2014 Chevy Cruze Turbo Diesel: Everything you ever wanted to know

[@OwnYourOwnBus101]

I’ve got one of these. Here’s some goods and bads: • The diesel Cruze IS a road car! It LOVES the open road. Idling around 1900 rpms at 70 mph the engine prrrs quietly down the hwy. You can easily pass anyone on any grade anywhere. • This car kicks ass in the torque category but the turbo gives a little lag starting off from a stand still. (That can be annoying • The fuel economy IS ridiculous. I drove from Los Angeles to Kansas City on $60! • I have found my infotainment system to be a little less than flawless. That gets annoying. • I refill the DEF fluid maybe once a year. It may take something like 2 gallons or two boxes of DEF. I am impressed with that. The DEF tank sits where the spare tire would (so there’s no spare). • The transmission tends to stay in this neutral like state when stopped (some of the time). Then when you step on the gas it shifts into “go.” That’s REALLY annoying but it could also just be a maintenance issue. • The electronic power steering is really nice and the turning radius, exceptional. • It’s still loud like a diesel but only when you’re stopped. Otherwise it’s a fairly nice car.

[@HRm708]

My man SLAM ran that red!

[@jamesbrinkmann6878]

I picked up the turbo diesel crude a week ago and I love it. I live in norther california and I do a lot of highway driving with a 65 speed limit and at cruise control at 65 I am averaging 51mpg which is actually higher then they advertise. And I actually like the diesel engine sound. It has just the right amount of grind and growl without sounding like a tank. Awesome car so far.

[@BeyondDuctTapeFixItRight]

I test drove a 2017 1.6L 6SPD car in Maryland. I think the car is fantastic! I'm excited to get one. There's a dude that has done some highway loops at 68MPH and he's fetching 60MPG.

[@noahgullion2]

Yes and with a trifecta tune, they advertise 65mpg

[@longboardguy]

Noah Gullion that's crazy. I want one of these for my everyday commuter so I can park my truck during the nice weather months. Problem is finding one. I wonder if a used one is worth a look?

[@monicajones3430]

I'm looking@ one right now as we speak (0n line) so do u put diesel fuel in it? Plz excuse my ignorance

[@Gabriel.4190]

Does it have a block heater and do you have to plug in during the winter

[@TFLcar]

No, the video is edit in such a way as to make look like Roman ran a red light, but he did not. Sorry editing mistake.

[@grimreefer5159]

Bro that aint no editing mistake lol.

[@3333glen]

Diesels are NOT automatically "long-living" engines. They last a long time if they are designed with extra strength to last a long time - just like a gas engine can be. The diesels in semis last 100s of thousands of miles because they are built like tanks to ensure that they will. And, max torque is available at 1750 rpm IF and only IF the engine is on full boost. If you floor it with 1750 rpm on the tach, the engine still has to build boost to get to developing max power. I didn't expect a sales pitch. I expected a review.

[@Theycraveinvestings]

Shut up

[@songthirtyone]

When the Chevrolet Engineer was asked about engine life expectancy, hes answer was to tell you about maintenance. not engine life expectancy. just saying.

[@Randywatson34]

songthirtyone I know, he completely dodged that answer!!!

[@dedalliance1]

I mean he can't really say 'oh yeah it'll run for 400k miles no problem' because that's lying in itself.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

It's good itl last longer then ur pos

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

​@@dedalliance1that's maintenance. Sum can

[@chasedavis2358]

The Jetta tdi also has a 10000 mile interval

[@fkabarca]

Lol blew a solid red at 4:25

[@5fespino]

Thought I was the only one to notice that.

[@csukosd]

It looks like the footage was cut though. Who's to say he did not stop at that red.

[@BulletProofBreast]

Was gonna leave a comment lol

[@Bossbugg90]

Viewers Discretion is Advised... Lol

[@stevehuber6499]

DEF fluid? Where the hell do I put that?

