2016 Chevrolet Cruze vs 2011 Cruze

So, you’re shopping for a Chevrolet Cruze. You love its sharp exterior style, comfortable cabin, and modern tech features. It’s the obvious choice in the compact sedan segment – but you already knew that. However, you’re still wondering whether it’s better to buy new or used. Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Check out our side-by-side comparison, where we talk about some of the most important differences between the used 2011 and new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.

TECH INNOVATIONS

These days, your ride needs a great infotainment system. That’s just one of the reasons why you should check out the new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The MyLink infotainment interface has been newly updated, so it’s more intuitive than ever. It’s also got additional smartphone integration features, thanks to technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Use this technology to make voice-to-text messages or hands-free calls. Thanks to the voice-recognition software, you can also search for your favorite music without looking away from traffic. Needless to say, none of this is available in the used 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze also has the edge when it comes to safety systems. In 2011, much of the passenger protection gear available today was only found in luxury vehicles. That means the 2016 Cruze treats you to world-class features like lane-departure assist and forward collision warning. That’s right – the 2016 Cruze actively scans your surroundings and alerts you to potential danger.

FUEL ECONOMY

Want to make the most of your money at the gas pump? Then test-drive the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The newly redesigned Cruze packs even more punch than its predecessors and helps you save money on fuel. The turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine maxes out at 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. That’s plenty of output for a smooth, sporty performance. With the automatic transmission, this engine earns 30 city/42 highway mpg. For 2016, all models come standard with this powerful, fuel-efficient engine. In the past, it was always an extra-cost option.

By way of comparison, the used 2011 Chevrolet Cruze standard engine is a 1.8-liter inline-4 that generated only 136 horses and 123 pound-feet of torque. Even though it’s not as powerful as the modern engine, it still doesn’t earn as much fuel mileage. It maxes out with 24/36 mpg. If you come across the 2011 Cruze Eco model, it improves fuel economy to 28/42 mpg.