If you’ve come across this article, then chances are that you’re in the market for a Chevy Cruze and you want to make sure that you don’t end up putting in the wrong type of gas or fuel for it.
In that case, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve had our fair share of covering all types of vehicles in our gas-type guides, and you can expect the same for the Chevy Cruze.
In addition, we also recommend checking out our dedicated article on the Chevy Cruze’s bolt pattern to familiarize yourself with its wheel measurements! Otherwise, let’s start this guide by answering the question below.
What type of gas does a Chevy Cruze take?
The Chevy Cruze takes regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline for all of its gasoline engine options.
Diesel-powered Chevy Cruze models specifically take ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) with no more than 15 ppm of sulfur content.
As you can see by our summary above, the type of gas or fuel that the Chevy Cruze can take is pretty straightforward when you consider that it has both gasoline and diesel engine options.
By checking the Chevy Cruze owner’s manual, gasoline variants are specifically designed to run on 87-octane gasoline, so anything lower than that octane rating should be avoided in order to not the engine to knock.
On the other hand, gasoline higher than 87-octane is compatible with the Chevy Cruze gas variants, though it’s important to mention that premium fuel is not a requirement for the vehicle to run properly.
Hence, you can save those extra cents per gallon for other things and look no further than regular 87-octane for the Chevy Cruze.
For diesel variants of the Chevy Cruze, however, the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel (max 15 ppm) is required for the models, which isn’t surprising as other Chevy diesel vehicles like the Tahoe and the Equinox (chevy equinox gas type) also require this exact type of diesel fuel.
Now, aside from the octane rating and the use of ULSD for diesel models, there are still other more specific fuel blends and additives worth talking about for the Chevy Cruze and whether or not they’re compatible with the vehicle.
Chevy Cruze Fuel Requirements by Generation and Engine Option
All gasoline-powered Chevy Cruze models require at least 87-octane gasoline. The use of higher-octane fuel is also viable but not required.
Diesel Chevy Cruze models like the 1st-gen 2.0L I4 turbo diesel or the 2nd-gen 1.6L I4 turbo diesel options require ultra-low sulfur diesel (max 15 ppm).
1st-Generation Chevy Cruze (J300) (2011 to 2015)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 1.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 1.6L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4)(Turbo or Naturally-Aspirated) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 1.8L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 2.0L VM Motori Inline-4 (I4) Turbo Diesel | Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (Max 15 ppm) |
The 1st-generation Chevrolet Cruze, dubbed as the “J300”, was actually based on the South Korean-made compact car known as the “Daewoo Lacetti Premier” back in 2008.
However, the actual first usage of the nameplate dates back to 2001 when General Motors used the “Cruze” name for the Suzuki Ignis subcompact car as part of a joint venture project with the Japanese manufacturer.
For the purpose of this article, though, we’re sticking to 1st-gen Chevy Cruze models released for the North American market and other select markets, which started their first model year in 2011.
The choice of engines for the 1st-gen Cruze started off with the turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec I4 as the standard (base) option, which was rated at 138 hp from the crank.
A slightly bigger 1.6-liter Ecotec I4 was also offered, but unlike the base engine, you have choices of either a turbocharged version (181 hp) or just a naturally-aspirated one (111 hp).
Another naturally-aspirated engine came in the form of the 1.8-liter Ecotec I4, which has been tuned to produce 138 hp for the North American market.
Aside from the above-mentioned gas engines, the 1st-gen Chevy Cruze was also offered with a 2-liter I4 turbo diesel engine made by VM Motori.
But of course, unlike the first three engines we’ve mentioned that are all designed to run on regular 87-octane gas, the Chevy Cruze’s 2-liter diesel engine is, instead, specified to take ultra-low sulfur diesel with no more than 15 ppm of sulfur content instead.
2nd-Generation Chevy Cruze (J400/D2LC) (2016 to 2019)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 1.4L LE2 Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 1.6L MDE Inline-4 (I4) Turbo Diesel | Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (Max 15 ppm) |
The 2nd-generation Chevy Cruze first appeared in North American showrooms for the 2016 model year of the nameplate, with its hatchback counterpart following suit later that same year.
