The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Premier 1.4L 4-cylinder gets 33 MPG combined, a solid and predictable fuel economy number. It’s not record-breaking, but it won’t disappoint either. It’s the fuel economy you expect from a comfortable, well-equipped compact sedan for drivers who want reliability and practicality.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Cruze Premier gets 29 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. The difference between these numbers is important. The city figure suggests that the engine’s stop-start system and relatively small displacement help reduce fuel consumption in urban areas. Meanwhile, the highway number shows how the six-speed automatic transmission helps the engine cruise at lower RPMs, saving fuel on long trips. These figures show the car’s design as a commuter vehicle, good for both daily driving and weekend trips. Understanding how you drive most often will help you predict your fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Premier 1.4L 4-cylinder to be $1,350. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price, so it is a useful benchmark for assessing running costs. Drivers who drive much more or less than 15,000 miles a year, or who live in areas with very high or low fuel costs, should adjust their expectations. Considering vehicle maintenance, insurance, and potential repairs with this $1,350 estimate provides a clearer picture of the Cruze Premier’s long-term affordability. It provides a data point when viewed against all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often changes. Aggressive driving, long idling times and even weather can affect fuel consumption. Drivers in hilly areas may see slightly lower highway MPG, while those in stop-and-go traffic will likely see different city MPG. Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and timely oil changes, helps maintain good fuel efficiency. Many Cruze Premier owners report seeing fuel economy numbers similar to the EPA estimates with responsible driving and proper maintenance.

How it compares

The 2017 Cruze Premier is in a competitive market. The Honda Civic EX, rated at 32 MPG combined, is a slightly less fuel-efficient option, but attracts buyers with its sporty handling. The Toyota Corolla LE Eco, at 34 MPG combined, gets slightly better MPG, but is less fun to drive than the Cruze. The Mazda3, depending on trim, gets around 32 MPG combined. These comparisons show that the Cruze is a sensible choice for fuel-conscious buyers who want comfort and features. If you want to maximize fuel economy, check CRUZE MPG across all years to find the most efficient models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently. The 1.4L turbocharged engine has enough torque to get you moving without using full throttle. Avoiding quick starts will greatly improve fuel consumption, especially in city driving. Drive smoothly and let the engine and transmission work together.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, leading to fuel savings. Turn off cruise control on hilly roads, as constant adjustments reduce the benefit. The Cruze Premier’s cruise control is easy to use, making it useful for maximizing highway MPG.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb, a quick and easy task that can affect fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine run when not needed wastes fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Cruze Premier’s automatic start/stop feature helps reduce fuel waste at stoplights, but turning off the engine during long idling times makes a difference to fuel consumption.

Reduce weight. Extra weight increases fuel consumption. Remove unneeded items from the trunk and passenger area as extra weight strains the engine. Removing the clutter will increase driving efficiency.