The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L turbo gets 34 MPG combined. That’s a good number for this compact sedan designed to deliver great gas mileage without sacrificing comfort or everyday usability. It isn’t a hybrid, but it’s a mainstream car designed for budget-conscious drivers who want low running costs, a comfortable ride, and modern technology in an easy-to-live-with car. This Cruze powertrain is great for commuters and small families looking for a dependable and economical car.

City and highway performance

The 2016 Cruze 1.4L turbo achieves an EPA-estimated 30 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. These numbers show what you can expect with stop-and-go traffic and extended cruising. The 30 MPG city rating is good, as it shows the engine’s ability to maintain efficiency even with frequent acceleration and deceleration. The 40 MPG highway rating means it’s a capable and economical road trip car, allowing for longer trips between fill-ups. The low curb weight and aerodynamic design help its highway performance. The six-speed automatic transmission keeps engine RPMs low at cruising speeds to maximize fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L turbo at $1,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It gives you a way to compare the Cruze’s running costs against other cars. Of course, your fuel costs will vary based on your driving, local fuel prices, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. Still, the $1,300 estimate offers a picture of the Cruze’s affordability for those thinking about buying it. This low annual fuel cost is a big reason why buyers choose this Cruze.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can change based on how you drive and the conditions. If you accelerate fast, brake hard often, and speed, your MPG will go down. But if you drive smoothly, anticipate traffic, and keep your tires inflated, you can meet or beat the EPA estimates. Many owners report getting numbers close to the EPA ratings, especially on long highway drives. The Cruze’s driver information center provides fuel economy feedback, so you can change how you drive to get better efficiency. Some hypermilers significantly exceed the 40 MPG highway rating with careful driving.

How it compares

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L turbo compares well to its competitors in gas mileage. The Honda Civic LX with its 2.0L engine gets an EPA rating of 31 MPG combined, while the Toyota Corolla LE gets 32 MPG combined. The Mazda3 iTouring, delivers 33 MPG combined, placing it close to the Cruze. The Cruze’s 40 MPG highway rating makes it great for those who drive a lot on the open road. For buyers who want fuel efficiency above all else, the Ford Focus SE with its optional 1.0L EcoBoost engine gets and EPA combine rating of 35 MPG, but it drives very differently. These comparisons show that the Cruze has competitive fuel economy in a segment where efficiency matters. You can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data on our website.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The 2016 Cruze 1.4L turbo works well with gentle acceleration. Don’t accelerate hard from traffic lights and try to keep a consistent speed. The turbocharger delivers its power gradually, so easing into the throttle will prevent unnecessary fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance is important for consistent MPG. Check your tire pressures regularly, make sure the engine air filter is clean, and follow the oil change schedule. If you don’t do these things, your fuel efficiency can decrease over time.

Don’t idle if you can avoid it. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save gas. The Cruze’s engine restarts quickly and smoothly, making it easy to avoid extended idling. Even short periods of idling add up, especially in city driving.

Reduce wind resistance by removing unnecessary items from the roof rack and trunk. Extra weight and wind resistance can significantly hurt fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. The less work the engine has to do, the better your MPG will be. This is especially relevant if you often carry cargo or equipment.

Watch the information on the driver information center. The Cruze provides real-time fuel economy feedback, which can help you change your driving to get better efficiency. The display shows both instantaneous and average MPG, so you can monitor your progress and find areas to improve. You’ll learn how your driving style affects fuel consumption.

Think about the route you drive. Shorter routes might have more stop signs and red lights, which can hurt fuel economy. Longer routes with fewer stops and continuous speeds may save you on fuel. Consider factors that may make one route more efficient than another and check CRUZE MPG across all years before your next purchase.