The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6L diesel achieves a combined fuel economy of 37 MPG, making it a leader in fuel efficiency among compact sedans. It is not a sports car. Instead, its 1.6L diesel engine focuses on using less fuel rather than high performance. It appeals to drivers who want the best possible mileage for long commutes and affordable transportation.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Cruze 1.6L diesel are 31 MPG in the city and an impressive 47 MPG on the highway. This difference shows a strength of the engine: consistent speeds. Stop-and-go driving is acceptable, but the diesel performs best when cruising. The 9-speed automatic transmission is important. It keeps the engine at the right RPMs to save fuel at higher speeds. The highway MPG is very attractive if you drive on interstates, making the Cruze a good option for traveling salespeople or those with a long daily commute.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6L diesel at $1,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual spending will change based on driving and local fuel costs, but $1,500 offers a way to consider potential savings. Modern diesels also have longer service intervals, so the Cruze 1.6L can save money in the long run.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful guide, but real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving, traffic, and maintenance. Quickly accelerating, hard braking, and skipping maintenance will lower fuel economy. Smooth acceleration, watching traffic, and keeping tires inflated can help drivers match or beat the EPA estimates. Some owners say they consistently get highway MPG in the low to mid 40s. Some careful drivers even reach 50 MPG or more on long, flat roads. This shows that driving habits affect fuel consumption.

How it compares

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6L diesel aims to perform better than its competitors with its fuel economy. The 2018 Honda Civic is a popular compact sedan. Its most fuel-efficient gasoline version gets around 42 MPG on the highway, less than the Cruze diesel’s 47 MPG. The Toyota Corolla is about the same as the Civic, emphasizing reliability. The Volkswagen Golf TDI (diesel) was a direct competitor, also hitting similar MPG numbers, but before VW’s diesel issues. The appeal of the Cruze lies in its prioritization of fuel economy above normal efficiency. For all Chevrolet fuel economy data, click here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is important in any car, but is noticeable in the diesel Cruze. Avoid pushing the accelerator all the way down. Instead, increase speed gradually. The diesel engine delivers its peak torque at low RPMs, so there’s no need to rev it high to move.

Consistent tire pressure is important. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure every week and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid idling. Modern diesel engines are more efficient at idle than older ones, but idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s usually better to turn off the engine. This helps, especially if the engine is already warm.

Plan trips strategically. Combining errands into one trip, instead of many short trips, improves fuel economy. The engine is more efficient when warmed up, so longer trips let it reach and stay at the best temperature. Planning to maximize mileage and minimize stops will greatly improve fuel efficiency.

Keep up with maintenance. Oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel filter changes are needed to keep the engine performing well and getting good fuel economy. Check the owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule and follow it. For information on CRUZE MPG across all years, click here.