The Chevy Cruze typically uses small four-cylinder engines from GM's Ecotec family — most often a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine in North American models, with a 2.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel option in select markets.
Across its production run from 2009 through 2019, engine choices varied by year and region. The base 1.8L Ecotec produced around 136–140 horsepower and was offered with manual or automatic transmissions. The 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec became the standard choice for many trims from the early 2010s onward, delivering roughly 138–153 horsepower and more torque, depending on the year and market. In the U.S., a Cruze Clean Diesel variant used a 2.0L Duramax turbo-diesel I4, which produced about 151 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but was available only for a limited time and in select markets. European and other regional Cruze models sometimes used different diesel engines in the 1.7–2.0L range.
Gasoline engine options
Chevrolet offered two main gasoline engines across most Cruze models: a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter and a turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec. The exact power and availability varied by year and market.
- 1.8-liter Ecotec I4 (gasoline) — naturally aspirated; roughly 136–138 horsepower with modest torque (around 125–130 lb-ft), depending on transmission and model year.
- 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec I4 — turbocharged; roughly 138–153 horsepower and higher torque (around 148–177 lb-ft) depending on year and market.
These gasoline engines formed the backbone of most Cruze trims, with the turbo 1.4L offering stronger performance and efficiency, while the 1.8L served as a simpler, lower-cost option.
Diesel option (Cruze Clean Diesel)
In select markets, Chevrolet offered a diesel variant in the Cruze lineup. The diesel engines provided higher fuel economy and more torque for highway driving.
- 2.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel I4 — turbocharged; about 151 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque; used in Cruze Clean Diesel configurations (notably 2014–2016 in the U.S.), with higher efficiency on the highway.
Note that the Cruze Diesel was not widely available and was limited to specific model years and markets. In Europe and other regions, different diesel options were offered on Cruze variants built for those markets.
Markets and current status
As of 2026, Chevrolet does not sell the Cruze in the United States or Canada; production and local sales ended after the 2019 model year. In other regions, Cruze models existed under various GM brands (including Opel/Vauxhall in Europe) for different stretches, but the nameplate has largely been phased out in favor of newer GM small cars and crossovers. If you’re shopping a used Cruze, the exact engine can vary by year and market, so verify the engine type from the badge, VIN, or documentation.
Summary
The Chevy Cruze relies on GM's Ecotec four-cylinder family for its power. Most U.S. models used a base 1.8-liter engine or a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, with a 2.0-liter Duramax diesel option available in some markets for a limited time. The Cruze is no longer on sale in North America since 2019, and engine options today depend on the specific regional configuration and model year. For a used Cruze, check the exact engine code to know which of these options it has.