[@County-Road-19]

my 85 cierra wagon 4.3 diesel still takes me back and forth to work 70 miles roundtrip everyday and makes great mileage to boot..and I could listen to that thing clatter all day!

[@fouledanchor06]

I know this is not Cruze related, but he blatantly runs a red light at 4:28.

[@divisioneight]

Wow! The last small diesel from Chevy was the Chevette in 1981. We had two Chevette diesels and loved them! This is a long way from that, and is amazing. Good for you Chevy! Now please introduce small diesels into the SUV's and 1500 series pickups please?

[@AJGT350]

Is Chevy sending you royalty checks, TFL Car? You introduced me to the Cruze diesel. Next day I went out and bought one. So far I love it. Nice interior, great mileage. Drove on I-25 from Longmont to Colorado Springs. Avg was 54.5 mpg on the way down and 58 mpg on the way back. And the overboost feature giving it 280 lb-ft of torque is nice.

[@jimmys591]

Liked how Roman took the red light at 4:28 haha

[@cyoungso]

I don't want "highly optioned". Diesel should simply be an engine option on any of the option packs, not its own option pack. Yet another way to discourage diesel sales, it seems.

[@jalapenovibes]

DEF and advanced EGR? Better come with a hell of a warranty.

[@Bellinghamster]

I like at least a little black smoke when you accelerate. It's one of the fun things about having a diesel.

[@danielhorn01]

Mine does.

[@okm88]

Is this the first diesel cruz in the states? If so in australia we had them for a few years now! (Holden Cruz)

[@Autonomia_para_Puerto_Rico]

Now they don't even have the Holden anymore. 😂

[@bmwmsport11]

depends on how you maintain them, i have seen TDIs with over 250,000miles. well maintained. the only reason you see broken down VWs is because most are owned by people who know nothing about cars. and they acclerate them hard when its cold or dont do oil changes. i know a mechanic with a 04 Jetta 1.8T its still driving fine, probably cause he keeps them in good condition.

[@StreetersGarage]

Just picked up a 2013 Eco Auto and I have not doubt that the diesel will be posting highway mileage in the 50's. Mine is getting in the mid 40's and still isn't broken in yet.

[@1antisupercat]

Two part question, what happens when you run out of urea? and how expensive is the urea to fill the tanks?

[@Adamr916]

Higher than any non hybrid car sold in the us? My 2014 328d was rated at 47 mpg highway, and I've been seeing low 50s after going over 20k miles on it.

[@NordicNevs]

Only downside to the diesel influx in the US is when demand goes higher, supply stays the same we end up with higher diesel fuel cost. Those who drive bigger diesels for work and even our 18-wheelers will cost more to operate thus translate to the goods we buy, I hope we are looking at Supply as well as Demand! Just a thought

[@borisdasic2967]

Economy engine with automatic trans? Only in USA.

[@TurfSurf]

TFL used to have great videos, now 95% of the time, just watching people talking to each other and barely see the car itself, and when you see the car, usually are those ridiculous super close shots.

[@TFLcar]

Thanks for the comment but Honestly we have no clue what you mean, there are plenty of shots of the Honda on the Trail, the Jeep on the trail the Tucson on the road and so on and so on and so on. In the recent Honda review no ones talking to no one. We just don't get it.

[@ShredPackers]

+SKKC1986 I agree 100%

[@subzeo198]

20km per liter, probably the best car of 2014

[@DerikPiano]

That "road noise" you hear is the AC. Go to 6:15

[@pete7477]

I've had three tdi's not a problem with any of them. How many have you owned?

[@TStudioX]

Hi there I'm new to your channel and I love your car content.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I completely agree. And for people saying its a lot slower than the cruze diesel, the Passat TDI did 9 seconds 0-60 on TFL's tests and the Cruze did around 11.

[@chasedavis2358]

The Volkswagen is a 2.0 Cruze is a 1.6

[@Hesam0000]

Is your window down or the car gets the windnoise in?

