The automotive landscape witnessed a significant shift when domestic compact cars began to shed their reputation for bare-bones offerings. The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze stands as a prime example of this evolution, delivering a compelling package that redefines expectations for affordable vehicles. Replacing the Chevrolet Cobalt, the Cruze represents a substantial leap forward for General Motors in the competitive small car segment. It arrives with a blend of attractive styling, a comfortable interior, commendable fuel efficiency, and a build quality that was previously elusive in Chevrolet’s entry-level lineup. For those familiar with the past compromises of Detroit-built compacts, the Cruze offers a refreshing departure.
Navigating the Compact Car Competition
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze enters a dynamic compact car market, characterized by two distinct approaches. On one side, we find established, no-frills models like the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra, prioritizing reliability and fuel economy with understated designs. Conversely, a new wave of compacts, including the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Elantra, emphasizes technology, eye-catching aesthetics, and exceptional efficiency. The Chevrolet Cruze firmly positions itself within this progressive group, presenting a distinct advantage over some long-standing leaders in the compact category by offering more features and contemporary design at a competitive price point.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze MSRP and Trim Options
The starting MSRP for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze in its base LS trim is $16,720. Chevrolet expanded the Cruze lineup with four additional trim levels: 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and ECO. The LTZ represents the premium variant, boasting the most comprehensive feature set and commanding a higher Chevrolet Cruze MSRP of $23,110. For drivers prioritizing fuel conservation, the ECO model is engineered for maximum miles per gallon, though all Cruze trims deliver respectable EPA fuel economy ratings.
The test vehicle evaluated was a Canadian-specification Cruze LT Turbo+, mirroring the equipment level of the U.S. Cruze 2LT trim. Equipped with the optional RS package, its MSRP in US dollars would be just under $21,500. The subsequent sections will delve into the specific features incorporated within the 2LT trim and RS package, providing a detailed examination of this compact sedan’s offerings and value relative to its MSRP.
Exterior Design that Defies Expectations for its MSRP
One of the initial impressions of the Chevrolet Cruze is its visual presence. Breaking away from the anonymity often associated with affordable compact cars, the Cruze boasts a striking design and balanced proportions. Its lowered stance, a result of the sport suspension standard on the 2LT trim, lends a performance-oriented aesthetic. The RS package further refines the Cruze’s sculpted sheet metal, adding side skirts, a rear spoiler, and more aggressive front and rear bumpers, enhancing its sporty appeal while remaining conscious of its targeted MSRP.
Complementing the RS package’s aerodynamic enhancements are integrated fog lamps, a subtle red “RS” badge on the front fenders, and, on the tested model, five-spoke 18-inch wheels. This inclusion of larger wheels, once exclusive to sport sedans, underscores the Cruze’s commitment to modern styling even within its accessible MSRP range.
Interior Refinement and Features for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
The RS package influence extends to the interior, highlighted by upgraded gauges featuring blue illumination, positioned directly in front of the driver. The instrument cluster’s dual-cowl design houses the tachometer and speedometer, with a central LED display for fuel efficiency, trip odometer, and digital speed readout. While functional, the interface for this screen, controlled by a two-button system on the high beam stalk, was found to be somewhat less intuitive in operation.
The center stack of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze adopts a straightforward layout common to recent General Motors vehicles. Flat buttons control Sirius/XM satellite radio, CD player, and USB/AUX inputs, while larger knobs manage climate control. An upper LED screen displays media and climate settings, and also provides access to vehicle settings and Bluetooth pairing, partially managed through Chevrolet’s voice recognition system. However, voice command functionality for phone calls and OnStar services proved occasionally cumbersome.
Overall, the Cruze’s cabin design prioritizes visual appeal, incorporating thoughtful touches that elevate the interior experience beyond expectations for its price point. This includes the strategic use of fabric mesh on the dash and door panels, replacing hard plastics in key areas. Front cloth seats offered good comfort and support, while rear seating provided adequate space for adult passengers on shorter journeys. The Cruze’s trunk offers a substantial 15 cubic feet of storage, expandable with folding rear seatbacks, adding to its practical value proposition for its MSRP.
