2016 Chevrolet Cruze RS – Redline: Review

Chevrolet got serious in the compact segment when it brought the Cruze to the states in 2009. For Gen 2 the company is delivering more of everything but less weight. Those of you looking for a Civic or Corolla may find a lot to like with this very stylish American entry.

[KayKay]

This car is popular for teens and and college students. It's actually a pretty decent car, and comes at reasonable price, so I can see why parents would get it for their children.

[tylerand]

Been a while since I've watched a Redline Review, and I've been reminded why I love the videos so much. You always touch on things like the plastics, touch and finish, soft touch, etc. Stuff that i often don't see in other review videos.

[ConsciousRobot]

I love the design of this car. It was very beautifully and cleanly designed. Very nice lines and great proportions.

[matt]

I just bought a 2017 Cruze and I am in love with it. It's perfectly equipped and has great build quality considering it's only a $20k car. It's surprisingly decent. I really like it.

[lukehoisington]

they should just put the Malibu's 1.5t in this. it's only 9 HP more like really gm?

[joemoe]

I bought LED headlamps.... It makes a big difference at night and just generally makes the car look more luxurious. Just a little extra something I love my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze premiere. The black and sienna leather interior really makes people turn their heads when they get in. I love my car and I've had no trouble with it. I also love this review. Did I say I love my car. 😆

[ahastar]

I can't emphasize enough how great this is as a first car out of college. Really great as a first car to commute in

[corystansbury]

Drove this engine in a new Malibu recently. Very refined, linear, and torquey. I agree with everything said. Transmission is definitely programmed to maximize fuel economy though. I got mid 30s in that Malibu at 75 mph.

[panda]

You said it doesn't have parking sensors, what does that mean?
(That the backup camera only acts as a better view, but doesn't warn you with sensors if you get too close to something?)

[jnuss]

I'm confused by your comments about the Cruze being slow....7.7 seconds is not slow. It matches your beloved Civic and 3. The Hyundai Elantra, at around 9.5 seconds is slow. The Cruze?... not so much.

[aknsd]

But is the car quiet inside? The previous Civic model was exhausting to drive on long trips due to road noise and I take many long trips. Same for the Mazda, fun to drive but they sound cheap due to road noise. I will be turning in my Passat TDI, and am interested in buying the Cruze hatchback diesel. So is it relatively quiet inside?

[Marlon_J]

I notice a lot of reviewers go crazy about plastic or hard touch plastic in cars these days, but I often wonder if leather will still look as good after a couple of years on places where you rest your hand often vs plastic?

[TheCarCrazyGuy]

Re: LED/HID headlights, just install Diode Dynamics SL1 LED headlights and the performance is phenomenal! Just added them.

[rithikpatel]

Chevy: GIVE US A DAMN CRUZE SS!! Just fit it with the 2.0 liter turbo in the Camaro, Malibu, etc. It doesn't matter if it is FWD or not

[hitssquad]

12:34 The EPA toughened its fuel-economy rating system between the 2016 and 2017 model years. Most car models saw their EPA ratings drop by about 1 mpg combined. That was also the case for the Cruze Premier (the trim level you reviewed):
2016 Cruze Premier: *34* mpg combined; *30* city, *40* hwy
2017 Cruze Premier: *33* mpg combined; *29* city, *39* hwy

12:41 The LT trim level dropped by 2 mpg hwy between 2016 and 2017 (same car, just different standards):
2016 Cruze LT: *35* mpg combined; *30* city, *42* hwy
2017 Cruze LT: *34* mpg combined; *30* city, *40* hwy

Source:
fueleconomy. gov

[Tig-Wan]

What are the buttons or paddles behind the steering wheel for?

[kaalasaala]

Legend has it if you arrive early, Sofyan will reply to your comment :O

[mikerotch]

The problem with these reviews, like most other reviews, is that they cover cosmetic crap and don't get into the important things that will determine quality.
1. How is the intermediate shaft on the steering? GM has problems with these.
2. What is the suspension construction? This will determine handling and reliablity.
3. Road noise?
4. Vibrations?

JD power gives it a 3/5 in terms of reliability/quality. Note good.

[Lanpenn]

The Chevrolet here in Brazil removed the side signal repeaters in the 2nd Cruze... Now it's very expensive and also.... without multi-link suspension! Greetings from Brazil!

[mitchellstarling]

I’m not one to judge car brands, if I like it I’ll buy the car😀