New 2026 Chevy Cruze Review, Specs, Configurations – The Chevrolet Cruze ranked second in a New 2026 Big Test that also featured the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and the previous-generation Volkswagen Jetta. This was due to its comfortable ride, tightly controlled body motions, and buttoned-down chassis. Nevertheless, its low-speed voyage was significantly more crowded than that of its competitors.
Quality concerns, such as a rocking driver’s seat, were present in the interior, which was completed in a stylish two-tone colour scheme. The Cruze’s infotainment system impressed us in a New 2026 First Test, as it was user-friendly and seamlessly integrated smartphones. Conversely, the larger alloy wheel options generate an inordinate amount of road commotion. New 2026 Chevy Cruze Review
New 2026 Chevy Cruze Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
The upcoming 2026 front-drive model The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact sedan and hatchback that is situated above the midsize Malibu, while the subcompact Sonic is situated below it. Trim alternatives are available in four distinct varieties. Cruze L: The base L specification level comes with a rearview camera, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system from Chevrolet, cloth upholstery, a four-speaker audio system, a USB outlet, 15-inch steel rims, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, and more.
The Cruze LS can be upgraded to the LS grade, which includes a compass, floor matting, and an armrest in the centre console. Cruze LT: The LT model is equipped with a six-speaker audio system, cruise control, LED daytime running lights, and 60/40 split-folding back seats.
Cruze Diesel: The standard features of diesel-powered vehicles include an eight-way power-operated driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless entry/start, and remote start on automatic variants.
The Cruze Diesel hatchback, which is furnished with a manual transmission, is also equipped with the RS package as standard. This package includes a body kit, fog lamps, a roof spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a Watt’s Link rear suspension to enhance the ride quality.
Extensive The Premier trim is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, a Watt’s Link rear suspension, and a USB charging outlet for rear occupants. A sunroof, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, heated rear seats, automated climate control, and wireless phone charging are among the available options. Additionally, a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen is available.
The majority of the available options are available on automatic-equipped models, while a few are restricted to the Premier trim, which is the highest-tier trim. Navigation, wireless phone charging, and heated rear seats are not available on diesel models.
New 2026 Chevy Cruze Specs
Engine and Performance
The 2026 Cruze’s 1.4-liter turbo-four engine generates a base output of 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It is compatible with either an automated or manual six-speed transmission. Additionally, there is a 1.6-liter turbodiesel I-4 engine that generates 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a new nine-speed automatic transmission that Ford and General Motors collaborated on.
The New 2026 Cruze sedan’s 13.9 cubic foot trunk can be expanded by the optional split-folding rear seats, which are available on specification versions LT and higher. The hatchback offers an additional 22.7 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are stowed, and 47.2 cubic feet when they are not. New 2026 Chevy Cruze Review
New 2026 Chevy Cruze Fuel Economy
The 2026 Cruze sedan’s EPA fuel economy ratings are 27/40 mpg city/highway for the manual and 29/40 mpg for the automatic. Premier models exhibit a lower fuel efficiency of 29/39 mpg. The hatchback’s fuel efficiency is 27/38 mpg when operated manually and 29/38 mpg when operated automatically. Fuel economy is diminished in the Premier variant of the hatch, as it is rated at 28/37 mpg, as in the sedan.
The Cruze sedan is the most fuel-efficient, with the EPA rating it at 31/47 mpg with the manual transmission and 30/52 mpg with the automatic transmission. Diesel-powered models are the most efficient. The diesel engine-powered hatchback variants are slightly less efficient, with a combined fuel economy of 29/48 mpg in manual mode and 30/45 mpg in automatic mode.
New 2026 Chevy Cruze Safety Features
The Chevrolet Cruze received an aggregate safety assessment of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) out of a possible five stars. The New 2026 Cruze was only subjected to side and moderate front overlap impact testing during IIHS examinations, and it received a Good grade (Good being the highest possible score). Furthermore, the IIHS classified it as Basic in the front crash prevention test, as the frontal collision warning system was available (Superior being the highest attainable score).
The Driver Confidence programme is available on the LT, Premier, and automatic-equipped Diesel models and includes lane change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence II equipment, which is exclusively available on the Premier variant, comprises the following distance indicator, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. The Driver Confidence bundle is the sole option for diesel-powered variants that are equipped with an automatic transmission.
New 2026 Chevy Cruze Price and Release Date
Chevrolet is steadfast in its commitment to guaranteeing that the 2026 Cruze Sedan is a cost-effective choice for drivers of all financial backgrounds. Currently, the Cruze is more affordable than it has ever been. This is due to the availability of a diverse array of financing options and the fact that the prices are comparable to those of vehicles of comparable value. New 2026 Chevy Cruze Review