2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Introduction

Ever since the 2011 release of the Chevrolet Cruze, the market for dynamic, fuel-efficient compact vehicles was turned upside down. For the 2013 model year the Chevy Cruze will be no different, offering car buyers with a quality vehicle that is surprisingly affordable.

Its sharp look, great handling and top safety scores are some of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze's primary advantages in the small car marketplace.

Improvements for 2013

For 2013, the Chevrolet Cruze will see an enhanced infotainment system as well as improved safety features, including Bluetooth streaming audio, a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is offered in four trim levels: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ.

The LS includes the following features: keyless entry, 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, air-conditioning, a six-way adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split rear seat, a trip computer, OnStar, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. The LS trim also includes full power accessories.

The Eco gets a turbocharged engine, a leather-wrapped steering wheel,  cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen display and the Chevrolet MyLink system, which offers Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice control and smartphone integration. The Eco trim also offers an available Driver Convenience package which adds a six-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a rearview camera and heated mirrors. The Eco also received improvements in aerodynamics as well as lightweight alloy wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, a smaller fuel tank and a few minor feature removals to reduce the cars weight and maximize its fuel efficiency.

The LT trim actually brings two sub-trims in the form of the 1LT and 2LT models. Compared to LS models, the 1LT adds a turbocharged engine, a leather wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, and cruise control. The features included in the Eco trim’s Driver Convenience package are also available for the 1LT.

The 2LT takes it one step further by adding 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a six-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sport-tuned suspension, a 7-inch touchscreen display and Chevrolet MyLink.

Last but not least, Cruze buyers have the option of the LTZ trim which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, foglamps, keyless ignition/entry, premium interior trim and an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rearview camera.

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze will also offer an Enhanced Safety that includes blind spot monitoring, rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Many of the standard features found in the upper trim levels, including Chevrolet MyLink and a rearview camera, also can be had on the lower trims as options. A hard-drive-based navigation system, a Pioneer nine-speaker premium sound system, a sunroof, an RS appearance package (unique front/rear fascias, foglights, rear spoiler) are all available on upper trims.

Interior Design and Features

For the 2013 model year the Chevy Cruze saw improvements in the interior look and feel by adding a cloth and leather-looking trim to the dash and doors. This year the electronics interface is easier to use and the Chevy MyLink system provides Cruze owners with smartphone integration and enhanced voice control.

Under the Hood

The Cruze LS comes powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 that pushes 138 hp and 125 pound-feet of torque. The Eco, LT and LTZ trims all come standard with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 and are able to generate 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

The 2013 Chevy Cruze delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for the LS trim with the manual transmission and 22/35/27 mpg with the automatic. The turbocharged engine receives an estimated 26/38/30 mpg with either transmission. The fuel-economy-focused Cruze Eco rakes in an impressive 28/42/33 mpg with the manual transmission and 26/39/31 mpg with the automatic.

Safety

All 2013 Chevrolet Cruze models come standard with the following safety features: antilock brakes, stability control, front knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and front and rear side impact airbags.

Excluding the 2LT and LTZ trims, which come equipped with four wheel disc brakes, every 2013 Chevy Cruze will come equipped with a front-disc/rear-drum brake setup.

Another standard feature on every trim is OnStar, which includes automatic on-demand roadside assistance, stolen vehicle assistance, crash notification and remote door unlocking.

Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are optional for all trims, except the LS.

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