2018 Chevrolet Cruze vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf Full Comparison of Specs, Features, and Owner Reviews
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Year
2018
Trim
L
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Year
2018
Trim
S
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight
Not Available
3023 lbs.
Engine
1.4L turbo DOHC 4
1.8L TSI DOHC 16V Turbocharged 4
Number of cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline Fuel
Gasoline Fuel
Fuel Capacity
13.7 gal.
13.2 gal.
Torque
177 ft. lbs.
199 ft. lbs.
Horsepower
153 hp.
170 hp.
MPG (City/Hwy)
27/40
24/33
Transmission
6 Speed Manual
6 Speed Automatic w/OD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Cargo Capacity
14.8 cu. ft.
17.4 cu. ft. - 53.7 cu. ft.
Tires
195/65R15
P195/65HR15
Front Head Room
38.9"
38.4"
Front Leg Room
42.0"
41.2"
Wheelbase
106.3"
103.8"
Length
183.7"
167.6"
Width
70.5"
70.8"
Height
57.4"
58.2"
Valves per cylinder
4
4
Exterior Photos & Dimensions
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Exterior Features
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Trim
L
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Trim
S
Wheels, 15" (38.1 cm) steel with full bolt-on wheel covers
Standard
Not Available
Steel Spare Wheel
Not Available
Standard
Wheel, spare, none
Standard
Not Available
Compact Spare Tire Mounted Inside Under Cargo
Not Available
Standard
Tire, spare, none
Standard
Not Available
Wheels: 15" Lyon Alloy
Not Available
Standard
Tires, 195/65R15 all-season, blackwall
Standard
Not Available
Wheels w/Silver Accents
Not Available
Standard
Tire sealant and inflator kit
Standard
Not Available
Tires: 15" AS
Not Available
Standard
Mirrors, outside power-adjustable, manual-folding
Standard
Not Available
Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding and Turn Signal Indicator
Not Available
Standard
Door handles, body-color
Standard
Not Available
Body-Colored Rear Bumper w/Chrome Bumper Insert
Not Available
Standard
Moldings, Black beltline
Standard
Not Available
Body-Colored Front Bumper w/Chrome Bumper Insert
Not Available
Standard
Windshield, solar absorbing
Standard
Not Available
Black Grille w/Chrome Accents
Not Available
Standard
Glass, solar absorbing
Standard
Not Available
Body-Colored Door Handles
Not Available
Standard
Wipers, front intermittent, variable
Standard
Not Available
Fully Galvanized Steel Panels
Not Available
Standard
Headlamps, halogen twin reflectors with automatic on/off and delay
Standard
Not Available
Clearcoat Paint
Not Available
Standard
Black Side Windows Trim and Black Front Windshield Trim
Not Available
Standard
Light Tinted Glass
Not Available
Standard
Fixed Rear Window w/Fixed Interval Wiper and Defroster
Not Available
Standard
Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Auto On/Off Aero-Composite Halogen Daytime Running Headlamps w/Delay-Off
Not Available
Standard
Perimeter/Approach Lights
Not Available
Standard
LED Brakelights
Not Available
Standard
Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included w/Power Door Locks
Not Available
Standard
Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colors
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Interior Photos, Dimensions & Features
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Interior Features
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Trim
L
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Trim
S
Seats, front bucket with reclining seatbacks and adjustable head restraints
Standard
Not Available
Front Comfort Seats -inc: 6-way front seats, manual lumbar support and power recline
Not Available
Standard
Seat trim, cloth
Standard
Not Available
60-40 Folding Bench Front Facing Fold Forward Seatback Rear Seat
Not Available
Standard
Seat adjuster, driver 6-way manual
Standard
Not Available
Manual Anti-Whiplash Adjustable Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
Not Available
Standard
Seat adjuster, front passenger 2-way manual
Standard
Not Available
6-Way Driver Seat
Not Available
Standard
Seat, rear, folding
Standard
Not Available
6-Way Passenger Seat
Not Available
Standard
Head restraints, 2-way adjustable, front
Standard
Not Available
HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts
Not Available
Standard
Steering column, manual tilt and telescopic
Standard
Not Available
Cloth Seating Surfaces
Not Available
Standard
Steering wheel, 3-spoke
Standard
Not Available
Seats w/Cloth Back Material
Not Available
Standard
Driver Information Center, monochromatic display (Does not include compass display.)
