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.
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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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 | $15,545 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Midsize Cars | Compact | Compact Cars | Midsize cars | Compact | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS (Alabama Plant) *Ltd Avail* | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 4-Door Manual Base |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| 4 | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | 4 |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2013 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2013 Ford Focus | 2013 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2013 Honda Civic | 2013 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2013 Hyundai Elantra | 2013 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2013 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan | |
