The Chevy Cruze was first introduced to the market in 2008, and its era ended in 2019.
During this period, many Chevy Cruze models were released.
Some model years win the hearts of users, while others disappoint them.
I have compiled the best year for the Chevy Cruze based on customer reports and overall reliability in this article.
To learn more about the Chevy Cruze, check out the following articles:
Best Year for Chevy Cruze
Chevrolet Cruze model years have many functional features and are incredibly reliable.
Chevrolet Cruze models from 2016 to 2019 are considered the best model years.
Because model years have fewer complaints and positive customer reviews.
Apart from that, some other years are also considered the most desirable model years.
Here is the best year for Chevrolet Cruze:
- 2020 Cruze
- 2019 Cruze
- 2018 Cruze
- 2017 Cruze
- 2016 Cruze
- 2008 Cruze
- 2009 Cruze
- 2010 Cruze
These model years performed well, and few problems were reported.
In these models, you will get a comfortable ride, a luxurious interior, a superior infotainment system, and a vast cargo room.
I have discussed some of the most successful years of the Chevy Cruze below.
2019 Chevy Cruze
The 2019 Chevy Cruze is the last version of this vehicle in the US.
It is available in 05 different trims.
In Chevy Cruze’s best-year rankings, the 2019 Chevy Cruze ranked because of its features, fewer problems, and safety standards.
2019 Chevy Cruze Safety Features
The 2019 Chevy Cruze offers the following features:
- Two airbags safety systems for the driver and front passenger
- Rearview camera
- Electronic traction or stability control systems
- OnStar navigation system
- 7-inch touchscreen display with radio standard
- Forward collision alert system
- Diesel engine trim available
- Android auto-standard and Apple CarPlay.
2019 Chevy Cruze Safety Rating
The 2019 Cruze gets 4.00 out of 5 in NHTSA safety crash testing.
While JD Power gives 84 out of 100 ratings.
Based on other research, the 2019 Chevy Cruze gets 4.4 out of 5 customer reviews.
2019 Chevy Cruze Performance
The 2019 Chevy Cruze comes with 1.4-liter turbo EcoTec and 1.6-liter diesel 4-cylinder engines.
The 1.4L engine provides 153 hp and 176 lb.-ft. of torque.
While the 1.6L turbo diesel provides 137 hp at 3750 rpm.
The 2019 Chevy Cruze gets a 4.5/5 reliability rating, which is high compared to its competitors.
2018 Chevy Cruze
Another excellent choice for Cruze lovers is the 2018 Chevy Cruze.
The model is renowned for its safety ratings and fewer problems.
It comes in four trims, each with its own advantages.
2018 Chevy Cruze Safety Features
The 2018 Cruze offers the following features:
- Ten standard airbags
- OnStar guidance system
- Rearview camera
- Blind spot detection
- Anti-lock brakes
- Daytime running lights
- 5-seat compact sedan
- 4-cylinder turbo gas engine
- Hatchback body
- Diesel engine option
- Android auto-standard and Apple CarPlay.
2018 Chevy Cruze Safety Rating
The model gets 4.6 customer reviews, which is much better than its previous year, the 2017 Cruze.
Crash safety is rated 5.00 out of 5 by NHTSA.
According to JD Power, the 2018 Cruze scores 84 out of 100.
2018 Chevy Cruze Performance
Like the 2019 model year, the 2018 Cruze has the same two engine options, 1.4L turbocharged and 1.6L turbo diesel engines.
The diesel 1.6L engine produced 136 hp and 242 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 1.4L turbocharged produced 153 hp and 176 lb.-ft. of torque.
In city driving, the 2018 Chevy Cruze provides 30 mpg and 49 mpg on the highway.
Fuel efficiency is excellent in this model year.
2016 Chevy Cruze
Chevy Cruzes from 2016 and 2017 are both reliable and trustworthy models.
2017 comes with 4 different trims, while the 2016 model year comes in 10 trim levels, giving plenty of choice to buyers.
As both model years offer almost the same features and performance, I have discussed the 2016 model year below.
2016 Chevy Cruze Safety Features
The features of the 2016 model year are:
- Ten airbags
- Stability control system
- Anti-lock brakes
- Updated design
- 4-cylinder turbo gas engine
- 2-years OnStar navigation system (available in Premier and LT trims)
2016 Chevy Cruze Safety Rating
According to JD Power, the model year scored 81 out of 100 for reliability.
The 2016 Cruze got 5.00 out of 5 in crash safety testing by NHTSA.
2016 Chevy Cruze Performance
The 2016 Cruze has only one 1.4-liter engine option.
While the 2017 model year has two engine options, like the 2018 and 2019 model years.
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze’s average city mileage is 28 mpg, and the average highway mileage is 40 mpg.
Compared to the 2015 model year, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has fewer problems reported.
2010 Chevy Cruze
The first-generation Chevy Cruze models are almost identical, and 2008, 2009, and 2010 are considered the best.
2010 Chevy Cruze Safety Features
This model year has the following safety features:
- OnStar automatic crash response
- Standard airbags
- Safety cage made of high-strength steel
- Stability control system
- Anti-lock brakes
2010 Chevy Cruze Safety Rating
The 2010 Cruze gets a 4.00 out of 5 safety rating.
NHTSA gives a 5-star safety rating to the Chevy Cruze.
Compared to the 2011 model year, the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze is much safer.
2010 Chevy Cruze Performance
2010 Cruze has 03 variants LT, LTZ, and LTZ AT.
It has a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produces up to 154 hp and 176 lb.-ft. of torque.
The fuel economy of the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze is 28 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway.
If you want a used car with the best fuel economy and lowest price, the 2010 Chevy Cruze is the most suitable choice.
Chevy Cruze Problem Counts by Year
Chevy Cruze’s best and worst years can be explained more clearly by comparing each year’s problems.
According to Carcoplaints.com, the following Chevy Cruze problems are reported each year:
| Model Year | Number of Problems |
| 2008 Cruze | 0 |
| 2009 Cruze | 0 |
| 2010 Cruze | 2 |
| 2011 Cruze | 386 |
| 2012 Cruze | 271 |
| 2013 Cruze | 142 |
| 2014 Cruze | 176 |
| 2015 Cruze | 60 |
| 2016 Cruze | 40 |
| 2017 Cruze | 35 |
| 2018 Cruze | 26 |
| 2019 Cruze | 2 |
This chart shows which model years are problematic and which aren’t.
First-generation model years are good if someone wants a used Chevy Cruze at a low price.
Other than that, the Chevy Cruze 2016 to 2019 is a competent sedan.
Final Words
2011 to 2015 Chevy Cruzes are the most problematic, so stay away from these model years.
Except for the 2011–2015 model years, other model years are reliable and perform well.