The competition among compact four-door sedans has never been tougher.
The segment leader, the Toyota Corolla, is no longer behind the times; and the two-year-old Honda Civic received significant updates a couple of years back.
The Ford Focus also got freshened styling and several feature updates for 2015.
The Focus and Volkswagen Jetta are somewhat sportier than the Cruze, which is at its strongest racking up highway miles quietly and comfortably.
The Jetta is the only other compact that offers a diesel option, but the Cruze Diesel is more powerful and likely returns equal or better real-world fuel economy.
The Hyundai Elantra is a strong competitor, with prices consistently lower than the Cruze—though Chevy dealers will bargain to even the difference.
We see the Mazda3 as the sportiest contender, with surefooted handling and roadholding; its new SkyActiv engine returns impressive real-world gas mileage without the need for a turbo.
Only the Dodge Dart, which didn't exist in 2011 when the Cruze last launched, has failed to make much of a mark.
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 2016 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2016 Toyota CorollaBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Volkswagen JettaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze inches closer to mid-size, while growing lighter, leaner, and more fuel-efficient. |
From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, the 2016 Ford Focus remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
Not quite a hot hatch, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT gives up some rear-seat space in the name of cargo room and European style. |
The 2016 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving and best-looking small cars, with a more premium feel than its (now even lower) price might suggest. |
The 2016 Toyota Corolla continues to offer reliable, inexpensive transportation—with a bit of flair and new, easy-to-use infotainment systems. |
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta keeps its excellent handling and high safety ratings, but it's starting to show its age in a a few ways. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $16,120 | $17,225 | $17,250 | $17,845 | $17,300 | $17,680 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual L | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual SE (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual i Sport | 4-Door Sedan Manual L (SE) | 4-Door Manual 1.4T S |
| 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 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2016 Ford Focus | 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2016 Hyundai Elantra | 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2016 Toyota Corolla | 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2016 Volkswagen Jetta | |