[@roydied15]

I'm not gonna lie. I'm planning on buying a focus ST in the next few months, but i looked and test drove these and the only reason i am not buying one is because there is no manual option and chevy seems to have no plans for one any time soon.

[@willc5512]

264lb feet of torque will shread the lame @$$ budget basement Getrag manual they love using on this "class" of car. They do get credit on the engine from an engineering standpoint. Compared to the diesel they used from 76-84. How bout a Cadillac cts/ats diesel? Anyone?

[@roydied15]

Isnt this like a vauxhaul engine?

[@Heiserton]

It was designed by either fiat or opal I believe. Those engine was completely designed in Europe. Probably for the best actually.

[@zkilling]

Test drive the VW the manual TDi is very fun to drive and the engines last forever. I have had 2 make it over 300,000 easy. I hate that he dodged that engine life questions because I am very interested in the cruise diesel.

[@plconnor41]

The whole thought process about a diesel being more reliable because it doesn't have spark plugs might have been true back in the 12valve Cummins days, but now they use high-pressure common rail injection (26,000+ psi). These systems are very sensitive to foreign contaminates like water in the fuel. Also, the injectors are under such immense pressures, that they do wear out and have to be replaced. That being said, modern diesels do last longer, but are much more complicated than gas engines.

[@Mateficent]

Hey Roman, off-topic but can you tell me if the older Ford Escapes' (2005 to 2007) dashboard can be upgraded to MyFord Touch? I love the design of those years and I plan on buying a pre-owned but a lot of them either don't have a power audio/navigation system or they one they have is super basic and basically useless compared to today's system in the Ford Escape. Thank you.

[@write2rc]

that was then, this is now and a whole new game, GM has been stepping up the game!!!!!!!!!

[@halaheleu7013]

They now have a focus ST diesel in Europe 6 speed manual gets about 70 MPG and its a sports car !

[@mikhailSRT4]

still seems like a loud cabin . compared to a TDI Jetta

[@jteamaz]

I have a 2012 Jetta TDI ... I'm getting 45-55 mpg consistently to and from work. It does not require DEF use, bigger models do though. The FIat diesel isn't that great. VW has been at this for years with proven reliability. In the end, it's still a Chevy so won't have a good resale or residual value. VW holds theirs much better. Still nice to see that American manufacturers are finally jumping on the diesel bandwagon. More economical, high longevity and lower maintenance costs.

[@Greendude33]

Can't find these Diesel Cruzes on sale in the used market anywhere here in CO. Guess I'll have to wait for the 2018 Cruze Diesel, I don't wanna be always driving my huge Silverado in town.

[@JAYFROMHARLEM]

I would say it depends on the car and what parts you're replacing. Would say about 4k for both to be replaced.

[@Slash396]

Many reviewers have criticized the Passat for being made with very cheap materials and overall bad quality. That being said, the Cruze is one of the quietest cars you can get for the money. The EPA estimates 43 MPG highway for the Passat and 46 MPH highway for the Cruze. That being said, the average real world fuel economy for the Passat TDI is 40 and the highest I saw was about 43ish. The average for the Cruze is about 42 and I saw numbers as high as 48. Basically, nothing you said was correct.

[@3ggt3]

You can get a 2013 - 2014 Passat TDI diesel with automatic transmission for about $1,000 more (perhaps even less). It is a midsize sedan and has nearly double the cabin space and a much bigger trunk. The Passat has a much more quiet and refined ride. Not to mention many consumers who have already bought it claim to get 50 MPG on the highway easily which is more than this Cruze is offering. My point is why get a smaller car with a lower build quality when you have another option. I am not hating.

[@akj2387]

Much bigger trunk? Both cars have a 15.9 Cubic feet trunk lol... Ik I'm late

[@bhirmiz]

Hi TFL , im from chandler, Arizona. I have a early built Oct 2013 "2014" cruze diesel just hit 100k miles. would you do a show review on it abd compare it to a 2018. with records history.