2nd-gen Chevy Cruze models are usually referred to in two different designations, either “J400” to denote their generation or “D2LC” to denote the platform that they were built on.
Similar to the previous 1st-gen model, the 2nd-gen Chevy Cruze’s base engine option takes the form of a turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec I4 engine, though this one takes on a different engine code (LE2) and makes significantly more power (153 hp).
As with the previous gen, the 2nd-gen Cruze’s engine lineup wouldn’t be complete without a diesel option as well, namely the turbocharged 1.6-liter MDE I4 diesel engine.
This 1.6-liter turbo diesel powerplant has been fitted in Chevy Cruze models starting in 2017 and is also the same engine used in the diesel variant of the Chevy Equinox. Again, it specifically requires ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (max 15 ppm).
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Chevy Cruze
The Chevy Cruze can be filled up with TOP TIER detergent gasoline or diesel (depending on engine option), reformulated gasoline, E-10 or E-15 blends, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (diesel models), and B20 biodiesel (diesel models).
H3: TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline/Diesel
TOP TIER fuel has been one of the most recommended types of fuel out there, which is why it’s no surprise that Chevrolet recommends it for its Cruze nameplate.
The TOP TIER formulation of using detergent additives first started in 2004 when the rise of more modern and technologically advanced engines demanded higher standards of engine cleaning.
Thanks to TOP TIER fuel’s use of more detergent additives compared to other brands, engines are better protected against the buildup of any engine deposits or debris.
Of course, a cleaner engine means that performance is better maintained whenever you push the throttle pedal. However, this is assuming that you also regularly subject your vehicle to proper maintenance.
Since the Chevy Cruze is offered in both gasoline and diesel form, it’s worth listing both TOP TIER detergent gasoline and diesel fuels for this specific entry.
Just bear in mind that due to the limited number of brands that currently sell it, TOP TIER detergent diesel is a bit trickier to find compared to its more widespread gasoline counterpart.
Nonetheless, should you be in search of TOP TIER-branded fuel, be sure to keep an eye out for either its gasoline or diesel labels on the pumps, as illustrated below.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)
Like the majority of vehicles on the road, the Chevy Cruze is compatible with reformulated gasoline, which is an alternative type of fuel primarily designed to burn cleaner compared to conventional gasoline sold at pumps.
Properly-blended reformulated gasoline, or “RFG” for short, contains less toxic ingredients to help reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides, and other air toxins that are known to cause the formation of ozone.
Due to its environmental benefits, reformulated gasoline is highly recommended, and in some cases, even required by law to be sold in places that have more air pollution and smog, like big metropolitan areas.
At this point in time, over 30% of all gasoline sold in the United States is in the form of reformulated gasoline, making it relatively common.
If you’re interested in using reformulated gasoline, just be sure to ask the retailers at your local gas pump, as it can be quite hard to tell apart conventional gas from RFG without any labels.
Up to 10 or 15% Ethanol Blends (E-10/E-15)
If you’re not aware yet, the majority of gasoline sold today in the US actually has some percentage of ethanol blended for cleaner emissions and renewability. The most common blends are “E-10” and “E-15”.
Both E-10 and E-15 blends can be used on the Chevy Cruze, but there is one model year that is only limited to the former.
| 1st-gen Chevy Cruze models belonging to the 2011 model year are only limited to 10% ethanol blended in gasoline, while 2012 models and newer (including all 2nd-gen models) are capable of using up to 15% ethanol (E-15). |
Be sure to not go past these ethanol percentage limits for the Chevy Cruze, as its fuel system was not designed to take more than 15% ethanol without potentially corroding and damaging various metal and plastic components.
Vehicles that are limited to 15% ethanol blends or less will come equipped with a regular black gas cap, as shown below.
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (Max 15 ppm) (Diesel Models)
Let’s not forget that the Chevy Cruze has also been offered in diesel form, and gasoline should be the last thing that you’re thinking of putting in it, obviously.
| Both the 1st-gen Chevy Cruze’s 2-liter I4 turbo diesel and the 2nd-gen Cruze’s 1.6-liter I4 turbo diesel options specifically call for ultra-low sulfur diesel that contains no more than 15 ppm of sulfur content. |
According to fueleconomy.gov, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) has been formulated to have 97% less sulfur content compared to low-sulfur diesel (LSD), which was more commonly sold in the past.
