2018 Chevrolet Cruze — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 44 mpg (UK) / 37 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 38–44 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Cruze workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 44 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| 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) | 10 cu ft (283 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 44 combined / 36 urban / 62 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 37 combined / 30 city / 52 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 170 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze across 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 32 to 37 mpg (US), or 38 to 44 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 | 40 | 33 (29/40) | 166 | $2,050 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (27/40) | 172 | $2,100 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 44 | 37 (31/47) | 171 | $2,600 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 44 | 37 (30/52) | 170 | $2,600 |
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 10 cubic feet (about 283 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Running Costs: 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze at 44 mpg combined, expect roughly 827 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 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.
2018 Chevrolet Cruze Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Service brakes (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 20V668000, reported 29 October 2020. Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of…
- Service brakes — campaign 18V576000, reported 30 August 2018. Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The most-reported areas are Engine (27), Unspecified (24), Power train (23). Complaints include 17 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 7 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is well below the median of 252 complaints across the 9 Chevrolet Cruze model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 23 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (27 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (14 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
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 2018 Chevrolet Cruze's 44 mpg is 15 mpg above that make average. Its 170 g/km CO₂ figure is 76 g/km lower than the 246 g/km Chevrolet average.
Of the 9 Chevrolet Cruze model years we cover, the 2018 is the most economical on its best configuration (44 mpg UK combined). 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 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.6L 4-cyl turbo with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?
The most efficient configuration returns around 44 mpg (UK) combined, or 37 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 38 to 44 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 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 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (1), Service brakes (1), Fuel 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 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?
Among the 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (27 complaints), Unspecified (24 complaints), Power train (23 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 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 10 cubic feet (about 283 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.