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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 51 advantages that the Volkswagen Golf has over the Chevrolet Cruze.
| MSRP Range | |
| Volkswagen Golf | |
| Chevrolet Cruze | |
Performance
Engine
The standard engine in the Golf is larger than the standard engine in the Cruze, as detailed below by trim:
| Spec | ||||
 | | | Standard Engine | |
| Golf | | 2.0L I4 | |
| Cruze 1LT | | 1.4L I4 | |
| Cruze 2LS | | 1.8L I4 | |
| Cruze 2LT | | 1.4L I4 | |
| Cruze ECO | | 1.4L I4 | |
| Cruze LTZ | | 1.4L I4 | |
The standard engine in the Golf 2.0L I4 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Cruze (1.4L I4, 1.8L I4), 140 HP vs. 138 HP.
The Golf's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Cruze's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| Spec | ||||||
| | | RPM's to Peak Torque | | RPM's to Peak HP | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 1750 | | 4000 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 1750 | | 4000 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 1750 | | 4000 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 1750 | | 4000 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 1750 | | 4000 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 1750 | | 4000 | |
| Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4 | | 3800 | | 6300 | |
| Cruze 1LT 1.4L I4 | | 1850 | | 4900 | |
| Cruze ECO 1.4L I4 | | 1850 | | 4900 | |
| Cruze 2LT 1.4L I4 | | 1850 | | 4900 | |
| Cruze LTZ 1.4L I4 | | 1850 | | 4900 | |
The standard engines in the Golf have more torque (low-end power) than those in the Cruze, as detailed by trim and engine below:
| Spec | ||||
| | | Torque | |
| Golf | | 236 lb-ft | |
| Cruze 1LT 1.4L I4 | | 148 lb-ft | |
| Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4 | | 123 lb-ft | |
| Cruze 2LT 1.4L I4 | | 148 lb-ft | |
| Cruze ECO 1.4L I4 | | 148 lb-ft | |
| Cruze LTZ 1.4L I4 | | 148 lb-ft | |
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Golf, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Cruze, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| Spec | ||||
| | | Power To Weight Ratio | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 21.7 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 21.7 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 21.7 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 21.7 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 21.7 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 21.7 | |
| Golf 2.5L 2 Dr. 2.5L I5 | | 17.5 | |
| Golf 2.5L 4 Dr. 2.5L I5 | | 18.2 | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr. 2.5L I5 | | 17.5 | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr. 2.5L I5 | | 18.2 | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr. 2.5L I5 | | 17.5 | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr. 2.5L I5 | | 18.2 | |
| Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4 | | 22.4 | |
| Cruze ECO 1.4L I4 | | 21.8 | |
| Cruze LTZ 1.4L I4 | | 22.9 | |
Reliability
The Golf has a larger engine displacement than the Cruze. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life. Details by engine below:
| Spec | ||||
| | | Displacement CC | |
| Golf 2.0L I4 | | 1968 cc | |
| Cruze 1.4L I4 | | 1364 cc | |
| Cruze 1.8L I4 | | 1796 cc | |
Transmission
The Golf (2.5L 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.) has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Optional in the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, 2LT, ECO).
WarrantyCorrosion Warranty
Volkswagen's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Chevrolet's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| Spec | ||||||
| | | Corrosion Warranty Months | | Corrosion Warranty Miles | |
| Golf | | 144 | | Unlimited | |
| Cruze | | 72 | | 100000 | |
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The Golf has a larger fuel tank than the Cruze ECO, 14.5 gal. vs. 12.6 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.
The Golf is more fuel efficient than the Cruze. Superior fuel efficiency makes the Golf both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Cruze.
| Spec | ||||||
| | | Fuel Economy Hwy | | Fuel Economy City | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 42 mpg. | | 30 mpg. | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 42 mpg. | | 30 mpg. | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 42 mpg. | | 30 mpg. | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 42 mpg. | | 30 mpg. | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 42 mpg. | | 30 mpg. | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. 2.0L I4 | | 42 mpg. | | 30 mpg. | |
| Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4 | | 36 mpg. | | 25 mpg. | |
| Cruze 1LT 1.4L I4 | | 38 mpg. | | 26 mpg. | |
| Cruze ECO 1.4L I4 | | - | | 28 mpg. | |
| Cruze 2LT 1.4L I4 | | 38 mpg. | | 26 mpg. | |
| Cruze LTZ 1.4L I4 | | 38 mpg. | | 26 mpg. | |
*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)
The Golf gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Cruze, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| Spec | ||||
| | | Driving Distance | |
| Golf | | 493 mi. | |
| Cruze 1LT 1.4L I4 | | 468 mi. | |
| Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4 | | 452.4 mi. | |
| Cruze 2LT 1.4L I4 | | 468 mi. | |
| Cruze ECO 1.4L I4 | | 415.8 mi. | |
| Cruze LTZ 1.4L I4 | | 468 mi. | |
Cost to Own
The base MSRP on the Golf is less than the base MSRP on the Cruze as shown in the table below.