[@NDSautomotive]

good does days are over! Thank You Chevy love all your cars. This cruze is going to sell alot

[@nickpreece5360]

Opening comment was 90% of the Nox was removed!! I wish the dealership I bought mine from has just informed me that after the fourth Nox code they have to call Chevy GM and have one of their engineers look at it because of the problem. Great car don't get me wrong I love it but having en engine light off and on for 3 years now somebody needs to fix the Nox.

[@chocolat4hogs]

ULSD also promotes the early Air sensor failures yielding 'check engine' lights on your dash boards. Also ULSD contributes to premature High Pressure Injector failure. Who wants a DEF fluid to put into their trunk. It turns gritty ashy white when the dribbles and drops dry. Also look at all the forums where people have Diesel Exhaust Fluid issues. pumps go bad, can't find the fluid in certain markets, car won't stay started without DEF.

[@vrp.s]

Can't wait for the turbo diesel to land on our lot at Berger Chevy. Whoot Whoot!!!

[@1guyin10]

At the price point they have placed it the sales won't be huge, but that may be intenional because of engine availability. That isn't the best news for people that would want a fairly basic manual transmission car, but for someone who wants a comfortable and efficient highway cruiser to drive back and forth to work the Cruze diesel would not be a bad choice.

[@cmanlovespancakes]

Japanese/Korean designed car with a German engine. It should be reliable as long as GM didn't make to many changes to the car when they brought the Cruze to the US

[@2112seel1]

I am a diesel fan and both of my cars are diesel but some things to remember when looking at a diesel. I disagree, I do not think diesels are cheaper to maintain. Gas engines will last over 200k, diesel fuel cost more, glow plugs do go bad, oil changes are more expensive and the high heat of diesels tend to be rough on the turbos and they are expensive when they go. I really hope it is a highly reliable engine and makes it's way into the Colorado, just some things to think about before you buy.

[@AJGT350]

I like my Cruze diesel. for 24k it wasn't much more than a similarly equipped Cruze Eco. Sure diesel fuel costs more but it's not that significant. For current prices in my area, 15 gallons of diesel costs 5 dollars more than unleaded regular 85 octane. In that 15 gallons I would have driven further in my diesel than in a gasser.

[@donramon2501]

Wow gas prices went up 😣

[@SwPiotrek]

It depends on which TDI engine you had. 1.9TDI VP are good engines. Unreliable are 2.0 TDI PD and 2.5 TDI. I've had Golf 1.9 TDI VP.

[@hayksamvelyan]

The problem is that the current diesels are not being offered on the most popular models. The only way to make the diesels popular in the US is to push them through Civics and Camries. Unfortunately, more effort has been put into hybrids, so the diesels are actually more expensive to purchase. The only diesels I may consider are the VW's. Their current GTD Golf is very attractive from both an economy and a performance stand point.

[@SwPiotrek]

I also should noted that if someone convert it to biodiesel fuel, it's even much faster to break even. For sure resale value is important.

[@bneyens]

If you left your diesel vehicle outside overnight in Vail, do you think the fuel would start to gel? Anyone have any experience here?

[@mshl8188]

Nice review.

[@firekilller13]

Who makes the engine?

[@EliotJohnson]

Sounded like a noisy interior. Was the mic close to a vent?

[@hopkins731shawn]

Noticing several countries switching over to the chevy cruze as a police vehicle... Mainly the 2014 cruzes.. Much cheaper on gas.. I guess departments are tired of the gas guzzling Vic's and chargers..

[@therealhip9321]

It sounds like the windows are open. Mine is very quiet. I love mine.

[@SimplexSM]

It's the A/C. They even mention it in the video -_-

[@chrispenny1422]

I might get a 2015 looking hard at it

[@palebeachbum]

Diesel fuel also costs more in the US than regular gasoline, so that negates some of the fuel economy advantage.

