2013 Chevrolet Cruze vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8 out of 10

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Apr 4, 2013

Some compact sedans aim at the sportier end of the market, but the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is focused toward the mass market—as well as green shoppers.

Against models like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Elantra, the Cruze is more refined and comfortable, with an impressive feature set and interior appointments that feel a class above.

But of this group, it's the Volkswagen Jetta that's the Cruze's closest rival; the Cruze is same-sized, but it measures up a bit better against the Jetta in interior appointments—an area that the Jetta used to rule.

The Cruze is more refined than the Corolla or Civic, although the Civic has more responsive handling and a sportier feel overall.

The Civic's interior appointments have recovered from their 2012 iteration, when they looked and felt cut-rate compared to much of the class.

The Ford Focus and Mazda3 are both sportier alternatives to the Cruze; the new Skyactiv engine in the some Mazda3 models has impressive real-world mileage, and its handling and roadholding are especially surefooted.

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Ford Focus Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Honda Civic Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Hyundai Elantra Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Mazda MAZDA3 Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is one of the smartest picks for anyone wanting practicality, comfort, and safety in a compact sedan—although it's missing the fun-to-drive edge of some other models.	8.8 Whether or not you consider the exciting new ST performance model, the 2013 Ford Focus lineup is evidence that small cars don't have to feel so appliance-like.	8 The 2013 Honda Civic takes a step back in the right direction with an impressive feature set, a sophisticated new look, and much-improved refinement.	8.4 Civic who? Corolla what? The Hyundai Elantra's one of the new standard bearers in the compact class, with 38-mpg fuel economy, better safety, and class-leading standard features.	8.2 The 2013 Mazda 3 drives with a lot more sophistication and verve than you might expect for a small car this affordable, practical, and fuel-efficient.
MSRP From
$17,130	$16,200	$18,165	$16,695	$16,700
Gas Mileage
22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy	23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy	28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Midsize Cars	Compact	Compact Cars	Midsize cars	Compact
Style Name
4dr Sedan Man LS	4dr Sedan S	4dr Man LX	4dr Sedan Man GLS (Ulsan Plant) Ltd Avail	4dr Sedan Man i SV
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
4	N/A	N/A	4	N/A
Body Style
Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual