PERFORMANCE AND FUEL ECONOMY

The front-drive 2021 Cruze is powered by a 1.4-liter turbo-four engine that produces 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque and delivers an EPA-rated 28/38 mpg with the six-speed automatic (28/37 mpg for the Premier hatchback) and 30/38 mpg with the optional CVT (limited production, only on fleet vehicles). The Cruze Diesel uses a 1.6-liter turbodiesel I-4 engine that churns out 137 hp and 240 lb-ft and is rated at 31/48 mpg for the sedan and 30/45 mpg for the hatchback.

SAFETY

The 2021 Cruze earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars) and received the highest rating of Good for the moderate overlap front and side crash tests from the IIHS. For the front crash prevention test, the Cruze got the lowest rating of Basic for warning the driver of a possible collision (the Cruze’s new low-speed emergency automatic braking was not tested). Driver-assist packages include the Driver Confidence package (rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert) and the Driver Confidence II package (low-speed emergency automatic braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams).

The standard Teen Drive feature allows owners to keep track of a driver’s driving habits and set driving restrictions. OnStar Safety and Security (part of OnStar with Chevrolet Connected services) offers features like automatic crash notification and roadside assistance.

UTILITY (CARGO SPACE AND INTERIOR ROOM)

The Chevrolet Cruze sedan can hold 14.8 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk (13.9 for the LT and Premier trims) and the hatchback can hold 22.7 behind the rear seats and 47.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Front- and rear-seat legroom is 42.0 and 36.1 inches, respectively (for sedan and hatchback models).

TECHNOLOGY

The 2021 Cruze’s standard tech includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with an updated infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and OnStar with Chevrolet Connected services. The LT trim adds two additional USB ports and Sirius XM satellite radio. A proximity key with push-start ignition is standard on the top Premier trim. The optional upgraded audio system is a nine-speaker Bose unit