2017–2019 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel (Gen 2) RS/TD Guide

2017–2019 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel (2nd Gen) — RS Appearance Pack and the U.S.-Market Oil-Burner Done Right

Historical Context and Development Background

The second-generation Chevrolet Cruze (D2XX platform) arrived in North America as a lighter, stiffer, and more refined successor to the original. After offering a 2.0-liter diesel in the previous generation, Chevrolet reintroduced a diesel option for the U.S. and Canada in the 2017 model year with a new 1.6-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder sourced from GM’s European portfolio. The timing was notable: following Volkswagen’s exit from the diesel-compact segment, Chevrolet briefly stood alone in offering a modern diesel compact in this market.

Design-wise, the gen-two Cruze tightened its surfacing and proportions. Aerodynamics were a focus, with smooth underbody treatments and careful grille shuttering to reduce drag and fuel consumption—key to the diesel’s mission. The RS package, offered as an appearance suite on select LT/Premier trims and available to Diesel buyers depending on configuration, added sport fascias, side skirts, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, and unique wheels, but no powertrain or suspension changes.

Motorsport relevance for the nameplate centered on the earlier, gasoline-powered Cruze efforts in WTCC/BTCC, where the platform demonstrated solid dynamics. The diesel road car, however, was primarily a long-distance economy and torque story rather than a homologation special. Its competitive landscape included the discontinued Volkswagen Jetta/Golf TDIs (as used-market benchmarks) and, among gasoline rivals, the Honda Civic 1.5T and Toyota Corolla for economy-focused shoppers who weren’t wedded to compression ignition.

Engine and Technical Specifications

GM’s 1.6-liter turbo-diesel (marketed as the “Whisper Diesel” in Europe) brought modern emissions hardware—high-pressure common-rail direct injection, variable-geometry turbocharging, cooled EGR, a diesel particulate filter, and SCR with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)—to deliver quiet operation and exceptional highway efficiency.

Driving Experience and Handling Dynamics

The diesel Cruze’s character is defined by generous mid-range torque and long-legged gearing. With the 6-speed manual, the engine pulls cleanly from low revs, making short work of grades and passing. The 9-speed automatic settles into tall ratios quickly, keeping revs suppressed and noise hushed on the highway; downshifts land you squarely in the torque band without undue flare.

Chassis tuning leans toward composure over aggression. The D2XX architecture is lighter than the prior generation yet feels robust, with a muted but honest stream of road information through the structure and steering. The front MacPherson strut / rear compound-crank torsion-beam setup is tuned for stability and efficiency—predictable at the limit, with tidy body motions and a ride/handling balance that flatters poor surfaces. Braking is confident and fade-resistant in road use, aided by the diesel’s strong engine braking and the fitment of rear discs on diesel trims in many markets.

Performance and Key Mechanical Data

Official acceleration figures were not marketed by Chevrolet; independent instrumented testing placed the Cruze Diesel in the mid-to-high eight-second bracket to 60 mph, with quarter-mile performance in the mid-16s—consistent with output, mass, and gearing. What mattered most to buyers was efficiency: EPA highway ratings reached the 50 mpg mark with the manual-transmission sedan.

Variant Breakdown (2017–2019)

The diesel was integrated into the Cruze range as a distinct powertrain within mainstream trims. The RS package remained an appearance suite that could be combined with the Diesel in select configurations. Exact diesel production numbers by body style/trim were not publicly broken out.

Ownership Notes: Maintenance, Parts, and What to Expect

• Fluids and consumables: Use dexos2-approved low-SAPS diesel engine oil and maintain DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) levels. The oil life monitoring system provides interval guidance; severe service can shorten intervals.
• Fuel system: Quality ULSD is critical. Replace the fuel filter at the manufacturer-specified interval and drain water separators as prescribed in the service schedule.
• Aftertreatment: DPF regeneration requires sufficient sustained load; frequent short-trip driving can force more active regens. NOx sensors and DEF heaters are known wear items across many SCR-equipped diesels and should be evaluated on pre-purchase inspection.
• Transmissions: The 6-speed manual offers the highest highway rating; the 9-speed automatic delivers low-rpm cruising. Adhere to transmission fluid service recommendations for longevity.
• Parts availability: Service parts are widely available through GM channels and aftermarket suppliers; diesel-specific components (injectors, sensors, DPF/DEF hardware) are more specialized and pricier than gasoline equivalents but not exotic.
• Restoration/complexity: These cars are modern and electronics-heavy; diagnostic capability and familiarity with diesel aftertreatment are important for independent ownership. Rust prevention and routine chassis maintenance remain straightforward.

Cultural Relevance and Market View

In a market that largely pivoted away from small diesels, the Cruze Diesel carved out a niche among long-haul commuters and mileage hawks. Its claim to fame is highway efficiency and range that few gasoline compacts could match without hybridization. While the car does not carry a motorsport pedigree in diesel form, the Cruze badge itself is no stranger to touring-car success, lending a halo of chassis credibility.

Collector desirability is modest and rooted in rarity-for-type in North America and the appeal to efficiency-focused enthusiasts who prefer manuals. Auction appearances are limited; most transactions occur through dealers and private sales, with pricing tracking condition, mileage, and equipment rather than speculative collectability.

FAQs

Is the 2017–2019 Cruze Diesel reliable?
Overall reliability is solid when maintained properly. As with most modern diesels, pay attention to the emissions aftertreatment system (NOx sensors, DEF components) and keep up with fuel filter and oil changes using the correct low-ash oil.

What are the EPA fuel economy ratings?
The sedan with the 6-speed manual achieved up to 30 mpg city / 52 mpg highway / 37 mpg combined. Automatic and hatchback versions are rated lower on the highway but maintain strong combined figures.

Does the RS package change performance?
No. RS is an appearance package: sport fascias, side skirts, fog lamps, rear spoiler, and unique wheels. Powertrain and core chassis tuning are unchanged.

What transmissions were available?
A 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic were offered, depending on model year, body style, and market configuration.

What is the engine’s output?
137 hp at 3,750 rpm. Torque is rated at 240 lb-ft with the 6-speed manual and 236 lb-ft with the 9-speed automatic.

Any known problem spots?
Common diesel wear items include NOx sensors and DEF heaters. Ensure proper DPF function and confirm that software updates and recalls have been performed. As with any direct-injection diesel, clean fuel and correct service procedures are important.

Top speed and 0–60 mph?
Chevrolet did not publish a top speed. Independent instrumented tests recorded mid-to-high 8-second 0–60 mph times, consistent with class expectations for a torque-rich, economy-focused compact.

Is the Cruze Diesel expensive to maintain?
Routine service is comparable to other modern diesels. Diesel-specific components can be more expensive than gasoline equivalents, but service intervals are reasonable and parts support is robust.