Considering a compact sedan that offers a blend of efficiency, style, and value? The Chevrolet Cruze has long been a strong contender in its segment. If you’re looking at pre-owned options, the 2016 and 2017 model years often come up in discussions.
These two consecutive model years represent a significant shift for the Cruze, with the 2017 model introducing a substantial redesign. This means there are key differences in styling, technology, and even performance that could sway your decision.
Deciding between the 2016 Chevy Cruze and its successor, the 2017 model, requires a closer look at what each brings to the table. We’ll break down the essential factors to help you determine which generation best suits your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 2016 | 2017 chevy cruze |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L 4-cylinder | 1.4L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 153 hp |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual or automatic |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/38 mpg | 30/40 mpg |
| Body Style | 4-door sedan | 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback |
| Infotainment System | Available touchscreen | Standard touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Safety Features | Standard airbags, available rearview camera | Standard airbags, rearview camera, available blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning |
| Curb Weight | ~2,900 lbs | ~2,850 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.3 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Length | 179.7 inches | 183.7 inches |
| Width | 70.5 inches | 70.1 inches |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine & Performance
- 2016: Offered with a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Available with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. This engine provided decent fuel economy but could feel a bit underpowered for some drivers.
- 2017 Chevy Cruze: Carried over the same 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the 2017 model introduced a more refined automatic transmission (6-speed) that felt smoother and more responsive. Performance remained largely the same, with a focus on efficiency.
- Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze
Exterior Styling
- 2016: Featured a more traditional sedan design with clean lines and a somewhat understated appearance. It was a practical and attractive car but didn’t necessarily stand out in a crowded segment.
- 2017 Chevy Cruze: Received a significant exterior redesign, adopting a sportier and more aggressive stance. The new model featured sharper lines, a more prominent grille, and a sleeker profile. This made it look more premium and modern.
- Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze
Interior Design & Quality
- 2016: The interior was functional and well-laid out, with decent materials for its class. However, some plastics felt a bit hard, and the overall design was a bit dated compared to newer competitors.
- 2017 Chevy Cruze: The interior saw a substantial upgrade in terms of design and material quality. It felt more upscale and modern, with better ergonomics and a more premium feel. The dashboard layout was revised for a cleaner look.
- Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze
Infotainment System
- 2016: Offered Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, which was functional but could be a bit clunky to navigate at times. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard on all trims.
- 2017 Chevy Cruze: Introduced a more advanced and user-friendly MyLink system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on all trims, significantly improving smartphone integration and offering a more seamless user experience.
- Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze
Safety Features
- 2016: Came equipped with standard safety features like airbags and stability control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on higher trims.
- 2017 Chevy Cruze: Significantly expanded its safety offerings. While still having standard airbags, it made many advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available, including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, often as optional packages on various trims.
- Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze
Fuel Economy
- 2016: Achieved competitive fuel economy for its class, with EPA estimates generally in the high 20s for city driving and low 30s for highway driving for the automatic transmission.
- 2017 Chevy Cruze: While the core engine remained the same, the 2017 model often saw slight improvements in fuel economy due to transmission tuning and other minor optimizations, with EPA estimates often nudging into the low 30s for city and high 30s for highway.
- Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze
Ride Comfort
- 2016: Provided a comfortable ride for its segment, absorbing most road imperfections well. It was a good car for daily commuting.
- 2017 Chevy Cruze: The redesigned chassis and suspension contributed to a slightly more composed and refined ride. It offered a good balance between comfort and handling, feeling more planted on the road.
- Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze
Available Body Styles
- 2016: Primarily available as a four-door sedan.
- 2017 Chevy Cruze: Introduced a new hatchback body style in addition to the sedan, offering more versatility and utility for buyers who needed extra cargo space.
- Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Engine Performance | 2017 chevy cruze |
| Fuel Economy | 2017 chevy cruze |
| Technology & Connectivity | 2017 chevy cruze |
| Safety Features | 2017 chevy cruze |
| Body Style Options | 2017 chevy cruze |
| Value (Initial Purchase Price) | 2016 |
| Overall Refinement | 2017 chevy cruze |
What They Have in Common
- Design Language: Both model years share a similar exterior and interior design, reflecting Chevrolet’s contemporary styling cues for the Cruze. You’ll find a sleek profile and a driver-focused cockpit in both.
- Comfortable Ride: The Chevy Cruze has historically been praised for its comfortable and composed ride quality, making it a good choice for daily commutes and longer journeys. Both the 2016 and 2017 models offer a balanced suspension setup.
- Practicality: As compact cars, both the 2016 and 2017 Cruze offer good interior space for their class, with ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. The trunk space is also generally sufficient for everyday needs.
- Fuel Efficiency: While the 2017 model sees improvements, both model years of the Chevy Cruze are designed with fuel economy in mind, making them economical choices for budget-conscious buyers.
