2011 Chevy Cruze Priced at $16,275
Chevrolet announced the starting price of the all-new Chevy Cruze compact today, and it might be shocking to some. The $16,275 price tag, before a $720 destination fee, is considerably higher than the outgoing Cobalt it replaces — $14,990 — but it’s also a larger vehicle with better gas mileage.
The price bump puts it about $1,000 higher than the Mazda3, and we’d guess Ford will price its upcoming 2011 Focus somewhere in between or higher than the Cruze, which goes on sale in September. A Honda Civic VP starts at $16,405, and a range-topping Civic EX-L is $21,005.
The base price gets you a manual transmission LS model; a six-speed automatic is standard in the $18,175 LT. The highly touted Eco model, which is expected to get 40 mpg highway with aerodynamic enhancements, also will start at $18,175.
Check out the price and equipment breakdowns from Chevy below, including the top-of-the-line LTZ. Then let us know in the comments if you think the price is too high or just right. We’re more surprised that features such as USB input aren’t standard on more trim levels at this price point rather than the prices themselves.
Cruze LS starting at $16,275, including:
• Standard 1.8-liter Ecotec engine and six-speed manual transmission
• The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, antilock brakes, collapsible pedal system, power rear-door child-safety locks
• Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription, including turn-by-turn navigation
• Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center and XM Radio with three-month trial subscription
Cruze LT starting at $18,175, including:
• Standard 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
• 16-inch wheels
Cruze Eco starting at $18,175, including:
• Standard 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission
• Segment-leading expected 40 mpg highway
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low-rolling-resistance tires
• Enhanced aerodynamic performance package
Cruze LTZ starting at $21,975, including:
• Standard 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
• Standard six-way power driver’s seat, leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob
• Standard cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, remote vehicle start
• Standard automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, ultrasonic rear-parking assist
• 18-inch alloy wheels
Available options features on Cruze include:
• In-dash navigation system with 40-gigabyte hard drive, enabling pause-and-play radio, downloading of audio CDs or transferring MP3 files from a USB memory device
• Pioneer Audio system with nine speakers and 250-watt amplifier
• Heated leather seats
• Ultrasonic rear-parking assist
• RS Appearance Package, including rocker moldings, unique front and rear fascias, front fog lamps and rear spoiler
