Against 520 other 4-cyl cars rated 2017–2019, the Cruze beats their 27.3 mpg average by 9.7 mpg, about $369 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2011, the 1.6L 4-cyl (2017–2019), does 37 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2L 4-cyl (2014–2015), 32: $162 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Cruze engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 31 / 47.3 | 2017–2019 | $1,038 | |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 28.5 / 40 | 2011–2016 | $1,182 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 27 / 44 | 2014–2015 | $1,200 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Prius gets 56 mpg, the Hyundai Elantra 35.3 mpg and the Nissan Altima 30.3 mpg, next to 37 mpg for the 2019 Cruze.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2019) | $0.086 |
| Fuel per year | $1,038 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,190 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2017–2019 | −$369 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,100 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze gives up 17 mpg in town: 48 on the highway against 31 in the city, $439 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2019) | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 48 mpg | $800 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +17 mpg (55%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Cruze changed over the years
The Cruze peaked in 2019 at 37 mpg (31 city, 48 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2015 at 32 — 5 mpg apart, or $162 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2017: 34 to 37 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 31 / 48 | 1 | $1,038 | |
| 2018 | 31 / 47 | 1 | $1,038 | |
| 2017 | 31 / 47 | 1 | $1,038 | |
| 2016 | 30 / 40 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2015 | 27 / 44 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2014 | 27 / 44 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2013 | 28 / 40 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2012 | 28 / 40 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2011 | 28 / 40 | 1 | $1,200 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Cruze — 3 engines across 2011–2019. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,100. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze get?
37 mpg combined, 31 city and 48 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2011 the Cruze has averaged 33.9 mpg.
Is the 2019 Cruze more efficient than the 2018?
About the same: 37 against 37 mpg combined.
Which Cruze year has the best gas mileage?
The 2019, at 37 mpg combined (31 city, 48 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Cruze get better gas mileage than the Toyota Prius?
No: 37 mpg for the 2019 Cruze against 56 for the 2020 Toyota Prius, about $352 a year more to run.
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