2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze RS & Diesel Guide

2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze (2nd Gen) — RS Appearance and 1.6L Diesel

Historical Context and Development Background

The second-generation Chevrolet Cruze arrived as General Motors’ global C-segment cornerstone, engineered on GM’s D2 architecture that also underpinned the contemporary Opel/Vauxhall Astra. It replaced the heavier, first-generation J300 Cruze with a lighter, stiffer shell and a modern suite of downsized, direct-injected turbo engines. North American sedans were primarily assembled at Lordstown, Ohio, with hatchback production sourced from Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The diesel powertrain, derived from GM’s European operations, brought a rare compression-ignition option back to the U.S. compact class.

Within the lineup, the RS package remained an appearance-led upgrade rather than a mechanical transformation. It layered a deeper front fascia, rocker moldings, rear spoiler, fog lamps, unique grille/trim, and RS badging over LT and Premier equipment, particularly complementing the hatchback’s proportions. The other distinctive thread was the 1.6-liter turbo-diesel (badged “Diesel”), aimed at long-haul economy buyers left underserved in the wake of the compact diesel market’s contraction. The Cruze Diesel’s EPA highway ratings were headline-grabbing for the segment, especially with the manual gearbox.

Competitively, the Cruze straddled a dense field: Honda Civic, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and Volkswagen Golf/Jetta. The diesel variant’s chief foil would have been Volkswagen’s TDI offerings, but the timing left Chevrolet virtually alone among mainstream compacts with a modern diesel option in North America. Motorsport pedigree for the Cruze nameplate was already burnished by the previous generation’s World Touring Car Championship success; the second generation didn’t headline a global factory effort, but the platform’s Astra relative did appear in touring categories such as TCR under privateer and regional banners.

Engines and Technical Specifications

Two engines defined the RS/Diesel conversation: the LE2 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline inline-four and the LH7 1.6-liter turbo-diesel inline-four. The LE2 focused on broad, drivability-friendly torque and low mass; the LH7 prioritized low-RPM thrust and exceptional fuel economy with long-legged gearing and, when specified, GM’s 9-speed automatic.

Transmissions included a 6-speed manual on select trims (including the Diesel) and a 6-speed automatic (gasoline) or 9-speed automatic (Diesel). The platform employed a MacPherson-strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear axle, tuned more for compliance and isolation than ultimate lift-off rotation. Brakes were front discs with rear drums or discs depending on trim and package; Diesel cars commonly featured rear discs.

Driving Experience and Handling Dynamics

The second-gen Cruze moved the nameplate decisively into the mature end of the compact class. The body-in-white’s weight reduction and increased rigidity yielded fewer secondary vibrations and a calmer ride over broken surfaces. On RS-equipped cars, the visual promise is supported by slightly crisper steering response and tighter body control from wheel/tire fitment rather than wholesale chassis changes. Steering is electrically assisted and predictable, with an emphasis on straight-line stability—ideal for highway commuting and long stretches where the diesel’s torque plays to its strengths.

The LE2 gasoline turbo has a relaxed, flexible character. Peak torque arrives early and sustains through the midrange, giving the 6-speed automatic an easy job. Throttle response is clean for a small turbo engine, and the calibration keeps boost spooling without resorting to frenetic downshifts. The LH7 diesel trades revs for torque; its broad plateau makes mid-gear surges effortless, and the 9-speed automatic keeps the engine right on the cusp of boost while maintaining low engine speeds at cruising. The 6-speed manual available on the Diesel is geared long and rewards short-shifting—the efficient route rather than the enthusiastic one.

At the limit, the Cruze is safe and neutral. The rear axle follows faithfully; trail braking provokes little drama. Ride quality is a highlight, with effective noise suppression from both wind and tire roar. RS cosmetics and larger wheels add visual menace but also a touch more impact over sharp-edged potholes compared with modest wheel/tire sizes.

Performance Specifications

Independent instrumented tests varied with equipment, body style, and gearbox. Representative data are shown below; factory top speed figures were not published.

Fuel economy was a headline figure: the Diesel sedan with 6-speed manual earned an EPA highway rating up to the low-50s mpg, with automatic-equipped Diesel and gasoline 1.4T models trailing by understandable margins depending on body style and wheel/tire choice.

Variant Breakdown (Trims, Editions, and Market Notes)

RS is an appearance package layered over LT and Premier equipment; Diesel is a distinct engine offering that could be paired with sedan or hatch depending on model year. Special appearance packages intersected the RS formula in select years.

