The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier Hatchback gets 31 MPG combined, placing it among affordable and economical cars. It’s a practical hatchback for individuals or small families who want efficiency and value, not performance or luxury. People often buy this type of vehicle because they are cost-conscious, commute long distances, or simply want a reliable and inexpensive car that uses less gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Cruze Premier Hatchback’s fuel efficiency at 28 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The highway number is particularly strong for a non-hybrid vehicle of this size, making it a good choice for frequent highway drivers. The 1.4L turbocharged engine, with a 6-speed automatic transmission, provides enough power for everyday driving while maintaining good fuel economy. The city MPG, however, might be less attractive, as newer hybrid compact cars do better.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier Hatchback at $1,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Fuel prices change, and your driving habits will affect this number. If you accelerate aggressively, brake hard often, or idle a lot, your fuel economy will drop and your annual fuel expenses will increase. On the other hand, efficient driving can keep your annual fuel cost at or below the $1,400 estimate. You can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data on our website.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful starting point, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Many things, including driving style, traffic, terrain, and tire pressure, affect your MPG. Owners generally report numbers close to the EPA estimates with frequent highway driving. City driving fuel economy is often a little lower than the EPA number, especially in stop-and-go traffic where the engine works harder. Overall, expect consistent MPG from the Cruze, which makes it easy to budget for fuel costs.

How it Compares

The Honda Civic Hatchback (non-Si trim) gets around 31 MPG combined, offering similar fuel economy but a slightly different driving experience. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback, another strong competitor, also gets a similar MPG, typically around 32 MPG combined, and is known for its reliability. The Mazda3 Hatchback is considered more fun to drive, but generally gets slightly lower fuel economy in comparable trims, around 28 MPG combined. You can compare CRUZE MPG across all years by visiting the FuelEconomyHub. The Cruze’s premier trim level adds a touch of luxury while still achieving good gas mileage for the price, a reason why some buyers choose it.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Cruze’s engine is most efficient when driven smoothly and steadily. Anticipate traffic and maintain a consistent speed. Reduce unnecessary weight in your car, since extra cargo makes the engine work harder and reduces fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which requires more engine power to maintain speed. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level on the doorjamb sticker. Perform all factory scheduled maintenance to improve efficiency over time.

Minimize idling. Idling uses fuel without moving the car. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Cruze does not have auto stop/start, so fuel waste from idling can be high in stop-and-go situations.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed improves fuel efficiency on the open road. Cruise control helps prevent unintentional acceleration and deceleration, optimizing fuel consumption. Avoid using it in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, reducing some of the fuel-saving benefits.