popular among budget-conscious buyers. Customers value its roomy interior, responsive handling, and modern features like Android Auto. However, cabin noise and entertainment system issues are recurring downsides. Mixed experiences in technology suggest the need for buyer evaluation.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Cruze an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Cruze 33rd out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze features and specs

Curious how Chevrolet Cruze trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premier 4D Hatchback 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear View Camera
  • Smart Key
  • Remote Start
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Android Auto
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Apple CarPlay

Optional Features

  • Air Conditioning
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Parking Sensors
  • Automated Parking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Automatic Transmission
  • CD Audio
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

153

Torque (ft-lbs)

177

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.7

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

175.3"

Width

70.5"

Height

57.7"

Leg room

F 42"/R 36.1"

Head room

F 38.9"/R 37.3"

Front tires

225/45R17

Rear tires

225/45R17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Chevrolet Cruze FAQ

Chevrolet Cruze articles

3 Parents Reveal How They Chose the Best First Car for Their Teens: Abstract | CarMax

3 Parents Reveal How They Chose the Best First Car for Their Teens

Are you shopping for your teen's first car? Three parents share how they decided on a car for their teenager, what features they looked for, and how they included their child in the process.
Best used cars under $15,000: Abstract | CarMax

10 Best Used Cars Under $15K: Reviews, Photos, and More

Car shopping on a budget doesn't have to limit your style. We've compiled a list of the best used cars under $15,000 for 2021 shoppers. From the Kia Rio to the Ford Focus, this list features vehicles that check all the boxes, without breaking the bank.
Best Diesel Cars: Abstract | CarMax

Best Used Diesel Cars

If you're looking for a fuel-sipping car, why not pick one with a diesel powertrain? Find out more about the benefits—and choose one that suits your lifestyle—with this list of the best used diesel cars, based on CarMax sales data from January 10, 2020 through March 31, 2021.
10 Cars That Get Great Gas Mileage

10 Cars That Get Great Gas Mileage

These 10 cars are some of our most popular* vehicles, and they all get over 25 MPG. Whether you want to buy a car that's sporty and fun, practical and comfortable, or luxurious and full of options, there's a high-MPG car for you.

Want to view more trending articles?

Research other vehicles


* 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.