| Spec | ||||
| | | Base Price MSRP | |
| Golf 2.5L 2 Dr. | | 17,995 | |
| Golf 2.5L 4 Dr. | | 19,795 | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv 2 Dr. | | 18,840 | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr. | | 20,640 | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr. | | 20,655 | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr. | | 22,455 | |
| Cruze 1LT | | 18,555 | |
| Cruze ECO | | 19,325 | |
| Cruze 2LT | | 20,685 | |
| Cruze LTZ | | 23,190 | |
Airbags
Both the Golf and the Cruze feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Golf is heavier than the Cruze, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| Spec | ||||||
| | | Curb Weight MT | | Curb Weight AT | |
| Golf 2.5L 4 Dr. | | 3027 lbs. | | 3,102 lbs. | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. | | 3073 lbs. | | 3,120 lbs. | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv 4 Dr. | | 3027 lbs. | | 3,102 lbs. | |
| Golf 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr. | | 3027 lbs. | | 3,102 lbs. | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. | | 3073 lbs. | | 3,120 lbs. | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. | | 3073 lbs. | | 3,120 lbs. | |
| Cruze 2LS | | - | | 3,082 lbs. | |
| Cruze ECO | | 3011 lbs. | | 3,102 lbs. | |
The Golf is equipped with Standard FWD.
An anti-theft stereo is offered as a Standard feature on the Golf. This provides a strong theft deterrent, as the radio is disabled and rendered useless when removed from the vehicle. This anti-theft feature is Not Available in the Cruze.
Rear spoilers create additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. You will be more likely to find a rear spoiler on the Golf than on the Cruze, as shown below:
| Spec | ||||
| | | Rear Spoiler | |
| Golf | | Standard | |
| Cruze 1LT | | Optional | |
| Cruze 2LS | | Not Available | |
| Cruze 2LT | | Optional | |
| Cruze LTZ | | Optional | |
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Golf (2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr.) but Not Available Cruze. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
The Golf features a Standard rear wiper which provides improved visibility by allowing the driver to clean the rear window. This feature is Not Available on the Cruze.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The Golf has more interior space than the Cruze in the following areas:
| Spec | ||||||
| | | Head Room, Rear | | Leg Room, Rear | |
| Golf | | 38.5 in. | | 35.5 in. | |
| Cruze | | 37.9 in. | | 35.4 in. | |
Cargo Space
Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Optional in the Cruze ECO.
The Golf offers a Standard cargo net that helps secure packages or groceries, while in the Cruze a cargo net is Optional.
Payload and Towing
The Golf has a higher towing capacity than the Cruze, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.
| Spec | ||||||
| | | Tow Capacity, Max | | Tow Capacity, Std | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Golf | | - | | - | |
| Cruze ECO | | Not Recommended | | Not Recommended | |
General Suspension
The Golf has a independent rear suspension, which is superior to the semi-independent suspension used on the Cruze.
Chassis
The Golf is shorter than the Cruze , 165.4 in. vs. 181.0 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.
The Golf is narrower than the Cruze, 70.3 in. vs. 70.7 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Golf may provide better handling capability than those on the Cruze. Details below:
| Spec | ||||
| | | Tire Aspect Ratio | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 2 Dr. | | 45 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI 4 Dr. | | 45 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr. | | 45 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr. | | 45 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr. | | 45 | |
| Golf 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr. | | 45 | |
| Cruze 1LT | | 60 | |
| Cruze 2LS | | 60 | |
| Cruze 2LT | | 50 | |
| Cruze ECO | | 55 | |
The Golf comes with a Standard full-size spare tire, a safer alternative to smaller temporary spares. In contrast, a full-size spare is Not Available on the Cruze.
Braking
The Golf has standard front and rear disc brakes but the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, ECO) only has standard rear Drum brakes. Drums tend to heat up with repeated use and can cause stopping distances to increase.
An Electronic Braking Assistance system, Standard in the Golf, measures the speed and force with which the brake pedal has been pushed, determines whether the driver has attempted an emergency stop, and applies any additional brake pressure needed to ensure optimal utilization of the anti-lock brake system. Electronic Braking Assistance is Not Available in the Cruze.
AdvantagesAdditional Features
A heated front seat is Standard in the Golf (2.0L TDI 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav 4 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 2 Dr., 2.0L TDI w/Tech Pkg 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv 4 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 2 Dr., 2.5L Conv/Sunroof 4 Dr.), providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, ECO).
A navigational aid system provides drivers with information such as maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is a more common feature in the Golf than the Cruze, as shown below.
| Spec | ||||
| | | Navigational Aid | |
| Golf | | Standard | |
| Cruze 1LT | | Not Available | |
| Cruze 2LS | | Not Available | |
| Cruze 2LT | | Optional | |
| Cruze ECO | | Optional | |
| Cruze LTZ | | Optional | |
Illuminated vanity mirrors are Standard in the Golf but Not Available in the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, 2LT, ECO).
On long road trips in the Golf, drivers can engage the Standard cruise control, reducing fatigue. Cruise control is Not Available in the Cruze 2LS.
With a power sunroof, a touch of a button is all it takes to let the sun or the stars shine in. You are more likely to find a power sunroof in the Golf than in the Cruze, as shown below:
| Spec | ||||
| | | Power Sunroof | |
| Golf | | Standard | |
| Cruze 1LT | | Optional | |
| Cruze 2LS | | Not Available | |
| Cruze 2LT | | Optional | |
| Cruze ECO | | Not Available | |
| Cruze LTZ | | Optional | |
Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the Golf, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, 2LT, ECO).