Used 2017 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2nd-generation Chevrolet Cruze enters its second year of sales with a new body shape added to the mix: a sharp-looking 5-door hatchback, poised to go head-to-head with the likes of the Kia Forte5, Ford Focus hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and, of course, the Volkswagen Golf. The Cruze hatchback adds expanded cargo space and Euro-cool styling to a package that was already pretty appealing to begin with. Among its many features are its Wi-Fi access, 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that achieves at least 40 mpg on the highway, and a new diesel that gets an EPA-certified 52 mpg on the highway. There’s also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more. It’s a compact-sedan-and-hatchback combo that’s a strong alternative to the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and other class leaders.

The last-generation Chevy Cruze built a reputation for a quiet, comfortable and composed ride, and the new car upholds that tradition. However, it also adds quite a bit more. The 1.4-liter 4-cylinder is a gem, quiet and smooth, and while it won’t wow you with its acceleration, it’s hardly slow. It also plays very nicely with the 6-speed automatic transmission that is far and away the most popular choice. And while the Cruze isn’t meant to be a canyon-carving demon, it’s better than you might expect for such a comfortable car; sure, the Mazda3 has a clear edge, but the Cruze isn’t exactly a drag. Still, it’s refreshing to find a compact sedan that that’s actually just a really good highway cruiser. However, despite available forward-collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and other advanced safety features, adaptive cruise control is not offered.

Aside from expanded cargo space — 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 47.2 cubic feet with them folded — the Cruze hatchback’s interior is basically the same as the sedan’s. And that’s fine by us, as the Cruze offers up interior styling that looks great without being too flashy. Controls are all placed sensibly, and the center-mounted touch-screen display and good ol’ knobs and buttons for audio and climate functions are all easy to use. Cloth and leather seats are both comfortable, but there’s no adjustable lumbar support. Rear-seat room is also tight compared to the Civic.

So, we all agree that the new 2017 Cruze Hatchback looks great, right? But that’s not to take anything away from the sedan, which is one of the best-looking cars in its class. While bigger than the 1st-generation car, it’s still compact enough that parking-lot maneuvers are a snap. But practical considerations aside, we just like the sleek and swoopy shape. The front-end elements are all spot-on, with no one thing dominant, and the same in the rear. It’s not the most out-there styling for a compact sedan, but the slightly more conservative lines will wear nicely over time, we think.

DIESEL POWER
Chevrolet is making a big push to disillusioned former Volkswagen Jetta TDI owners with its new diesel Cruze. Available with a manual transmission (!) and up to 52 mpg on the highway, it promises the kind of no-compromises power and economy we used to associate with VW.

HATCHBACK BODY
Hatchbacks seem like they’re making a comeback, and we think we know why. If you want the space efficiency of a compact-crossover SUV, but just don’t want the faux-truck trappings that come with it, a hatchback like the Chevy Cruze is a good way to go. Besides, it just looks cool.

The 2017 Chevy Cruze L model is the bargain-basement sedan, offered only with a manual transmission, but also including a 7-inch MyLink infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, rearview camera, 6-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, built-in 4G LTE connectivity with subscription-based Wi-Fi, and a 4-speaker audio system with AM/FM/USB and auxiliary inputs. More buyers will gravitate to the LS model, which not only offers an automatic transmission, but adds a nicer steering wheel, floormats and armrests. Cruze Hatchback models start at the LT trim level, upgrading the audio system, and adding steering-wheel-mounted audio and phone controls.

In sedans the 2017 Cruze LT is a higher-level model, but it’s also the best value. In addition to a choice of manual or automatic transmission, there are the 24/7 Promise connectivity package, a 6-speaker audio system, cruise control, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and steering-wheel-mounted audio and phone controls. With the manual you’ll get a sporty RS appearance package. In sedan or hatchback the top-tier Premier adds leather seats, visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, 17-inch wheels, and an improved rear suspension. Options include Bose audio, sunroof, navigation, wireless phone charging, and safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and forward-collision alert.

The 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque carries over, with power output that’s mid-pack for this class, but excellent EPA-rated fuel economy. The big news is the new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine, which makes 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, all while getting outstanding fuel economy. Either way, power goes to the front wheels though a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite the turbo, the gasoline engine uses regular unleaded gasoline, which helps keep ownership costs down.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
153 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/41 mpg (manual), 30/42 mpg (automatic), 30/40 mpg (automatic, Premier trim)

1.6-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
137 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
240 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 30/52 mpg (manual), 31/47 mpg (automatic)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.