What To Know
- 4-liter turbocharged engine earns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission.
- The Dart has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a “Good” rating in all crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- The Cruze has also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all crash tests conducted by the IIHS.
In the fiercely competitive compact sedan segment, the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze stand out as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of performance, efficiency, and value, making them popular choices among car buyers. This detailed comparison will delve into the key differences between the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best.
Performance
Engine Options
The Dodge Dart offers a wider range of engine options than the Chevrolet Cruze. The base model comes equipped with a 2.0-liter Tigershark engine that produces 160 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. For more power, the Dart offers a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line Dart GT features a 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir engine that generates 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
The Chevrolet Cruze, on the other hand, offers a single engine option across all trim levels. This 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. While it has less horsepower than the Dart’s base engine, the Cruze’s torque output is slightly higher.
Transmission Options
Both the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze offer a choice of transmissions. The Dart comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The Cruze offers a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a six-speed automatic transmission as an option.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many car buyers, and both the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze deliver respectable fuel economy ratings. The Dart with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. With the automatic transmission, those numbers drop slightly to 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The Cruze with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine earns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. Those numbers remain the same when equipped with the automatic transmission.
Interior
Space and Comfort
The Dodge Dart offers a spacious interior with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing good lumbar support. The trunk space is also generous, offering 16.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
The Chevrolet Cruze has a slightly smaller interior than the Dart, but it still provides adequate space for most passengers. The seats are comfortable, but some drivers may find them a bit too firm. The trunk space is also smaller than the Dart’s, offering 15.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Features and Technology
Both the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze offer a range of interior features and technology. The Dart comes standard with a 5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels add features such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system.
The Cruze comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels add features such as an 8-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and a Bose seven-speaker audio system.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for many car buyers, and both the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze have received high safety ratings. The Dart has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a “Good” rating in all crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Cruze has also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all crash tests conducted by the IIHS. Additionally, the Cruze has been named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for several years.
Price
Pricing for the Dodge Dart starts at $21,995 for the SE trim level. The SXT trim level starts at $23,995, and the GT trim level starts at $29,995.
Pricing for the Chevrolet Cruze starts at $20,495 for the LS trim level. The LT trim level starts at $22,495, and the Premier trim level starts at $25,495.
Key Points: The Verdict
The Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze are both excellent choices in the compact sedan segment. The Dart offers more engine options, a more spacious interior, and a slightly lower starting price. The Cruze, on the other hand, has better fuel economy, a more advanced infotainment system, and a higher safety rating.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and space, the Dodge Dart is a great option. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, safety, and technology, the Chevrolet Cruze is a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which car has a more powerful engine?
The Dodge Dart offers a wider range of engine options, including a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Chevrolet Cruze only offers a single engine option, a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
2. Which car gets better gas mileage?
The Chevrolet Cruze gets better gas mileage than the Dodge Dart. The Cruze with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine earns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. The Dart with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission.
3. Which car has a more spacious interior?
The Dodge Dart has a more spacious interior than the Chevrolet Cruze. The Dart offers more headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The trunk space is also more generous in the Dart, offering 16.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to 15.9 cubic feet in the Cruze.