[@AkioWasRight]

Diesel were know to last long because of their simplicity and the fact the diesel was oily. The oiliness of diesel helped lubricate all the parts that it touched. Newer diesels are different, way more complicated. DPF systems, ULSD fuel systems and advanced turbochargers are very complicated, unreliable and expensive to fix. The new ULSD also has less lubricity. That can cause more problems with the fuel systems that can turn into a domino effect of expensive problems with emissions controls.

[@blairhilton2859]

I love my Cruze diesel. Wouldn't own a Cruze in any other configuration. I have the fully loaded Clean Diesel, absolutely love it. Some of the gas models have no balls, pinning the gas to the floor for 8-12 seconds and only hitting 55-60 in the 1.4t, Not my Cruze! Pins you to the seat with the pedal to the floor, up to 60 in seconds.. One of my favorite vehicles I have ever driven!

[@kjw763]

just because it has torque doesn’t mean it’s fast lol

[@blairhilton2859]

@@kjw763 after buying mine, my ex fiance had an $800 tune programed into it for when he took it--It was a quick little car, but top speed was governed to 124mph. I no longer have it, but I have a Jaguar XF now and I still miss my little Cruze. My car now is undoubtedly faster, and gets to speed significantly quicker-- but not quick enough to justify the $45k price difference lol! Also I miss the MPG. I was getting 38 in my Cruze, I get MAYBE 18 now.

[@jamespugh]

Been looking at the Chevy cruze turbo diesel do to high mileage.

[@AkioWasRight]

Diesels today have much more difficulty lasting as long with these emissions systems. Just the lower lubricity of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) alone shortens the life of a diesel engine. Go ask any life-long Cummins owners. They went from reliable, hard working, long lasting ISB5.9 engines to B6.7 engines that won't even take you to the supermarket without you worrying about the DPF plugging up and destroying your engine.

[@mi16t]

So basically, The Opel astra, which is the platform the Cruz rides on, Now donated its diesel. ABOUT BLOODY TIME.

[@Stuka87]

If you watch the whole video you can hear the difference when they say they turn off the AC. They had it on full bore.

[@AkioWasRight]

They hold their value more because people pay too much for them used. I would make this argument about many cars, not just cars with a diesel. I always look at what the car actually is. If I'm get slightly better fuel mileage, but if everything I'm saving is lost with the upfront cost, and the extra cost of diesel fuel, servicing and repairs, I won't see that vehicle as economical. I think that's something people have to separate. Good MPG doesn't always make a vehicle economical.

[@Unb3arablePain]

I'm glad Chevy used their heads and made a compact sedan with a diesel. It's the future after all. However, I just wish it had a manual! Then it would not only be faster 0-60 wise, but could probably get 50mpg highway. Otherwise, The torque rating is awesome, and I would surely invest in this car for a commuter/road trip car.

[@walterderzay6802]

Unbearable Pain I'm sure a 6 speed automatic will outaccelerate any manual.(Ask any drag racer why they use automatic transmissions). The torque converter will lock up and then there are no losses of fuel economy. The only reason why cars with autos and lockup converters got worse fuel economy is because the manual transmissions that they were compared to had more ratios. e.g. 4 speed auto vs. 5 speed manual. I'll take the reliability and simplicity of an automatic any day. The fuel economy is diminished in newer diesels compared to older (mid 2000's) diesels due to the emissions equipment for US standards. Pre-EGR, pre-DPF, and pre-SCR engines were more efficient--but they smoked and stink.

[@edsonroadmoto]

that kind of power plant needs to be implemented into the new Malibu & impala ..and the extras of the leathered...make it optional. I be it could get good range without the extra bells and whistles. I currently wish my 2013 Malibu was diesel ...or a diesel hybrid...than perhaps a number such as 50/50 mpg be a goal under $35k midsize sedan. food for thought.

[@danno321s]

The comparable Cruze Gas is about $5K-$6K less on the street (the diesel is in short supply so don't expect to bargain). $6K buys a lot of gas and no surprises with a possible defect in a high compression engine.

[@lblatino1020]

@ 4:28 did he run a red light?

