2012 Chevrolet Cruze Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Chevrolet Cruze review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 Cruze, and includes Chevy Cruze safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

An economical four-door sedan that Chevrolet sells all around the world, the 2012 Cruze competes with compact cars like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta.

Fuel economy estimates rise for all Cruze models equipped with the automatic transmission, going as high as 39 mpg on the highway for the Cruze Eco model. The base Cruze LS gets standard floor mats this year, while the Cruze LT is equipped with a manual gearbox for 2012. The LT models also get standard alloy wheels, while the LT and Eco models all have standard cruise control, Bluetooth, radio controls on the steering wheel, and a USB port this year. The Cruze LTZ now comes standard with front fog lights and a keyless entry and push-button starting system. New colors include Autumn, Blue Topaz, Blue Granite, and Victory Red.

One year after its debut, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze continues in a choice between four different models, all equipped with four doors and a trunk. Starting things off, the Cruze LS is nicely equipped with air conditioning, power windows with express-down operation, power door locks with remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, floor mats, and premium cloth seats with manual height adjustment for the driver and the front passenger. It even has a driver information center with a trip computer. The stereo includes a CD/MP3 player, an auxiliary audio input jack, and a three-month trial subscription to satellite radio. The Cruze also comes standard with six-free months of OnStar 9.0 Directions and Connections service, including turn-by-turn voice navigation and a slew of useful safety features. A key option package for the Cruze LS is the Connectivity Package, which has Bluetooth phone connectivity, radio controls on the steering wheel, a USB port, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and cruise control.

Though the Cruze LS is nicely equipped, lots of people prefer the Cruze LT. It has everything listed above plus power adjustable side mirrors, an express-up function for the driver’s side window, and 16-inch machined finish alloy wheels. The main reason to upgrade to the Cruze LT is because it is offered with a variety of options. The Driver Convenience Package adds a power driver’s seat and a rear park assist system, while the All-Star Package includes a premium Pioneer audio system and a power sunroof. The LT model can also be upgraded with 2LT trim, which adds the rear park assist and power driver’s seat plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded braking and suspension components, and 17-inch alloy wheels. A navigation system is optional on the 2LT model, along with a power sunroof and premium Pioneer sound.

If you want to maximize fuel economy, the Cruze Eco is the right choice. It is outfitted like the standard Cruze LT, and adds an Aero Performance Package (active grille air shutter, front air dam, raised license plate frame, unique body panels, rear lip spoiler), forged and polished lightweight 17-inch alloys wrapped in ultra low rolling resistance tires, and powertrain enhancements. Choose the optional automatic transmission, and the Cruze Eco also includes acoustic sound deadening material that is excised from the standard Eco with a manual gearbox to save weight and improve fuel economy. Navigation, Pioneer sound, and a Driver Convenience Package are optional on the Cruze Eco.

The top-of-the-line Cruze model is called the LTZ, and it comes with fancier interior and exterior trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and illuminated visor vanity mirrors. Navigation, Pioneer audio, and a power sunroof are optional on the LTZ.

Both the LT and LTZ models can be equipped with an RS Appearance Package. In RS trim, the Cruze includes fog lights, unique front and rear styling, a sporty body kit, fog lights, and sporty interior themes.

Chevy offers two different engines for the 2012 Cruze, each covered by a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Standard and only available on the Cruze LS, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine makes 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox drives the front wheels, and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. With the manual, fuel economy estimates are 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Choose the automatic, and the Cruze LS returns 22 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

All other Cruze models have a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The horsepower rating is the same at 138, but the ponies peak at a lower 4,900 rpm. The turbocharged engine also makes more torque, at 148 lb-ft, which kicks in at 1,850 rpm with the automatic transmission and 2,500 rpm with the stick shift. Translated, these figures mean that the LT, Eco and LTZ models all feel livelier than the LS when accelerating. Fuel economy in LT and LTZ trim is 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, regardless of transmission choice. Get the more aerodynamic Cruze Eco, and you can expect 28-city/42-highway with the manual gearbox and 26-city/39-highway with the automatic.

Every 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with 10 standard airbags, including knee airbags for the front seat occupants and side-impact airbags for rear seat riders. A StabiliTrak stability and traction control system with rollover mitigation is also included, along with antilock brakes. A rear park assist system comes standard on the 2LT and LTZ models.

OnStar 9.0 is also a key standard safety feature, including six free months of Advanced Crash Response service, which includes Injury Severity Prediction capability, and emergency support services. Stolen Vehicle Location and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown technology is also part of the package, along with turn-by-turn navigation assistance and a MyLink mobile application that allows for remote control of certain vehicle functions (as seen on TV).

Chevy’s comprehensive approach to safety really pays off. The Cruze receives a 5-Star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impressive considering the NHTSA recently made getting a 5-star rating tougher. In fact, the Cruze gets 5-Star ratings in each individual frontal- and side-impact test, including the side pole test, combined with a 4-Star rollover rating. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is also impressed with the Cruze’s crashworthiness, giving the 2011 version of the car its Top Safety Pick rating, which includes a test for how well the front seats protect against injury in a rear-impact accident.

Reliability predictions are scarce, since the Cruze is still relatively new to the market. Consumer Reports offers no guidance as this review is written, while J.D. Power and Associates says the Cruze should prove average in this regard.

The 2012 Chevy Cruze is sold in countries all around the world, is the best-selling Chevy on the planet, and this year will be offered in a hatchback version in global markets outside of North America. Our Cruze Sedans are built in Lordstown, Ohio, and come equipped with a 15.4 cubic-foot trunk, huge by compact car standards and larger than what some midsize sedans offers.

A solid player in a crowded segment, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a fuel-efficient, safe, stylish, and roomy choice among compact cars.

By Christian Wardlaw