The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car built mainly for fuel efficiency, comfort, and daily commuting. It is not designed as a towing-focused vehicle, but it can handle very light trailer loads when properly equipped.
Below is a clean breakdown of towing capacity across all Cruze model years, including additional trims for better clarity.
Towing Capacity Of Chevy Cruze
| Model Year | Trim Level | Engine Type | Transmission | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | L | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT / 9AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2019 | LS | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT / 9AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2019 | LT | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT / 9AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2019 | Premier | 1.4L Turbo I4 / 1.6L Diesel | 6AT / 9AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2018 | L | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2018 | LS | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2018 | LT | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2018 | Premier | 1.4L Turbo I4 / 1.6L Diesel | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2017 | L | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2017 | LS | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2017 | LT | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2017 | Premier | 1.4L Turbo I4 / 1.6L Diesel | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2016 | L | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2016 | LS | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2016 | LT | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2016 | LTZ | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2015 | LS | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2015 | LT | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2015 | LTZ | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2015 | Diesel | 2.0L Turbo Diesel | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2014 | LS | 1.8L I4 / 1.4L Turbo | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2014 | LT | 1.8L I4 / 1.4L Turbo | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2014 | LTZ | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2013 | LS | 1.8L I4 | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2013 | LT | 1.8L I4 | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2013 | LTZ | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2012 | LS | 1.8L I4 | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2012 | LT | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2011 | LS | 1.8L I4 | 5MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2011 | LT | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 6MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2010 | Base | 1.6L I4 | 5MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2010 | LT | 1.8L I4 | 5MT / 6AT | 1,000 lbs |
| 2009 | Base | 1.6L I4 | Manual / Auto | 1,000 lbs |
| 2008 | Base | 1.6L I4 | Manual / Auto | 1,000 lbs |
Related Chevy Towing Calculator
About Chevy Cruze Towing
1. Same towing capacity across all models
Even though engines and trims changed over the years, the Cruze maintained a consistent 1,000 lb maximum towing limit across nearly all versions.
2. Diesel models offer slightly better torque
Diesel Cruze models (2014–2019) have higher torque, making towing easier, but the official limit still remains 1,000 lbs.
3. No factory tow package
Chevrolet did not design the Cruze as a towing vehicle and did not offer a dedicated factory tow package in most markets.
4. Owner manual limitations
In some regions, Chevrolet explicitly states the Cruze is not intended for towing, meaning any towing is technically at the owner’s risk.
5. Real-world usage recommendation
Even though 1,000 lbs is the rated maximum, many experts recommend staying well below that (500–800 lbs) for safety, especially on long trips or hilly terrain.
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What Can a Chevy Cruze Actually Tow?
With its 1,000 lb limit, the Cruze is only suitable for:
- Small utility trailers
- Lightweight kayak or canoe trailers
- Small motorcycle trailers
- Very light camping gear trailers
- Bike racks (non-trailer hitch loads)
It is NOT suitable for:
- Boats over a small dinghy size
- Car trailers
- Heavy cargo trailers
- Construction or landscaping equipment
Related Towing Capacity of Chevrolet Malibu[All Years]
Key Performance Factors Affecting Towing
Engine power
Most Cruze models use a 1.4L turbocharged engine (around 153 hp), which is efficient but not designed for heavy towing.
Transmission strain
Automatic transmissions in the Cruze are known to be sensitive under load, so towing near the limit can increase wear.
Cooling system limits
The compact design means limited cooling capacity, which can lead to overheating when towing uphill or in hot climates.
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Safety Recommendation
Even though the Chevy Cruze can technically tow up to 1,000 lbs, it is best viewed as an emergency or occasional light towing vehicle only, not a dedicated towing car.
For frequent towing, Chevrolet SUVs or trucks like the Equinox, Colorado, or Silverado are much better suited.
Final words
The Chevy Cruze towing capacity is 1,000 lbs across all model years and trims, with diesel variants offering slightly better pulling performance but no higher official rating. While it can handle very light-duty towing, it is not designed for regular or heavy hauling. If you plan to tow frequently or carry heavier loads, upgrading to a larger vehicle is strongly recommended.