[@avridaho]

10,000 MILES WITHOUT TOUCHING THE TANK!!?? I WANT ONE NOW!

[@19TL85]

It's 2020.. can a used one be found it the state's? Serious question! Want a diesel car for the fuel economy and longevity plus the get up and go of a v8 without being one..

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Actually the US is the only country that doesnt put a special diesel additive to prevent it from gelling. You may not need it in Hawaii, Texas, California etc. but in Michigan and other northern states you need that additive. With the additive the diesel fuel is good to around -70c. Its not the diesel cars fault, its Amercas fault actually.

[@1guyin10]

Outside of heavy duty trucks diesels are fairly rare in the US market. Diesel fuel is taxed taxed at a higher rate so it costs more than gasoline. Many people also remember the horrible diesels that GM tried to sell back in the early 80's. Those engines basically killed the mainstream diesel market for everyone.

[@Frost517]

Ive heard some say its like 10,000 miles and 10 dollars for the fluid...

[@dargay]

gorgeous interior on these Cruze's

[@mitsuhed]

Must be, I've been in a cruze eco for long periods of time and it's library quiet.

[@1guyin10]

It isn't a $5000 markup compared to the same equipment on a gasoline engined Cruze. The 2LT it is based on is $23,300 vs the diesel at $25,695. A similarly equipped Jetta is $25,955 with the manual or $27,055 for the DSG. GM is not at all out of line in their pricing.

[@TimJoseph08031990]

Diesels vehicles are good only for people who do mostly highway driving. Doing excessive stop & go driving isn't going to make the diesel vehicle efficient, unless it is equipped with engine stop/start system, where the engine turns off at a stop light.

[@WoZIMoo]

My dad has owned two TDIs and he had more than enough. They're economical but not reliable so the money goes down the drain anyways. He never bought another VW. My neighbour is a hardcore VW fan and at his sixth TDI. He has had many many problems with them and when the engine wasn't the problem, it was either the transmission or the electronics. He's recently traded in his 2009 Jetta TDI DSG for a 2013 manual because his 2009 had so many problems with transmission not engaging.

[@lLaingerl]

Great vid!

[@pranksterDoug]

I hate to see what the Colorado/canyon diesel is going to cost 30k?

[@sierradreamsphoto]

I don't think so. A comparable Cruze with gas is going to be fully loaded -- leather seating, stereo controls on steering wheel and all the other bells and whistles. Maintenance costs need to be factored in, as well as the overall fuel economy, which is going to be higher than they advertise. I have the Cruze diesel and my lifetime combined mileage is north of 36 mpg. That's the top highway mpg range for the gas engines! I can easily get 50-60 mpg out on the highway in mine.

[@lancereiman6516]

Whats your favorite part of the car?, (asks the interviewer) "For being a driver type person.... the huge torque" Well if this engineer truly was a "driver type" person he would make sure GM could put an already in existence manual in this car. Don't tell me you enjoy driving an automatic more than a manual if you truly like driving. I know this is not a sports car, but let me have some fun in my price range. VW offers a manual for some reason.

[@grubeci]

I heard they raised the price of diesel by one dollar a gallon for the sulfur purity treatments..oh they get you

[@MrCodPiece]

I think you're missing something buddy. I said the Passat didn't have twice the space of the Cruze, and that's an absolute fact. The Passat has MORE space than the Cruze, but more is not double. Got it? I'm not biased towards the Chevy, I just know how to read numbers... Now I've sat in both, and I don't think the Passat had any advantage in build quality but then trim levels weren't equivalent.

[@Stuka87]

Not sure I would call a current VW more refined. They really lowered the quality on the current gen cars compared to the previous gen. Besides, this car competes with the Jetta TDI, which starts at 23k. The Passat TDI starts at 27k. So quite a bit more than $1000.

[@amosjsoma]

This is a great idea and probably a great car but as long as there is such a price difference between gas and diesel in this country, it just doesn't make sense from and dollars and cents standpoint.

