| Chassis |
|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Semi-independent twist beam-axle, coil springs |
| Steering type | Electric-assist, rack-and-pinion power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 15.5 |
| Tire brand | Michelin |
| Tire model | Pilot HX MXM 4 |
| Tire type | All-season front and rear |
| Tire size, front | P225/45R18 91W M+S |
| Tire size, rear | P225/45R18 91W M+S |
| Wheel size | 18-by-7.5 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Cast aluminum |
| Brakes, front | 10.8-inch one-piece ventilated with single-piston sliding calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 10.5-inch one-piece solid with single-piston sliding calipers |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | The Cruze doesn't respond well to heavy power braking. Even with TC/ESC off, it would bog down as soon as any amount of wheelspin was detected. Quickest run was achieved with just a hint of power braking, then quickly releasing the brake. Engine feels a bit coarse, and there is some turbo lag. Can be manually shifted via console lever (pull back for downshifts); will hold gears at redline (harsh rev-limiter); does not blip throttle on downshifts. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Moderately firm pedal, but stopping distances were on the long side, mostly due to slippery tires. The rear end gets very light, causing some rear lockup. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Light steering effort. Decent, but not excellent grip from tires. ESC-on was so intrusive in terms of cutting throttle that I could have my right foot planted all the way around the circle. Slalom: The Cruze has lighter, less precise steering than the Focus, but performs almost as well in the slalom because its ESC system can be fully defeated. When driven aggressively, the tail starts to swing around, and because of that, drop-throttle before the last cone helps to rotate/steer the car. |
| Safety |
|---|
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Dual front and dual rear |
| Head airbags | Front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Dual front |
| Antilock brakes | Four-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Traction control |
| Stability control | Stability control |
| Rollover protection | Side curtain airbag, rollover sensor |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Tire-pressure monitoring |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
| IIHS offset | Not tested |