Standard
Not Available
Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Not Available
Standard
Instrumentation, analog with mph speedometer
Standard
Not Available
Leather Steering Wheel
Not Available
Standard
Tire Pressure Display
Standard
Not Available
Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
Not Available
Standard
Console, floor, without armrest
Standard
Not Available
Interior Trim -inc: Metal-Look Instrument Panel Insert, Metal-Look Door Panel Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accents
Not Available
Standard
Lighting, interior, trunk/cargo area
Standard
Not Available
Instrument Panel Covered Bin, Refrigerated/Cooled Box Located In The Glovebox, Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
Not Available
Standard
Visors, driver and front passenger vanity mirrors
Standard
Not Available
Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, Engine Coolant Temp, Tachometer, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer
Not Available
Standard
Mirror, inside rearview manual day/night
Standard
Not Available
Compass
Not Available
Standard
Windows, power with driver and front passenger Express-Down
Standard
Not Available
Outside Temp Gauge
Not Available
Standard
Defogger, rear-window, electric
Standard
Not Available
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console w/Storage and 3 12V DC Power Outlets
Not Available
Standard
Lighting, interior, overhead courtesy lamp
Standard
Not Available
Cargo Area Concealed Storage
Not Available
Standard
Lighting, interior, roof, rear courtesy
Standard
Not Available
2 Seatback Storage Pockets
Not Available
Standard
Remote panic alarm
Standard
Not Available
Front Center Armrest and Rear Center Armrest w/Pass-Thru
Not Available
Standard
Door locks, power
Standard
Not Available
Full Carpet Floor Covering -inc: Carpet Front And Rear Floor Mats
Not Available
Standard
Trunk release, power, remote
Standard
Not Available
Rigid Cargo Cover
Not Available
Standard
Oil life monitoring system
Standard
Not Available
Cargo Space Lights
Not Available
Standard
Remote Keyless Entry
Standard
Not Available
FOB Controls -inc: Cargo Access
Not Available
Standard
Engine immobilizer, theft-deterrent system
Standard
Not Available
Cloth Door Trim Insert
Not Available
Standard
Theft-deterrent system, unauthorized entry
Standard
Not Available
Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination
Not Available
Standard
Air conditioning, single-zone electronic includes air filter
Standard
Not Available
Driver Foot Rest
Not Available
Standard
Warning tones, driver and front passenger safety belts
Standard
Not Available
Illuminated Glove Box
Not Available
Standard
Key, primary foldable, additional foldable
Standard
Not Available
Day-Night Rearview Mirror
Not Available
Standard
Rear air ducts, floor mounted
Standard
Not Available
Front Cupholder
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cupholder
Not Available
Standard
Carpet Floor Trim
Not Available
Standard
Full Cloth Headliner
Not Available
Standard
Power Rear Windows
Not Available
Standard
Power 1st Row Windows w/Front And Rear 1-Touch Up/Down
Not Available
Standard
Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Front And Rear Map Lights
Not Available
Standard
Delayed Accessory Power
Not Available
Standard
Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature
Not Available
Standard
Power Fuel Flap Locking Type
Not Available
Standard
Remote Releases -Inc: Power Fuel
Not Available
Standard
3 12V DC Power Outlets
Not Available
Standard
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry and Panic Button
Not Available
Standard
Immobilizer III Immobilizer
Not Available
Standard
Valet Function
Not Available
Standard
Manual Air Conditioning
Not Available
Standard
Air Filtration
Not Available
Standard
Driver Information Center
Not Available
Standard
Redundant Digital Speedometer
Not Available
Standard
Trip Computer
Not Available
Standard
Analog Appearance
Not Available
Standard
Owner Reviews
Ted Finkbohner
Gee Dad it is a diesel
Car has the Opel diesel from the factory with the ChevFord 9 speed transaxle. Rides good and gets 35 mpg city and freeway, 53 at 70 on I-10. One minor problem under warranty. However car has no options, heated seats and mirrors, camera, nags me when it wants an oil change. The trim rating is TD
Jim M
Comfortable Cruze vs dashing Silverado.
No problems yet. Did have a recall which verified that vehicle had no problems. It is comfortable and easy to drive around. While we love our Silverado, the Cruze is easier to park and it handles heavy traffic well. Mileage averages in upper 30s overall. It can get close to 50 mpg, however at that speed you will get run over thus not a safe tactic on interstates.
