2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Rating applies to 2011-15 models

Tested vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LS 4-door

The Chevrolet Cruze was introduced in the 2011 model year as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cobalt. Beginning with 2013 Cruze models, the driver frontal airbag was changed to a simpler, "smart" design, characterized by General Motors as having flexible venting technology. The small overlap frontal ratings apply to both airbag designs.

Beginning with the 2016 model year, the car was renamed the Cruze Limited and sold when new only to fleets. The Cruze Limited shares no ratings with the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.

Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was not maintained well.

During the crash, the dummy's head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off to the left as the steering column moved to the right. The seat belt allowed the dummy to move too far forward, as is evident from the gap between the seat back and the dummy's torso. The side curtain airbag did not extend far enough forward toward the A-pillar.

Despite extensive intrusion of the door hinge pillar and instrument panel, risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.

Rating applies to 2011-15 models

Tested vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT1 4-door

The Chevrolet Cruze was introduced in the 2011 model year as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cobalt. Beginning with 2013 Cruze models, the driver frontal airbag was changed to a simpler, "smart" design, characterized by General Motors as having flexible venting technology.

Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on two tests conducted by GM. The first car was a 2011 model; the second car was also a 2011 model, but the car was retrofitted with the smart airbag used in 2013 production models. As expected, the newer airbag did not contribute to any significant changes in test results. Therefore, the ratings are based on both tests, but vehicle specifications are provided for the Cruze used in the later test.

Beginning with the 2016 model year, the car was renamed the Cruze Limited and sold when new only to fleets. The Cruze Limited shares no ratings with the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.

Rating applies to 2011-15 models

Tested vehicle: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT 4-door with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front and rear seat-mounted torso airbags

The Chevrolet Cruze was introduced in the 2011 model year as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cobalt.

Beginning with the 2016 model year, the car was renamed the Cruze Limited and sold when new only to fleets. The Cruze Limited shares no ratings with the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.

View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.

View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side curtain airbag.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbag.

Rating applies to 2011-15 models

Tested vehicle: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LS 4-door

Rating applies to both the Chevrolet Cruze (tested) and the structurally similar Buick Verano.

Seat type: Manual cloth seats