EPA Rates 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel 37 MPG Combined
CARS.COM — The EPA has rated a new diesel variant of the redesigned Chevrolet Cruze sedan at 30/52/37 mpg city/highway/combined, Chevrolet announced today. That’s with a six-speed manual transmission; the Cruze diesel’s optional nine-speed automatic delivers 31/47/37 mpg in EPA-estimated ratings, Chevrolet says.
Related: Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Review: First Drive
The 2017 Cruze diesel has a turbocharged diesel 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 137 horsepower and 240 pounds-feet of torque. Chevrolet claims the stick-shift sedan’s EPA highway mileage is the best of any non-hybrid or electric car on the market, which makes the Cruze diesel an attractive option for frequent road-trippers. Still, the Cruze diesel’s EPA combined rating — 37 mpg with either transmission — is less remarkable versus efficient gasoline competitors. With an automatic transmission, the rival Honda Civic sedan’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined; the gasoline Cruze sedan gets as high as 34 mpg combined.
The Cruze diesel sedan is hitting dealers right now with a starting price of $24,670 including destination. Chevrolet says a 2018 Cruze diesel hatchback will arrive later this year; EPA ratings for that vehicle are still pending.
Diesel cars face additional scrutiny by regulators in the wake of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal, though the EPA said in January that many diesels have passed its evaluations. Chevrolet says it’s “confident” the Cruze diesel will comply with emissions tests, including real-world spot checks.
“GM is committed to emissions compliance, including diesels, wherever its vehicles are sold,” spokesman Nick Morgan told Cars.com. “We work closely with the EPA during our certification process. Specifically, Cruze diesel passed all stringent U.S. environmental standards and validation.”
