The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT primarily uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine was available on some early builds, but the turbo 1.4-liter is the typical LT engine for that year.
Engine options for the 2013 Cruze LT
The Cruze lineup offered two gasoline engines in 2013. The LT trim could be equipped with either engine depending on the build date and options. The following describes the two engines and their general power characteristics.
- 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 (gasoline) — approximately 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque; most LT models used this engine and it could be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 (gasoline) — approximately 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque; more common on lower trims and early builds, typically paired with a 6-speed automatic.
In practice, you will most often see the 1.4L turbo in a 2013 Cruze LT. The 1.8L is comparatively older and less common among LT configurations; verifying the engine through the vehicle’s VIN/RPO can confirm the exact spec for a specific car.
Performance and specifications
Here are the key numbers you should know about the two engines that could appear in a 2013 Cruze LT.
- 1.4L turbocharged I4: 138 hp; 148 lb-ft of torque; available with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
- 1.8L naturally aspirated I4: 138 hp; 125 lb-ft of torque; commonly paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Note: The horsepower is similar between the two engines, but the turbocharged 1.4L offers more torque at lower rpm, translating to stronger real-world acceleration and better fuel efficiency in typical driving.
Summary
For most 2013 Cruze LT buyers, the engine is the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4, delivering good torque and efficiency. The 1.8-liter naturally aspirated option appears on a minority of early-build cars. If you need to confirm, check the car’s VIN or the engine code on the engine itself.