As its name suggests, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel has the lowest sulfur content out of all types of diesel fuel in the market today, making it the best option for reducing harmful diesel fuel emissions.
Up to 20% Biodiesel Blends (B20) (Diesel Models)
Another type of diesel fuel that can be used for the Chevy Cruze is biodiesel, though the owner’s manual specifically states that you should use no more than 20% of it, otherwise labeled as “B20”.
Biodiesel is an alternative type of diesel fuel derived from recycled sources such as vegetable oils or animal fats, and as you’d expect, it’s more renewable and cleaner-burning compared to conventional diesel.
But as we’ve hinted above, different vehicle models are specified to take certain levels of biodiesel, so more biodiesel content doesn’t equate to better performance. Rather, too much biodiesel can even cause engine deposits to build up more quickly.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Chevy Cruze
Avoid filling up the Chevy Cruze with gasoline containing MMT, E-85/Flex-Fuel (including any fuel with more than 15% ethanol), gasoline containing methanol, or any other gasoline lower than 87-octane.
Gasoline Containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
MMT has been used as an octane-boosting additive in gasoline for several decades, though the majority of vehicles today are not recommended to be filled up with gasoline containing such an additive, and that includes the Chevy Cruze.
Like in the case of many of its other vehicle models, Chevrolet highly advises to not use gasoline containing MMT for the Cruze, as doing so can damage its spark plugs and other emission system components.
Aside from its deteriorating effects on various components, MMT is also quite toxic when emitted from your vehicle’s exhaust, which is why it has raised both environmental and health concerns in the past, resulting in its ban in most places.
E-85/Flex-Fuel or Any Fuel With Over 15% Ethanol
The Chevy Cruze was never released as a Flex-Fuel vehicle (FFV), which explains why it’s only limited to 15% ethanol blends at most, as we’ve previously discussed in its list of compatible fuels.
E-85, otherwise known as “Flex-Fuel”, can contain up to 85% ethanol and is commonly used in compatible vehicles for its cleaner emissions and performance benefits.
However, problems arise when you start using that much ethanol in a vehicle that was not designed for it, the most common one being the metal and plastic components of your fuel system getting corroded or damaged.
For this reason, manufacturers equip Flex-Fuel-capable vehicles with unique yellow gas caps to easily distinguish them from non-Flex-Fuel vehicles. This is something that the Chevy Cruze does not have.
Gasoline Containing Methanol
It is stated in the Chevy Cruze owner’s manual that gasoline containing methanol should be avoided for the vehicle model, despite being similar to the permitted ethanol blends we’ve already discussed.
The manufacturer says that the Chevy Cruze’s fuel system was not designed for methanol, and using it can have corrosive and damaging effects on both metal and plastic parts of the system.
Once any sort of damage is done as a result of using methanol, it will not be covered under the Chevy Cruze’s warranty.
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong type of gas, such as gasoline with a lower octane rating than what’s required for your car, can result in engine knock, poorer engine performance, and potential damage to the engine internals.
What if I hear a knocking sound from the engine after refueling?
A knocking sound from the engine after refueling can mean that you may have used the wrong fuel or the fuel used has been contaminated.
Other issues like incorrect ignition timing and improper air-fuel ratio can also be culprits of engine knock, so be sure to have it properly checked by a mechanic.
Chevy Cruze Gas Mileage Per Generation
The Chevy Cruze has a combined gas mileage of 26 to 32 mpg for 1st-gen models and 31 to 37 mpg for 2nd-gen models depending on the engine option, transmission, and body style of your choice.
The Chevy Cruze has been considered one of the most fuel-efficient compact cars for the 2022 model year.
