2016 Chevrolet Cruze — Full Specifications
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The 2016 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 41 mpg (UK) / 34 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–41 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Cruze workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze: Fuel economy improves from 38 to 41 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. No longer listed: 2L 4-cyl turbo. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 5★ to 4★.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo · 1.8L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| 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) | 41 combined / 36 urban / 48 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 34 combined / 30 city / 40 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 186 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,950 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze across 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 34 mpg (US), or 31 to 41 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 | 41 | 34 (30/40) | 186 | $1,950 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (26/37) | 183 | $2,250 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 | 33 (28/40) | 170 | $2,050 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/34) | 209 | $2,600 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/35) | 192 | $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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
Running Costs: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze at 41 mpg combined, expect roughly 887 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,950 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.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Seats (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 18V304000, reported 10 May 2018. Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
- Seats — campaign 17V057000, reported 26 January 2017. Risk: In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
- 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.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 16V498000, reported 1 July 2016. Risk: Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 250 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The most-reported areas are Engine (102), Electrical system (59), Unspecified (43). Complaints include 19 reported crashes, 6 reported fires, 14 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 252 complaints across the 9 Chevrolet Cruze model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 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 (102 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 59 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 35 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Seats (1 recall campaign) — Check seat adjusters, head restraints and seat-mounted sensors work, and confirm seat recalls were completed.
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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze's 41 mpg is 12 mpg above that make average. Its 186 g/km CO₂ figure is 60 g/km lower than the 246 g/km Chevrolet average.
Of the 9 Chevrolet Cruze model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 4th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (41 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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2016 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 automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
The most efficient configuration returns around 41 mpg (UK) combined, or 34 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 41 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,950 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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Seats (1), Electrical system (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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
Among the 250 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (102 complaints), Electrical system (59 complaints), Unspecified (43 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 2016 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.