- Available Technology: Depending on the trim level, both models can be equipped with desirable technology features, including infotainment systems with touchscreen displays and connectivity options.
2016 Vs 2017 Chevy Cruze Buying Guide
Engine and Performance
The 2016 Chevy Cruze offered two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The 2017 model streamlined this, offering only the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine as standard, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This change generally resulted in improved fuel efficiency and a slightly more responsive driving experience for the 2017 model.
For those prioritizing consistent and adequate power for daily driving, the 2017’s standard turbocharged engine is a solid choice. If you’re a driver who enjoys a bit more engagement and doesn’t mind the potential for slightly lower MPG, the 2016’s manual transmission with the 1.4L turbo is also appealing. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Interior and Features
Both model years of the Chevy Cruze boast a well-designed interior with comfortable seating and intuitive controls. The 2017 model, however, saw significant upgrades in its infotainment system. Standard on all 2017 trims was a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a major leap in connectivity over the 2016 model’s available MyLink system, which was less standard and less integrated.
The 2017 also introduced a rearview camera as standard equipment across all trims, enhancing safety and convenience. While the 2016 offers a pleasant cabin, the 2017’s modern tech features and standard safety equipment make it feel more contemporary and user-friendly for tech-savvy buyers.
Safety and Reliability
Safety is a strong suit for both the 2016 and 2017 Chevy Cruze. Both model years earned excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The 2017 model, however, benefited from the availability of more advanced driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning, which were optional or not available on all 2016 trims. Reliability ratings for both are generally considered good for their class.
When comparing safety, the 2017 Cruze offers a more comprehensive suite of optional advanced safety technologies, providing an extra layer of confidence for families. For peace of mind, research specific trim levels and available packages for both years to ensure your desired safety features are included. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Price and Value
As an older model year, the 2016 Chevy Cruze typically comes with a lower price point in the used car market, offering a budget-friendly entry into the compact sedan segment. The 2017 model, being newer and often featuring more standard technology and safety features, will generally command a higher price. Your decision will depend on your budget and how much value you place on the newer features and potentially better fuel efficiency of the 2017 model.
Consider your priorities: if maximizing your budget is key, the 2016 is a strong contender. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for a more modern experience with advanced tech and safety, the 2017 offers better long-term value and a more refined package.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 2016 If…
- You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option and are willing to forgo some of the newer tech and powertrain improvements.
- You prefer the slightly smaller exterior dimensions for easier parking in tight urban environments.
- You don’t necessarily need the absolute latest in infotainment or advanced safety features.
Buy 2017 chevy cruze If…
- You prioritize a more potent and fuel-efficient turbocharged engine for a more engaging driving experience.
- You want the convenience and enhanced functionality of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- You desire a slightly larger interior and a more modern suite of available advanced safety features for peace of mind.
- You appreciate the availability of the hatchback body style for added cargo versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the 2016 and 2017 Chevy Cruze engines?
The 2016 Chevy Cruze offered two engine choices: a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. In contrast, the 2017 model year standardized the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine across all trims, often paired with a more fuel-efficient automatic transmission. This simplification in the 2017 model aimed to provide a more consistent and efficient performance for the majority of drivers.
Did the 2017 Chevy Cruze get a significant interior redesign?
Yes, the 2017 Chevy Cruze received a notable interior update. The most significant enhancement was the standard inclusion of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This provided a much more modern and integrated user experience compared to the available systems in the 2016 model, which were less advanced and less universally equipped. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Are there more safety features available on the 2017 Cruze?
Absolutely. While both model years are considered safe, the 2017 Chevy Cruze significantly expanded the availability of advanced driver-assistance systems. Features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning became more widely accessible or standard on higher trims for the 2017 model, offering enhanced protection and driver awareness.
Which model year is generally more fuel-efficient?
The 2017 Chevy Cruze is generally considered more fuel-efficient, primarily due to the standardization of the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and its pairing with a more advanced transmission. While the 2016 also offered the turbocharged engine, the 2017 iteration often achieved slightly better EPA estimates, making it a more economical choice for drivers prioritizing gas mileage.
Is the 2017 Chevy Cruze worth the extra cost over the 2016 model?
For many buyers, the 2017 Chevy Cruze is worth the potential extra cost. The significant upgrades in standard technology (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), improved fuel efficiency, and the availability of more advanced safety features contribute to a more modern, convenient, and secure driving experience. If your budget allows, the 2017 offers a more compelling package.
Final Verdict
When comparing the 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Cruze, the 2017 model emerges as the superior choice for most buyers. It boasts a more refined and fuel-efficient turbocharged engine as standard, a significantly upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wider array of advanced safety features. While the 2016 offers good value, the 2017 provides a more modern, connected, and secure driving experience that justifies its typically higher price point.
Winner: 2017 Chevy Cruze