2011 Chevrolet Cruze — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Cruze workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo · 1.8L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Length | 4567 mm |
| Width | 1786 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 34 urban / 48 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 28 city / 40 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 173 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze across 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 32 mpg (US), or 31 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/34) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (28/40) | 173 | $2,100 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/35) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/35) | 190 | $2,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Running Costs: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Steering (2), Electrical system (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Electrical system — campaign 16V502000, reported 5 July 2016. Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Service brakes — campaign 13V360000, reported 15 August 2013. Risk: A loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 12V289000, reported 22 June 2012. Risk: THE FUEL TANK COULD COME LOOSE IN A CRASH, POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE TANK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 12V288000, reported 22 June 2012. Risk: EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Showing the 4 most recent of 7 campaigns.
Owners have filed 732 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The most-reported areas are Engine (257), Power train (193), Electrical system (96). Complaints include 38 reported crashes, 20 reported fires, 39 reported injuries, 2 reported deaths. That is well above the median of 252 complaints across the 9 Chevrolet Cruze model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (257 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (193 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 96 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Steering (2 recall campaigns) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Chevrolet models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze's 38 mpg is 9 mpg above that make average. Its 173 g/km CO₂ figure is 73 g/km lower than the 246 g/km Chevrolet average.
Of the 9 Chevrolet Cruze model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 44 mpg). See every Chevrolet Cruze year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.4L 4-cyl turbo with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Steering (2), Electrical system (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
Among the 732 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (257 complaints), Power train (193 complaints), Electrical system (96 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.