2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT

At a Glance

Pricing $16,800 - $23,190
Drive Types FWD
Engines 1.4l I4 T, 1.8l I4
Transmissions A6, M6
Fuel Economy 22-28 (city), 35-42 (highway)

Chevrolet has made steady but slow progress on improving its small cars over the last decade. On paper, the Cruze looks like the most competitive small car GM has produced to date. The Cruze is larger than the Cobalt sedan with a more stylish exterior and interior. Powertrain choices center around smaller displacement 1.4l and 1.8l four cylinder engines and include six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The Cruze ECO model equipped with a manual transmission is rated at 42MPG on the highway by the EPA. All other models are rated in the mid-thirties. Like other entry-level models, the Cruze cuts corners by including drum brakes in the rear and using steel rims in place of alloy wheels. As you climb the trim levels and options, the Cruze is priced competitively with its Japanese rivals. At $21,000, the 2LT is the best value with leather seats, disc brakes and common power equipment.

What Changed:

More models are offered with a manual transmission. Changes to the drive ratios result in improved fuel economy estimates.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
Cruze LS 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) M6 FWD $16,800
Cruze LS 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) A6 FWD $17,795
Cruze 1LT 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) M6 FWD $18,555
Cruze 1LT 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $19,550
Cruze 2LT 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) M6 FWD $20,685
Cruze 2LT 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $21,870
Cruze LTZ 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $23,190
Cruze Eco 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) M6 FWD $19,325
Cruze Eco 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $20,320