The Chevy Cruze was introduced in Chevy’s lineup as a compact car in 2008 remained available through 2019. Chevy vehicles are known for their affordability and the Cruze also has the features consumers expect from today’s cars, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Chevy Cruze?
The Chevy Cruze has a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs for all years and trim levels.
There’s a bit more to know about Chevy Cruze towing which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2019 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the Chevy Cruze can tow a maximum of 1,000 lbs.
| Cruze Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| L | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LS | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LT | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Premier | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Diesel | 1.6L Ecotec Turbo Diesel I4 | 3.17 | 137 hp | 240 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Chevy Cruze Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Chevy Cruze Braked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Chevy Cruze Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity Factors
As we covered earlier, the fact of whether your Cruze is gas or diesel or not will affect the towing power.
The gasoline Cruze tow capacity is 1,000 lbs.
The diesel Cruze tow capacity is 1,000 lbs.
Chevy Cruze Engine Specs
All trim levels of the gas Chevy Cruze have a 1.4L turbocharged I4 engine that’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission .
This engine offers a max 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft of torque.
The diesel Chevy Cruze has a 1.6L turbo diesel I4 engine that’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Chevy Cruze Tow Packages
Does The Chevy Cruze Have A Tow Package?
Chevy did not offer a towing package or factory-installed tow hitch for the Cruze, so you’ll need to install one yourself.
In fact, it’s important to note that Chevy itself actually states in the vehicle’s owner’s manual for most years of the Cruze that this vehicle is not designed to tow anything!
However, most Chevy dealers will tell you that you can tow up to 1,000 lbs when it’s properly equipped with a tow hitch.
You’ll also need to install a wiring harness that allows the trailer’s brake lights and turning signals to light up in sync with your vehicle.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Chevy Cruze?
If you plan on towing anything with your Cruze, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Chevy Cruze Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Chevy Cruze fits a Class 1 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Chevy Cruze trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch package is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard, square 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch and comes with a ball mount with a 3/4-inch ball hole to connect a small trailer
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch kit fits select model years of the Chevrolet Cruze
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Cruze:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Chevy Cruze Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Cruze, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Chevy Cruze trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With Chevy Cruze?
The Chevy Cruze does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Chevy Cruze Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Cruze to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Cruze.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2018 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2018 Chevy Cruze had the same trim levels as the 2019, all with a 1,000 pound towing capacity.
| Cruze Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| L | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LS | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LT | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Premier | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LT Diesel | 1.6L Ecotec Turbo Diesel I4 | 3.17 | 137 hp | 240 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2017 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2017 Chevy Cruze had the same trim levels as the 2018-2019, all with a 1,000 pound towing capacity.
| Cruze Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| L | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LS | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LT | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Premier | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LT Diesel | 1.6L Ecotec Turbo Diesel I4 | 3.17 | 137 hp | 240 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2016 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2016 Chevy Cruze has a 1,000 lb towing capacity across all trim levels.
A diesel engine was not offered on the Cruze in 2016,
| Cruze Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| L | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LS | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LT | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Premier | 1.4L Ecotec Turbo I4 | 3.14 | 153 hp | 177 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2015 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2015 Chevy Cruze can tow 1,000 pounds no matter what engine or trim level.
The Cruze offered an LTZ trim and a diesel option in 2015, and the engine specs were different than future years.
| Cruze Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| ECO | 1.4L 4 Cyl | 138 hp | 125 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| L | 1.4L 4 Cyl | 138 hp | 125 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LS | 1.4L 4 Cyl | 138 hp | 125 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| 1LT | 1.4L 4 Cyl | 138 hp | 125 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| 2LT | 1.4L 4 Cyl | 138 hp | 125 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| LTZ | 1.4L 4 Cyl | 138 hp | 125 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Diesel | 2.0L 4 Cyl Diesel | 151 hp | 258 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2014 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2014 Chevy Cruze can tow up to 1,000 lbs, regardless of trim level or engine size.
| Cruze Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2013 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2013 Chevy Cruze can tow up to 1,000 lbs, regardless of trim level or engine size.
| Cruze Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2012 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2012 Chevy Cruze can tow up to 1,000 lbs, regardless of engine or trim level.
| Cruze Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2011 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2011 Chevy Cruze can pull up to 1,000 pounds for towing across all trim levels and engine sizes.
| Cruze Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2010 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2010 Chevy Cruze can pull up to 1,000 pounds for towing across all trim levels and engine sizes.
| Cruze Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2009 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2009 Chevy Cruze can pull up to 1,000 pounds for towing across all engine sizes and trim levels.
| Cruze Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2008 Chevy Cruze Towing Capacity
The 2008 Chevy Cruze can pull up to 1,000 pounds for towing across all engine sizes and trim levels.
| Cruze Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
