Chevrolet’s 2013 Cruze is offered with two inline-four engine options across four models. Both engines produce 138 horsepower and provide great fuel economy, with the Eco trim reaching 42 mpg on the highway.
Key Points
- The 2013 Cruze’s standard 1.8L engine puts out a meager 138 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, and comes with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
- Upper LT, LTZ, and Eco trims sport a more efficient 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder that offers the same 138 horsepower but churns out 25 more lb.-ft. of torque.
- Owner reviews show the Cruze to be reliable with few problems; however, some drivers have reported complete loss of engine power due to a faulty throttle body assembly.
- A low-priced Chevy Cruze can make a sensible choice for a daily driver; however, the higher-priced trims aren’t worth the extra cost.
1.8L Inline-four is Standard and Provides the Base Model Cruze with 138 Horsepower
Standard on LS models is the 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder. This base-model inline-four produces 138 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. All Chevy Cruze models are front-wheel drive and can be found with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission behind either engine option. However, with under 140 horsepower from a naturally aspirated engine, the driving experience will feel underwhelming to most drivers.
Fuel economy is certainly a high point for the 2013 Cruze, as it provides a combined rating of 29 miles per gallon when paired with the manual transmission and 26 miles per gallon with the automatic.
1.4L Turbocharged Inline-four Offers More Torque and Up to 37 mpg at Highway Speeds
The higher trim LT, LTZ, and Eco models come standard with the Ecotec 1.4L. This inline-four is turbocharged and produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.
While the turbo will assist the Cruze in acceleration, neither four-cylinder will feel sporty. However, the six-speed manual paired with the turbocharged 1.4L would make for the most exciting driving experience.
Unfortunately, prospective buyers will likely have a difficult time finding this combination, as the large majority of Chevy Cruzes on the used market will be automatics.
Fuel economy for the 1.4L is slightly better than the 1.8L, at a combined 30 city/highway for both automatic and manual transmission-equipped cars. Further, the Eco model provides an even better 28 mpg city and 42 highway with the manual transmission.
The Driving Experience Doesn’t Change Much with the Turbocharged Engine, but the Price Does
In their road test, Consumer Reports describes the Cruze as feeling solid and pleasant to drive. The 1.8L and 1.4L turbo are also described as having the same acceleration feel, with the turbo feeling only slightly smoother.
Despite the similarity, a 2013 Cruze equipped with the 1.8L will cost around $6,500, according to Kelley Blue Book, whereas a Cruze equipped with the turbo four-cylinder will cost between $7,977 and $11,182, depending on the model and mileage. While the higher trim levels no doubt offer more amenities and conveniences, the higher cost likely isn’t worth it for those looking to buy a fuel-efficient compact car.
Both Four-cylinders are Reliable, but Some Owners Report a Complete Loss of Power Due to the Throttle Body Assembly
The 2013 Chevy Cruze has had five recalls, none of which are directly related to engine component failures. The only recall related to engine equipment is for an engine block heater cord. This recall affected less than 3000 cars and shouldn’t be of concern to most prospective buyers.
With over 900 owner reviews, Cruze drivers generally report both the 1.8L and 1.4L to be reliable and problem-free. Additionally, J.D. Power has given the 2013 Cruze an 80 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
However, the most common and serious engine problem reported is a loss of power while driving. It has been reported that replacing the throttle body assembly may fix the problem; however, it is unclear whether this problem affects one or both engine options.
With Either Engine, the 2013 Chevy Cruze is a Sensible Choice if the Price is Right
The 2013 Chevy Cruze does have its upsides. The Cruze is reported as being reliable and has a fantastic fuel economy rating on both the 1.8L and 1.4L turbo. With an available six-speed manual transmission, the Chevy Cruze can make for a fun, reliable, and fuel-efficient compact car. However, compared to other small cars of the same class, it doesn’t offer much to stand out in the field of compact cars.
If you’re able to find a 2013 Chevy Cruze on the low end of the price range, it can make a reasonable and nice daily driver, assuming it has been well maintained. However, at the higher end of the price range, around $9,000 to $11,000, most drivers would be better served in something like a 2013 Volkswagen GLI, which will provide similar fuel economy and better performance.
Photos: Chevrolet