• Colors: RS was an appearance layer; color availability followed the underlying trim’s palette rather than unique RS-specific paints.
• Badging: RS fender/door badging and unique grille accents; Diesel badging on decklid and occasionally on the fenders depending on market year.
• Mechanical differences: RS is cosmetic; Diesel’s uniqueness is entirely powertrain, gearing, and typical brake spec.

Ownership Notes: Maintenance, Parts, and What to Watch

• Powertrains: The 1.4L LE2 gasoline engine uses direct injection and a timing chain. The 1.6L LH7 diesel employs common-rail injection and aftertreatment with DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) and a particulate filter; timing drive is belt-based in this engine family—consult the owner’s manual for the specified inspection/replacement interval.
• Service intervals: GM’s oil-life monitoring governs engine oil changes; use the appropriate Dexos-approved oil (Dexos1 for gasoline, Dexos2 for Diesel) and the correct low-ash specification for the Diesel’s aftertreatment longevity.
• Transmissions: The 6-speed automatics and the 9-speed Diesel automatic benefit from fluid service if used in severe conditions; reference factory service procedures and fluids.
• Diesel-specific care: DEF level monitoring, periodic regeneration of the DPF (automatic), and attention to glow plug system health are part of normal operation. NOx sensors and DEF heaters are known wear items across many modern diesels; budgeting for eventual replacement is prudent.
• Cooling and ancillaries: Keep an eye on coolant hoses, intercooler ducting, and the plastic charge pipes on high-mileage cars. DI engines benefit from periodic intake valve cleaning due to potential deposit buildup over time.
• Parts availability: Mechanical and trim parts are widely available through GM channels and aftermarket suppliers; Diesel-specific components (sensors, injectors, aftertreatment) are more specialized but supported.
• Restoration difficulty: Generally straightforward compact-car serviceability. Diesel aftertreatment diagnostics require an appropriate scan tool and familiarity with emissions systems.

Cultural Relevance, Desirability, and Market View

In the enthusiast world, the Cruze is remembered as a polished commuter with unusually good highway poise. The RS package gives the car visual presence without straying from that brief. The real outlier is the Diesel: a compact U.S.-market sedan/hatch that could deliver exceptional highway fuel economy numbers with a manual gearbox—a combination that turned heads among hypermilers and long-distance commuters.

Media coverage underscored the second-gen car’s refinement and efficiency. While not a collector staple, the Diesel—especially with a manual and hatchback body—sits in that narrow intersection of rarity and purpose that enthusiasts appreciate. Appearances at major collector auctions are uncommon; transactions tend to occur through mainstream retail, private sales, and online classifieds rather than blue-chip venues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cruze RS a performance model?
RS is primarily an appearance package (fascias, spoiler, fog lamps, badging, wheel/tire fitment). It does not add a unique engine or dedicated performance suspension tune from the factory.

What are the official power figures?
Gasoline 1.4T (LE2): 153 hp and 177 lb-ft. Diesel 1.6 (LH7): 137 hp and 240 lb-ft.

How quick is the 1.4T versus the Diesel?
Independent tests placed a 1.4T automatic sedan around the high-7-second range to 60 mph, while a Diesel automatic sedan typically ran mid-to-high 8s. Exact results vary by body style, options, and test conditions.

What was the EPA highway rating for the Diesel?
The Diesel sedan with 6-speed manual earned an EPA highway figure in the low-50s mpg. Automatic Diesel sedans and hatches were lower but still strong for the class.

Does the Diesel use DEF and a particulate filter?
Yes. The LH7 employs a DEF-based SCR system and a diesel particulate filter as part of its emissions aftertreatment.

Manual transmission availability?
A 6-speed manual was offered on select trims including the Diesel (sedan and later hatch). Availability varied by model year and configuration.

Known issues?
As with many modern diesels, NOx sensors and DEF heaters can be consumables over time. For the gasoline 1.4T, direct-injection intake valve deposits can accrue; periodic cleaning mitigates this. Overall reliability depends on maintenance discipline and correct fluids.

Top speed?
Chevrolet did not publish an official top speed for these models in standard consumer literature.

Value trends?
These cars occupy the practical end of the enthusiast spectrum. Diesel manuals and clean, low-mile RS hatchbacks tend to draw more attention among informed buyers due to relative rarity and use-case appeal.

Editor’s Notes

• The second-gen Cruze’s refinement step over its predecessor is not subtle; isolation and ride quality are standouts.
• Diesel plus manual equals long-range serenity; RS adds curb appeal with no penalty to the core mission.
• For collectors with a commuter streak, a well-kept Diesel hatch with three pedals is the pick of the litter.