Jon M
2018 Chevy Cruze for me and my family.
The car has a lot of front seat space, and a lot of trunk space. It is also really good on gas. However, the back seats have little to no room, for my growing 3 year old daughter and 8 year old step daughter. Other than spatial errors, there not much else to complain about.
Jessica S
Smooth and trustworthy car.
This car drives very smooth. Majority of features and buttons are pretty easy to figure out. The mileage is good but I do wish the tank was a bit bigger. My last car held 12 gallons, so with this car holding 9, it can feel like it runs out fast. Overall I love the car and I am glad I got it. Recommend for sure.
Doug L
2018 Chevrolet Cruze ls 4 door.
Drivability is good just do not like auto stop all the time. Would like to be able to turn off that feature. Gets great gas mileage on the highway at about 38 mpg. The vehicle has good trunk space and plenty of power with the turbo on the engine. I would recommend it.
Holly G
My likes and do not likes about the 2018 chevy cruze ls.
I love the backup camera also like the rubber floor mats. It can connect to your phone through bluetooth but will not connect to have the maps opens on your phone and tell you where to go you have to turn off bluetooth and have it play from your phone not through the car speakers. I do not like that it do not have navigation capability.
Nicole F
A great car at a mid level price, that is safe and reliable.
No problems, I enjoy the reliability of the car. I also like the engine shut off system. It helps to save on gas and the backup camera is awesome. The availability to mirror my phone allows me to make calls hands free. The car has a smooth steering and the interior is roomy for its class.
Jared T
It is the base model does not have cruise control.
When I first got my vehicle it ran great now having a few years it uses a lot of gas more and have to fill it up every week or other. My vehicle does not want to shift when it should be. When going up hills or when it is coasting. It does not have cruise control or power seats.
Tara M
The interior lighting adds a level of sophistication
I love my Golf Alltrack! It has everything I could possibly need. Storage and style to go along with impeccable performance!
Sharlene G
Love my manual Volkswagen golf! So much fun to drive!
My car is very reliable and functional. Its cargo room is surprisingly spacious and I love that it is a manual transmission. Its exterior is sleek and stylish and I love the color. The interior is very comfortable and easy to clean. I have not had any major issues with the vehicle.
Julie A
Volkswagen golf se compact car.
The car has features that are not found on most cars like map pockets, tan interior color, and velcro dividers for the cargo compartment. I didn't like having to get a sunroof or hiding the cd player in the glove compartment. The seats are designed for taller people so I had to add a foam cushion that also helps deal with the hot or cold faux leather seats.
Rachael M
A Beautiful Wagon that you can still get in a stick shift and creature comforts.
I absolutely love my vehicle. It was one of the few cars I could get that was offered with both a manual transmission and creature comforts. It drives well, gets good gas mileage, but has enough power to have some fun driving. The panoramic sunroof is gorgeous, and the user interface on the screen is wonderful. I love how easy it is to drive. It feels like it takes no effort. The shift path is smooth and short, you can easily two finger it to move between gears. The car-go system in the trunk is an awesome way to keep your items in place. The color of mine is absolutely beautiful, 'Great Falls Green'.
Georgia G
Volkswagen sport golf 2018.
My vehicle is extremely comfortable. The seats include heating, and have reclining featured in every row. Additionally, the sound system is awesome. It has a fender speaker system so the quality of the sound is great. I also really like how the car looks overall; the design is very sleek and sporty looking.
Tiffany K
I love my Volkswagen golf!
I love my VW golf. It drives very well, and has both stick shift option and automatic. I have a lot of miles on my car, but it still drives perfectly. It can go very fast on highways, though I drive more on local roads. I have Bluetooth pairing and apple CarPlay. I use CarPlay every day and connect my phone with a USB cord. My car also has a CD player in the glove compartment, though I do not use it. My golf does not come with GPS/maps but with CarPlay, I can use apple maps and it connects to the car screen. I love my car.
Christian P
Fun, sporty, spacious but not huge.
The golf is a diesel, which I feel really good about because it burns cleaner from what I hear. It corners like a dream, and handles all conditions very well. The car is quick, and the pickup speed is great. Internally, the heated seats are a major plus. I bought Volkswagen racks for the roof and have been pleased with how much cargo I can put inside and out.
Sarah B
We love our Volkswagen golf sel!
This is a dependable car which is comfortable for driver and passengers. We enjoy the full sunroof and heated seats. The cargo area could be a little bigger but is generally sufficient. We have been disappointed by the leak in the luggage rack area which needed to be repaired but it was under warranty.
