2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Release Date, MPG, Interior – When the Cobalt joined the Chevrolet lineup last year, the Cruze took its place. The 2026 Chevrolet Cruze is a significant advancement for General Motors (GM) in the well-liked compact automobile market and signifies the company’s shift to higher-quality vehicles—a path it started prior to the automaker’s financial difficulties. The Cruze is currently one of the best-selling cars in the compact class, suggesting that GM’s approach is working.
The Chevy Cobalt is on the larger end of the front-wheel drive compact sector, while being marketed and categorized as such. The Cruze’s length from end to end is 181 inches. 70.7 inches in width, 58.1 inches in height, and it has a somewhat lengthy wheelbase of 105.7 inches. Many of the Cruze’s dimensions, notably its 15.4 cubic foot trunk, are said to be comparable to those of midsize automobiles by Chevy.
Table of Contents
2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
A rearview camera, a 7.0-inch touchscreen for the MyLink infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and 15-inch steel wheels are standard on the base Cruze L variant. A center console armrest, a compass, and floor mats are added when you upgrade to the LS trim. Even more options are included with the LT level, such as cruise control, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, LED daytime running lights, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Additional options on the top-of-the-line Premier trim level include 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, remote start, and an improved rear suspension. A nine-speaker Bose premium music system, wireless charging, a sunroof, navigation, heated outboard rear seats, and a charger for mobile devices, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler.
2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Specs
The Cruze replaced the underwhelming Cobalt last year and is based on GM’s all-new global Delta platform. Fuel economy is the big news for the 2026 Cruze . Models powered by the 1.4-liter turbo engine with a six-speed automatic transmission get slightly increased fuel economy. 
The LT model gains a standard six-speed manual transmission. A new connectivity package available on 1LT and Eco models features Bluetooth, USB port, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control and leather steering wheel and shift knob. Keyless entry is available on more trim levels. 1LT models receive standard 16-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel disc brakes. A space-saver spare tire is more widely available.
Engine and Performance
The base 1.8-liter I-4’s 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque is adequate, but leaves more to be desired. Stepping up to the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder makes the same 138 horsepower, but it offers a broader torque curve from its 148 lb-ft of torque that begins lower in the rev range and lasts longer than the base engine. The engine provides enough power to make it competitive with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The ECO model has class-leading fuel economy and is rated as high as 28 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. 2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Release Date
2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Fuel Economy
The Cruze comes in many flavors–from the ECO model, which achieves 39-42 mpg highway (depending on transmission choice) through incremental weight savings, taller gearing, and low-rolling resistance tires, to the LTZ sport sedan that comes with standard 18-inch wheels that give it sharper handling. Chevy says the manual ECO will reach 60 mph from a rest in 9.1 seconds, slightly faster than comparably equipped rivals. The automaker estimates that the LTZ will reach 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on 2LT and LTZ trims. 2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Release Date
2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Safety Features
The Cruze comes with 10 airbags standard–Chevy claims it is the most of any of its rivals. The airbag includes front, side curtain bags, front and rear outboard seat airbags, and knee bags. StabiliTrak with rollover sensors, traction control and ABS brakes is standard. Four-wheel disc brakes and rear-parking assist are standard on 2LT and LTZ models. 2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Release Date
2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Price and Release Date
The first Chevy Cruze was designed to sell at higher prices, and thus become the brand’s first profitable small car, pre-bankruptcy GM CEO Rick Wagoner said at its September 2022 Paris auto show introduction. How’s that working out? GM earned $2 billion net income in the first quarter of 2026, compared with a $15.5 billlion. Back then, however, fuel prices in the U.S. had reached an historic high. Credit last quarter’s net profit on trucks and SUVs, though GM’s newfound discipline on curbing daily rental-fleet sales on cars like this compact doesn’t hurt. 2026 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Release Date