1st-Generation Chevy Cruze Gas Mileage (J300) (2011 to 2015)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Manual) | 26 mpg | 37 mpg | 30 mpg |
| 1.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Automatic) | 22 to 26 mpg | 34 to 36 mpg | 26 to 30 mpg |
| 1.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Eco Trim) (Manual) | 28 mpg | 40 mpg | 32 mpg |
| 1.4L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Eco Trim) (Automatic) | 26 mpg | 37 to 38 mpg | 30 mpg |
| 1.8L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4)(Manual) | 25 to 26 mpg | 35 mpg | 29 mpg |
| 1.8L Ecotec Inline-4 (I4)(Automatic) | 22 to 24 mpg | 34 to 35 mpg | 26 to 28 mpg |
| 2.0L VM Motori Inline-4 (I4) Turbo Diesel | 27 mpg | 44 mpg | 32 mpg |
2nd-Generation Chevy Cruze Gas Mileage (J400/D2LC) (2016 to 2019)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.4L LE2 Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Manual) | 27 to 28 mpg | 39 to 40 mpg | 32 mpg |
| 1.4L LE2 Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Automatic) | 28 to 30 mpg | 38 to 40 mpg | 32 to 34 mpg |
| 1.4L LE2 Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Premier Trim) | 28 to 30 mpg | 38 to 40 mpg | 32 to 34 mpg |
| 1.4L LE2 Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Hatchback)(Manual) | 27 to 28 mpg | 37 to 38 mpg | 31 mpg |
| 1.4L LE2 Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Hatchback)(Automatic) | 28 to 29 mpg | 38 mpg | 32 mpg |
| 1.4L LE2 Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(Hatchback)(Premier Trim) | 28 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg |
| 1.6L MDE Inline-4 (I4) Turbo Diesel(Manual) | 30 mpg | 52 mpg | 37 mpg |
| 1.6L MDE Inline-4 (I4) Turbo Diesel(Automatic) | 31 mpg | 47 to 48 mpg | 37 mpg |
| 1.6L MDE Inline-4 (I4) Turbo Diesel(Hatchback)(Manual) | 29 mpg | 48 mpg | 35 mpg |
| 1.6L MDE Inline-4 (I4) Turbo Diesel(Hatchback)(Automatic) | 30 mpg | 45 mpg | 35 mpg |
Chevy Cruze Gas Tank Size/Capacity Per Generation
The Chevy Cruze has a gas tank size of 12.6 to 15.6 gallons (47.7 to 59.1 liters) for 1st-gen models and 13.5 to 13.7 gallons (51.1 to 51.9 liters) for 2nd-gen models depending on the engine and trim level.
| Chevy CruzeGeneration/Model Years | Engine/Trim Level | Gas Tank Size/Capacity (US Gallon/Liter) |
1st Generation(J300)(2011 to 2015) | 1.4L I4 Turbo (Eco)(2011 to 2012) | 12.6 gal (47.7 l) |
| 1.4L I4 Turbo (Eco)(2013 to 2015) | 12.6 to 15.6 gal(47.7 to 59.1 l) | |
| 1.4L I4 Turbo (1LT) | 15.6 gal (59.1 l) | |
| 1.4L I4 Turbo (2LT) | 15.6 gal (59.1 l) | |
| 1.4L I4 Turbo (LTZ) | 15.6 gal (59.1 l) | |
| 1.4L I4 Turbo (LT Fleet) | 15.6 gal (59.1 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (L)(2015) | 15.6 gal (59.1 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (LS) | 15.6 gal (59.1 l) | |
| 2.0L I4 Turbo Diesel(2014 to 2015) | 15.6 gal (59.1 l) | |
2nd Generation(J400/D2LC)(2016 to 2019) | 1.4L I4 Turbo (L) | 13.7 gal (51.9 l) |
| 1.4L I4 Turbo (LS) | 13.7 gal (51.9 l) | |
| 1.4L I4 Turbo (LT) | 13.7 gal (51.9 l) | |
| 1.4L I4 Turbo (Premier) | 13.7 gal (51.9 l) | |
| 1.6L I4 Turbo Diesel (LT)(2017) | 13.7 gal (51.9 l) | |
| 1.6L I4 Turbo Diesel (LT) (2018 to 2019) | 13.5 gal (51.1 l) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