Advantage: 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems Reported By Owners
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Based on owner reviews, 0.4% of users reported having problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Angela O
It is a basic car, if you are a basic person you will like it.
I have only had one problem with the power steering going out, but it was covered in the lease and fixed in a day. It is a comfortable car, and has been reliable otherwise. There is plenty of trunk space, and it is spacious inside. I do not like how the odometer goes from 40 miles left in the tank to just “low”.
Janean H
The color, travel miles and sleek look.
There is a exhaust issue that I feel may be something the Chevy company should repair. Other than that I believe that car is of economic value and reliable. I enjoy the low impact on gas consumption and the economic value to travel to and from work. Thank you.
Katrina G
Very average car. Good gas mileage but just average other than that.
I had issues with the speakers needing to be replaced twice. Sometimes the clutch does not grip when I am shifting. Sometimes the reverse does not work. Generally the car is good but it does have problems every once in a while with shifting not grabbing or working.
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Based on owner reviews, 18.8% of users reported having problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Golf
Erin H
Touch Screen malfunctions but car great in snow.
I do not like there is no option for the car to be in standard transmission. When the touch screen gets warm, like on a hot summer day, it stops working properly. Sometimes the screen becomes glitchy and other times it just shuts off. The car is very reliable, and drives really well. It is fantastic in the snow, and the high clearance is great for when the roads are really bad. Even though the car is a wagon, it is still very small. Overall I like it, but I would not get another one.
Todd R
Simple breakdown of family functionality.
The golf all-track is a great & well performing vehicle. It is functions well for daily in city trips, as well as camping & outdoor excursions. Our only issue with it, is that we need a bigger car for our family of four (plus our dog). So, I'd recommend a roof rack or something along those lines.
Johnny T
Hey everybody! I have a GOLF! *everyone shrugs or pretends not to hear you*
Brakes are a bit snatchy. Turning radius could be better. Folding down front seats is difficult. CarPlay can be a bit buggy. Only 5,700 miles on it so far, so it's practically new, but can already tell that the car will need a brake service in the near future to fix the natchy brake issue.
Mario V
I like the in dash radio that connects to my smartphone
I like the design and shape of my car. It drives pretty smoothie for the most part, at the moment tho we just did our 100k mile inspection and we are starting to have some problems. The brakes need to be changed, and now it's making another weird noise I never heard but if it wasn't for that, I'd give it a 4/5
Leah D
A unique color. Air conditioning system. Motion detector when parking my car.
My car has had some oil problems within the past. The dealership in which I purchased my car from, had issues. The performance level of the vehicle has a strong engine, very silent. The windows are slightly tinted. The steering wheel is relatively stiff when positioned in certain areas. The car is relatively small so it is easier to find parking and certain roads. The color of the car is relatively plain, a black sleek car within hand control mirrors. The car also possess a in-built sat navigation.
Amanda H
Loving the All Wheel Drive
I purchased my 2018 Golf SportWagen with 4motion because I was looking for a reliable vehicle with all wheel drive. I have been very pleased with the performance of the vehicle, particularly how well it handles in the snow. It is comfortable to drive, has plenty of space for people, pets, and cargo. My only complaint has been with the head unit having a lot of issues with the Apple software.
Advantage: 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Pros & Cons from Owners
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Mark C.
The pros are that it is great on gas and it is easy to change the oil. Everything is easily accessible. The cons are that I am on my third replacement for the thermostat. I have also replaced my antifreeze reservoir container and I had to do a complete coolant flush of the system.
Mark C.
The cons of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze are that it does seem to go through tires really quickly. It also has had to have a complete coolant system flush. I am also on my third thermostat replacement. It seems like the thermostats want to wear out in about six to seventh month depending on the use of the vehicle.
Melynda L.
Runs very well, great Wifi and Bluetooth connection. Great gas mileage. There are a million of them on the road however! Nice trunk room. Wish I had a few more compartments in the front. Seat cloth has stayed in good condition.
Melynda L.
A million of them on the road. Wish I had more compartments in the front. Seats have held up, however have replaced the tires already. Does not accelerate too fast, although not necessary for me. No flap mirror.
Megan J.
The gas mileage is extremely good. At time I get over 40 miles per gallon. There are also a lot of upgrades as well. There is a backup camera, satellite radio, Apple carplay, and OnStar. I think it is a cute little car and there are so many upgrades compared to my last car.