Optional features not included in the test vehicle, but available for those seeking more premium features beyond the standard Chevrolet Cruze MSRP, include a sunroof, upgraded sound system, and navigation system.
Powertrain Efficiency and Fuel Economy Relative to MSRP
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze offers two four-cylinder engine options, each representing distinct approaches to performance and efficiency. The base Cruze utilizes a 1.8-liter engine producing 138 horsepower. Higher trims feature a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, matching the 1.8-liter’s horsepower while increasing torque to 148 lb-ft. Notably, the turbocharged engine delivers superior fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway and 28 mpg city in ECO trim, making it an economical choice considering its MSRP.
The 2LT test vehicle, equipped with the turbocharged engine and optional six-speed automatic transmission, is rated by Chevrolet at 38 mpg highway and 26 mpg city. Real-world city driving yielded a combined 30 mpg, demonstrating impressive fuel efficiency in everyday conditions, further enhancing the Cruze’s value in relation to its MSRP.
Driving Dynamics and Value Proposition of the Cruze
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze’s turbocharger operates seamlessly, providing responsive power delivery without noticeable lag. Chevrolet effectively engineered the 1.4-liter engine to emulate a larger displacement engine, maintaining fuel efficiency without compromising the driving experience, a significant achievement for a vehicle in this MSRP category. While not a high-performance car, acceleration is adequate for confident city and highway driving. Torque is readily available at lower engine speeds, and steering remains unaffected even under full throttle. Highway passing power is sufficient, although the typical surge associated with turbocharged engines is less pronounced in the Cruze.
The six-speed automatic transmission generally provided smooth and timely shifts. However, occasional hesitation was noted when applying throttle during low-speed cornering. The transmission’s manual mode functioned effectively, albeit requiring anticipatory shift inputs. Transitions between manual and automatic modes sometimes resulted in less smooth shifts and abrupt power delivery, a behavior possibly attributable to the low mileage of the test vehicle.
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT’s sport suspension offered a comfortable ride, even on uneven road surfaces. The cabin remained quiet, and the suspension delivered surprisingly controlled handling and reduced understeer compared to typical entry-level sedans. Electric power steering provided good feedback, and the four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (not standard on all trims) contributed to confident braking performance, all enhancing the driving experience and solidifying the Cruze’s value relative to its MSRP.
Safety Features and Peace of Mind at an Affordable MSRP
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of airbags, including front, side curtain, and front and rear side impact airbags, along with a driver’s knee airbag. StabiliTrak stability control and traction control are standard, as is a complimentary three-month subscription to OnStar safety and security services. These safety features contribute significantly to the Cruze’s overall value proposition, especially considering its competitive MSRP.
Final Verdict: The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze and its Compelling MSRP
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze presents a compelling package with numerous appealing attributes. This compact sedan is not only affordable, reflected in its attractive MSRP, but also delivers excellent fuel economy without sacrificing driving enjoyment. Its interior and exterior design are both attractive and well-executed, offering a level of refinement unexpected at its price point. Passenger comfort and ride quality are commendable, and the cabin is surprisingly quiet for a vehicle in this class.
The American market has embraced the Chevrolet Cruze, recognizing its blend of quality and affordability. It has become a top-selling model for GM, demonstrating its success in a highly competitive compact car segment. The Cruze effectively challenges established rivals by offering a more modern and feature-rich vehicle at a competitive MSRP, making it a standout choice for value-conscious buyers.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze: Pros and Cons
What We Appreciate:
- Excellent fuel efficiency, maximizing value for its MSRP.
- Responsive turbocharged engine offering good real-world power.
- Smooth and quiet ride with a spacious interior.
- Upscale design and feel exceeding expectations for its entry-level MSRP.
Areas for Improvement:
- Bluetooth voice interface could be more user-friendly.
- Optional 18-inch tires can be costly to replace.