[@xaustinx15]

7:40 actually sounded pretty badass.

[@jimwinston5696]

The Cruze Diesel gets 28 city 46 highway although most owners get in the low to mid 50s on the highway, the Cruze Diesel is more reliable because diesels don't require spark-ignition to start, yes it's more expensive but in the long run most diesels are going to last 250k+, no wonder 50% of cars in Europe are diesels, although, in America, because of the truck stigma, diesels will start more expensive.

[@haelein]

Ran red light...

[@Dave2four]

1. That's imperial gallon, not US gallon. 2. Our mileage testing is more accurate. 3. We have different emissions standards. Most of the diesels sold in Europe aren't compliant with them.

[@MrAnonymousRandom]

The urea injection kills the deal - one complicated added system that can go wrong.

[@keanesee01]

Actually that's where I disagree with the video, diesels cost a lot to maintain, sure they're a lot better now, but the high cost to keep one in the long term is not worth switching over IMO.

[@joncaro469]

I hate the current Chevy car look, but if I could get 50 MPG out of this car that would put me at a single fill up for my weekly commute, that combined with the crappy resale value might make me a buyer of one of these. Used of course.

[@tlg-]

For example, my aunts 2007 Audi A4 (based on Passat platform) is a piece of crap with constant electrical/fuel system issues and unfortunately she bought a FWD one (why? I don't know) and had to have an expensive module replaced for the CVT as well. My good friend has a 2008 Passat 2.0T with almost 200,000 kilometers (he has a long commute - not just highway either) and it has been relitively trouble free. I wonder if the maintenance for the Cruze will be cheaper than VW. Hard to say.

[@MYCOFFEEMAMA]

The new B.S. Tehnology is so complicated with egr/urea ....what's the advantage in mpg ?? you can buy a hunday sonata with 37 mph with regular unleaded....

[@Blackneck1994]

Actually the MPG you can get with a diesel, especially in something light like this is phenomenal. Guys that have big 3/4 ton trucks with older diesels that weigh in over 6000lbs can get near 20mpg, same thing with newer emissions compliant diesels without all the emissions control stuff. My dentist tells me she gets 40 in her diesel Mercedes SUV, that's incredible for a vehicle of that size. Sure you can make gas engines efficient, but the difference is a diesel will be using less fuel and making more torque compared to a similarly designed gas engine. This Cruze will have way more useable power than a Sonata AND it will be getting the better fuel economy. 37 isn't bad, but these care capable of 45; merging and passing will also be much easier with the Cruze.

[@QiuyuanChenRyan916]

Well, you won't know why diesel is better in fuel efficiency until you have four people on board. And quite some cargo to carry, then diesel is really good.

[@phillycheesetake]

Qiuyuan Chen No, it's always better on economy, it has been for a long time outside the US. The main reason for this is that diesel engines are 2-stroke, and they work at high compression. This means less rotational energy within the engine block per cylinder ignition, which is ultimately the limiting factor of fuel economy.

[@luceneInAction]

Samuel Nutas I own a Cruze diesel. I bought it not so much to save money, but because of the range between fill ups. While it's rated at 47 mpg on the highway, but I get 50+ mpg on long trips on interstate highways. On a recent trip from Rochester, NY, to Chicago, IL, I got 52 mpg. Over 1200 miles round trip and I only had to stop for fuel once. With the 16 gallon tank I can go over 700 miles before needing to refuel.

[@QiuyuanChenRyan916]

I think now the diesel engines are 4-stroke in small family sized cars, least the German fleet.

[@fujifame1]

He totally ran a red light at about 4:20!!

[@iamkalifa]

It's Kermit. Human form.

[@3ggt3]

All of what I have said is true. I have not said the Passat gets an EPA rating of 50 MPG. I said that is what many consumers have reported. Simply search on Google or KZbin for Passat TDI 50 MPG and you will see. Up 'till today I have not seen a car reviewer complaining about the Passat's build quality (cheap materials). Please send me a review which does so.