Chevy Cruze Oil Type & Capacity Guide (2011–2019) | 1.4L & 1.8L

Finding the right Chevy Cruze oil type and capacity shouldn’t require a mechanic’s degree. Whether you are doing an oil change on a 2011 1.8L or a 2019 1.4L Turbo, using the exact factory-recommended oil is the easiest way to prevent engine wear and keep your warranty intact.

So, what type of oil does a Chevy Cruze take? Almost all gasoline-powered Chevy Cruze models require 5W-30 full-synthetic motor oil that meets the GM dexos1™ standard. If you drive a Cruze Diesel, you must use a 5W-30 full-synthetic that meets the stricter GM dexos2™ standard to protect the emissions system. (Note: The 2019 1.4L gas model is the only exception, transitioning to a thinner 0W-20 viscosity).

How much oil does a Chevy Cruze take? Your oil capacity depends entirely on your engine size. The most common engine, the 1.4L Turbo, takes 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters), while the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine requires 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters).

To make your next oil change fast and foolproof, use our quick-reference chart below to find the exact oil capacity and viscosity for your specific model year and engine type.

Quick Reference: Chevy Cruze Oil Type and Capacity Chart

Use this table to find the exact oil volume (in quarts and liters) and the factory-recommended viscosity for your specific Chevy Cruze.

Model Year	Engine Size & Type	Oil Capacity (Quarts)	Oil Capacity (Liters)	Recommended Oil Viscosity
2017–2019	1.6L Turbo Diesel	5.3 Quarts	5.0 Liters	5W-30 (dexos2™)
2019	1.4L Turbo (Gas)	4.2 Quarts	4.0 Liters	0W-20 (dexos1™)
2016–2018	1.4L Turbo (Gas)	4.2 Quarts	4.0 Liters	5W-30 (dexos1™)
2011–2016*	1.4L Turbo (Gas)	4.2 Quarts	4.0 Liters	5W-30 (dexos1™)
2011–2016*	1.8L Non-Turbo (Gas)	4.8 Quarts	4.5 Liters	5W-30 (dexos1™)
2014–2015	2.0L Turbo Diesel	4.8 Quarts	4.5 Liters	5W-30 (dexos2™)

Mechanic’s Note on 2016 Models: The 2016 model year includes both the “Cruze Limited” (the older Gen 1 body style) and the redesigned Gen 2 Cruze. Fortunately, both the 1.4L Limited and 1.4L Gen 2 engines require exactly 4.2 quarts of oil.

Best Oil for Chevy Cruze: Synthetic vs. Conventional

If you are wondering whether you can use cheaper conventional oil in your Chevy Cruze, the short answer is: No, you shouldn’t. While older, naturally aspirated 1.8L engines can technically run on conventional oil, it is highly discouraged. Almost all Chevy Cruze models—especially those with the 1.4L Turbo engine—require full-synthetic motor oil.

Here is why Chevy Cruze synthetic oil is practically mandatory: The 1.4L engine runs incredibly hot, and the turbocharger relies on a steady flow of clean oil to keep its bearings cool. Conventional oil breaks down and “cokes” (turns into sludge) under that extreme heat, which can quickly lead to turbo failure or clogged PCV valves—two of the most common and expensive repairs on the Chevy Cruze.

Always look for a full-synthetic oil that carries the GM dexos1™ Gen 3 approval label (which is fully backward-compatible with older dexos1 Gen 2 requirements).

Top Motor Oil Brands for Chevy Cruze (Gasoline)

If you are looking for the best oil for a 2014 Chevy Cruze or any other gasoline model (1.4L or 1.8L), stick to these trusted, dexos-approved synthetic brands:

• Mobil 1 Extended Performance (5W-30): The gold standard for GM vehicles. It offers excellent high-temperature protection, making it ideal for the 1.4L Turbo.
• Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic (5W-30): Highly rated for preventing sludge buildup and maintaining engine cleanliness.
• Castrol EDGE (5W-30): Features fluid titanium technology to withstand extreme pressure, perfect for older, high-mileage 1.8L engines.
• Pennzoil Platinum (5W-30): Made from natural gas, it runs incredibly clean and provides excellent cold-start protection for drivers in winter climates.

