How Far Can You Drive On One Tank of Diesel? - Chevy Cruze 2.0TD vs. VW Jetta TDI

We set out to verify these cars' lofty highway-fuel-economy ratings—42 mpg for the Jetta, 46 for the Cruze—by driving from our Ann Arbor headquarters to the world's largest truck stop in Walcott, Iowa. After that 409-mile drive, the Jetta was still 200 miles from empty and the Cruze more than 300, so we turned around and headed for Engineered Diesel in Allendale, Michigan.

CARS: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

[rkalla]

*Really* appreciate this comparison, this is such a time-consuming and monotonous task to execute on, but that's what makes the real-world comparison so valuable. Thanks guys!

[sidwilliams]

I have a 2011 Jetta TDI manual and have gotten 52.3 MPG from St Louis to north of Indy, a total of 305 miles. I also have a 2013 Passat TDI with a DSG and have gotten on the same route 54.3 MPG! The computer shifts smarter than I do with the manual.

I have had VWs since 77 and love them as they seem to go on forever. I sold my 2005 Jetta TDI when I learned I could sell the 8 year old car with 114, 000 miles on it and still get $10, 000 for it!!! The first VW that I got rid of before it went over 200.000 miles!!!

[Trades]

In the sea of compact family sedans sold in North America the Cruze is a jack of all trades, but that 2.0 Diesel engine is certainly a party piece of the car. I driven it myself and the pulling power of that engine is astounding.

[thedude]

this would have been better if they just put a measured amount of fuel that was the same in both cars and see which went further. this is just running two cars til they're empty

[jonathaningerson]

I own a 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel, and I gotta say that Chevy hit a home run with this one. My best Fuel mileage for a 25 mileage average is 62.8 MPG driving 55 MPH. At 65 MPH, I averaged 55 MPG. I can't believe how well this car is made. It has lots of acceleration and handles like a dream. I am 6' 4" and 300 lbs, and there is  plenty of leg room with the very comfortable heated leather power seats. Thank you Chevy!!!

[kixofmygt]

Cruze, 15.6 gallon tank, 747 miles=47.88MPG. Jetta 14.5 gallon tank, 617 miles=42.55MPG.

The Cruze traveled 130 more miles with only 1.1 more gallons of fuel. Even if you filled the Cruze with only 14.5 gallons of fuel, it would still have traveled farther than the Jetta. The Cruze is more efficient, the Jetta costs more to drive.

[vdubguy]

Oh, c'mon, guys. The Jetta has  a 14.5 gallon tank. the Cruze has a 15.6 gallon tank. Who are you trying to kid? The proper test would be to run out of fuel, then put in the exact amounts of fuel in each tank.

[cardude]

I’m just bought a similar Chevy Cruze diesel, and I love it !

[Yolojaculation]

My god, that's 1202.18km for the Cruze. My current car (2003 Chev Cavalier 2.2 DOHC base) gets about 465km to a tank. I gas up once every 3 weeks or so normally. That's 2.58x the fuel economy of my car. Fuel up every 7.75 weeks? sign me up.

[unit]

holy hell, that's comparable gas mileage to my motorcycle while being able to tow my bike to the track and being comfortable as hell during winter and in the rain. I think I may buy one of these cars, not sure but I'm definitely sold on diesel.

[nightnightyasmin]

The only way for this to be really accurate is to drive the same road, Same driver, one Gallon of fuel in the tank until each car runs out.

[MrKimberr]

The Cruze has a bigger tank, but NO spare tire. They placed the DEF tank where the tire should be.

[masonweidner]

Vw Passat tdi with 800 miles of highway range enters the chat

[cyclemartin]

The Chevrolet don't look a bad car, tbh, just people's perceptions and ignorance will always swing the VW way and makeing a higher in demand car, so holding more resale value, . But a VW is quite standard, near enough everything is an option, the base car is not much more than 5 seats and a steering wheel.

[jjb]

I've got a 2002 VW Jetta TDI with a 5speed manual.  It's been significantly modified from stock yet still gets right at 50mpg tank after tank after tank....  345, 000 miles to date with no end in sight. 

[jeyaramgopal]

Meaningless comparison. The range depends on the fuel tank volume. You don't have to drive all the way like this. Next comparison test is comparing the length of a railway track by measuring one after another.

[Mikelaren]

So what happened when you ran out of fuel? dont you need to bleed the fluel lines of air?

[cavisualproductions]

That's cool of you guys going through Holland, MI as I used to live there from a former Michigander :) I have the 2014 Cruze Diesel as well, have yet to make a true road trip in it but now that I got the timing best changed and related components I think she's ready for a trip!

[Grimlock]

Chevy cruze diesel is damn impressive! Thanks for the real world test!

[super_slav]

You are more likely to break down in the cruze before you run out of fuel.