2013 Chevrolet Cruze Total Car Score Analysis

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze earns an above average Total Car Score for the Compact Sedans & Wagons segment. 
 
It was only a few years ago that Japan’s big two dominated the Compact Sedan segment. The Cruze has changed that since Chevrolet introduced it two years ago. For 2013, the Cruze has added even more available features, continuing to impress reviewers. 
 
The Cruze’s interior was well liked, with reviewers noting the exceptional front headroom and knee space available for tall drivers. The Cruze has improved the electronic interface for 2013, addressing one of the main complaints from last year's model. The vast trunk space is another area where the Cruze shines and sets itself apart from its competitors. 
 
Reviewers noted the ride quality and responsive handling, along with the low road noise levels. Fuel economy ratings are very strong, with the Eco model leading the way with 28 mpg city, 42 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission. These figures would stack up well with many hybrid cars, but at a fraction of the cost. 
 
Safety is another area where the Cruze shines, coming with 10 standard airbags and earning a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  
 
The 2013 Cruze now offers a rear-view camera, rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for all trims except the LS. Also available for 2013 is Chevrolet MyLink, which connects your smartphone to the vehicle and provides voice activated Bluetooth audio streaming and phone calls.  

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Model Line-Up

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is a front-wheel drive compact sedan available in LS, Eco, LT and LTZ trim levels.  
 
The standard engine for the LS is a 1.8-liter inline-4 producing 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The Eco, LT and LTZ come with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 making 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.  
 
Standard equipment on the LS includes six-way manually adjustable front seats, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio system, keyless entry and 16-inch steel wheels.  
 
The Eco adds 17-inch lightweight forged polished alloy wheels and an Aero Package for greater fuel efficiency, a rear spoiler, cruise control, Chevrolet MyLink, power windows and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. 
 
The LT comes in two levels, 1LT and 2LT. The 1LT adds 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, while the 2LT has 17-inch five-spoke flangeless alloy wheels, six-way power adjustable driver seat, disc brakes, and leather seats with heated driver and passenger seats.  
 
The top of the line LTZ comes with 18-inch five-spoke flangeless silver-painted alloy wheels, keyless ignition, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, outside heated mirrors and a rear-view camera. 
 
Options include a touchscreen audio system with navigation, sunroof, and an enhanced safety package that includes rear park assist, blind sport monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 
 
The EPA rated the fuel economy for the 1.8-liter engine with manual transmission at 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined and 22/35/27 with the automatic. The turbocharged LT and LTZ get 26/38/30 with either transmission. The Eco achieves a very good 28/42/33 with the manual and 26/39/31 with the automatic.

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