Best Engine Oil for Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

If you drive a 2014–2015 2.0L Diesel or a 2017–2019 1.6L Diesel Cruze, you cannot use standard gasoline motor oil. Your car is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that requires a specialized low-ash oil.

The best engine oil for a Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is a 5W-30 full-synthetic that meets the GM dexos2™ standard.

• Top Pick: Motul 8100 X-clean EFE 5W-30 or Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5W-30. Both are explicitly formulated to protect GM diesel emissions systems and prevent your DPF from clogging.

Chevy Cruze Oil Filter Recommendations

Using the best Chevy Cruze synthetic oil won’t do you any good if you pair it with a cheap, low-quality oil filter.

Most Chevy Cruze engines (including the 1.4L Turbo and 1.8L) use a cartridge-style oil filter that drops into a permanent housing under the hood, rather than a traditional metal spin-on filter. Because these filters rely heavily on the housing’s bypass valve and a tight rubber O-ring seal, fitment is critical. If the filter collapses or the O-ring leaks, your engine loses oil pressure instantly.

Top Oil Filters for the Chevy Cruze:

• ACDelco (OEM): This is the gold standard. For example, the ACDelco PF2257G is the exact factory replacement for most 1.4L and 1.8L models. Sticking with OEM ACDelco ensures the filter media won’t collapse under the high oil pressure of the 1.4L Turbo.
• WIX / NAPA Gold: Excellent aftermarket options with superior synthetic filter media designed to last the full 7,500-mile synthetic oil lifecycle.
• Mobil 1 / K&N: High-performance options that offer excellent flow rates, ideal for extreme hot or cold climates.

Mechanic’s Tip: Always replace the rubber O-ring on the filter housing cap during every oil change. A new O-ring is included in the box with almost all quality cartridge filters.

Chevy Cruze Oil Change Intervals: How Often?

Modern Chevy Cruze models are equipped with GM’s Oil Life Monitoring System (OLM), which calculates oil degradation based on engine speed, temperature, and driving habits. However, relying only on the dashboard light can be a mistake, especially for turbocharged models.

Here are the practical, mechanic-recommended oil change intervals for a Chevy Cruze:

• 1.4L Turbo Engines (Every 5,000 Miles): Turbos run incredibly hot. To prevent the turbo oil-feed line from clogging with baked oil (coking), do not push your oil past 5,000 miles, even with full-synthetic.
• 1.8L Non-Turbo Engines (Every 7,500 Miles): The naturally aspirated 1.8L is easier on its oil. With high-quality full-synthetic motor oil, 7,500-mile intervals are generally safe under normal driving conditions.
• Cruze Diesel Engines (Every 7,500 Miles): Follow the OLM, but never exceed 7,500 miles to ensure the specialized dexos2™ low-ash oil continues protecting the Diesel Particulate Filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of oil does a 2017 Chevy Cruze take?

A 2017 Chevy Cruze with the 1.4L Turbo engine takes 4.2 quarts of 5W-30 full-synthetic oil that meets the GM dexos1™ standard.

What is the Chevy Cruze 1.8 oil capacity?

The 1.8L naturally aspirated engine (found in 2011–2016 Gen 1 models) takes exactly 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) of 5W-30 full-synthetic motor oil.

What is the 2016 Chevy Cruze recommended engine oil type, viscosity, and capacity?

If you have the 2016 1.4L Turbo (either the “Limited” Gen 1 or the redesigned Gen 2), the capacity is 4.2 quarts, the viscosity is 5W-30, and the oil type must be full-synthetic (dexos1™).

How many quarts of oil does a Chevy Cruze take?

It depends on the engine. The 1.4L gas engine takes 4.2 quarts, the 1.8L gas engine takes 4.8 quarts, and the 1.6L Diesel takes 5.3 quarts. Always check your dipstick after refilling to ensure the level is perfect.