Megan J.
The biggest con of my vehicle is how small then back seat is. There is not very much room at all in the back seat. It is a tight fit getting two car seats in the back. Another thing I do not like about it is that it has the auto stop. In a way it is a good thing because it helps save gas but it is very weird to get used to. I have had the vehicle for almost a year and still can get used to it.
Julie D.
It has great mileage, very nice interface when connecting with the phone, picks up speed quickly and has great ac/heating flow. Seats are comfortable and is a smooth ride in the front and the back. Plenty of space in the car as well as in the trunk, huge fan of the grocery bag net.
Julie D.
It is extremely low to the ground, even more than other cars that look similar to it. Also since they are no longer being made by GM prices to replace anything are starting to incline. I do wish that I could connect to your phone entirely by Bluetooth not just for phone calls but for things like projecting the maps display etc.
Pros & Cons from Owners
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Julie G.
The car is fuel efficient. It is really fun to drive in a five speed manual and is one of the only cars you can get in a manual transmission that is affordable. The trunk has lots of storage space and velcro storage system.
Julie G.
It is very difficult to use children's car seats. It is hard to get the kids in and out of the car. It would not be very comfortable for a long road trip of three plus hours or more. The car is a little loud too.
Video Reviews
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Video Reviews
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Entertainment Features
Compare Entertainment Features
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Trim
L
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Trim
S
Audio system, Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7" diagonal color touch-screen AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and digital clock, includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones; featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability for compatible phone
Standard
Not Available
Radio: Composition Color w/6.5" Touchscreen -inc: AM/FM, USB input, 8-speaker sound system, VW Car-Net app-connect smartphone integration and interface, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink and Bluetooth connectivity for compatible devices
Not Available
Standard
Audio system feature, 4-speaker system
Standard
Not Available
Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Steering Wheel Controls and Radio Data System
Not Available
Standard
Bluetooth for phone
Standard
Not Available
Audio Theft Deterrent
Not Available
Standard
OnStar with 4G LTE and available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot offers a fast and reliable Internet connection for up to 7 devices; includes data trial for 1 month or 3GB (whichever comes first) EFFECTIVE WITH RETAIL SALES STARTING 5/1/2018. (Available Wi-Fi requires compatible mobile device, active OnStar ...
Standard
Not Available
Integrated Roof Diversity Antenna
Not Available
Standard
Audio system feature, USB port
Standard
Not Available
1 LCD Monitor In The Front
Not Available
Standard
Antenna, integral rear window
Standard
Not Available
Safety Ratings & Features
NHTSA Ratings
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
Compare Safety Features
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Trim
L
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Trim
S
StabiliTrak, stability control system
Standard
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Not Available
Standard
Air bags, 10 total frontal and knee for driver and front passenger, side-impact seat-mounted and roof rail for front and rear outboard seating positions, includes Passenger Sensing System (Always use safety belts and child restraints. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the ap...
Standard
Not Available
Side Impact Beams
Not Available
Standard
OnStar Guidance Plan Limited Trial Service including Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Roadside Assistance, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Advanced Diagnostics and more (trial excludes Hands-Free Calling) EFFECTIVE WITH RETAIL SALES STARTING 5/1/2018. (Visit onstar.com for coverage map,...
Standard
Not Available
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Chevrolet Connected Access with 10 years of standard connectivity which enables services such as, Vehicle Diagnostics, Dealer Maintenance Notification, Chevrolet Smart Driver, Marketplace and more; EFFECTIVE WITH SALES STARTING 5/1/2018. (Limitations apply. Not transferable. Standard connectivity av...
Standard
Not Available
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Rear Vision Camera display integrated into Chevrolet MyLink radio
Standard
Not Available
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Safety belts, front pretensioner
Standard
Not Available
Side Curtain Protection Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Safety belts, 3-point, rear center position
Standard
Not Available
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Not Available
Standard
Restraint provisions, latch
Standard
Not Available
Rear Child Safety Locks
Not Available
Standard
Teen Driver mode a configurable feature that lets you activate customizable vehicle settings associated with a key fob, to encourage safe driving behavior. It can limit certain vehicle features, and it prevents certain safety systems from being turned off. An in-vehicle report gives you information ...
Standard
Not Available
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Tire Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Back-Up Camera
Not Available
Standard
Available Models
Volkswagen Golf Models
Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Photos may not match model