The 2017 Chevy Cruze offered two engine options: a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine.
In this article, we break down what those engines are, how they differ in performance and efficiency, and where each option was available in the lineup and markets.
Engine options
The Cruze’s powertrains center on two four-cylinder, turbocharged options. The following sections detail the core specs for each engine choice.
1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine
Gasoline engine details and performance figures for the 2017 Cruze.
- Displacement: 1.4 liters
- Configuration: turbocharged inline-4 (Ecotec family)
- Horsepower: 153 hp
- Torque: 177 lb-ft
- Engine family: Ecotec (LUV)
- Common transmission options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
In everyday driving, the 1.4L turbo gasoline engine provides solid acceleration and efficient highway performance, with transmission choices that suit both sporty and commuting needs.
1.6L turbo-diesel engine
Diesel engine details and performance figures for markets where the Cruze Diesel was offered.
- Displacement: 1.6 liters
- Configuration: turbocharged inline-4 (diesel)
- Horsepower: 137 hp
- Torque: 240 lb-ft
- Engine family: GM turbo-diesel variation (Duramax-derived, common-rail)
- Common transmission options: typically 6-speed automatic in the US; manual availability varied by market
The diesel engine emphasizes high torque and improved low-end performance, which can enhance highway cruising and overall efficiency in regions where diesel Cruze models were sold. It trades some peak horsepower for stronger pulling power at lower revs.
Summary
In brief, the 2017 Chevy Cruze offered two four-cylinder turbocharged engines: a 1.4-liter gasoline unit delivering about 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel unit producing around 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine was more widely used across trims, while the diesel option focused on torque and efficiency in select markets. Buyers could choose between automatic and manual transmissions with the gasoline engine, while diesel models typically paired with an automatic gearbox in the United States.