The Chevy Cruze Lives Again, Just Not Where You Think originally appeared on Autoblog.
A Victim of Evolving Market Preference
For a time, the Chevrolet Cruze served as GM's global answer to the compact sedan market. Originally developed by GM Korea, it replaced a string of badge-engineered compacts like the Daewoo Lacetti and Chevrolet Cobalt. The Cruze was sold in several markets, including the US, where it was assembled at the Lordstown Assembly Plant in Ohio.
The Cruze competed in a crowded segment filled with established players like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, yet never truly broke through as a standout. By 2019, production in North America and South Korea had ended, followed by China in 2020 and Argentina in 2023, its final production site. Without an official successor, the nameplate faded quietly.
Now, it's back – though not in the markets you might expect.
The Arabian Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze nameplate returns for the 2026 model year, but for the Middle East market (for now). The new Cruze boasts a modern and sporty appearance, featuring LED lighting, a sporty rear wing, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The front fascia features a black honeycomb grille, while the color options include Sharkskin Metallic and Rip Tide Blue.
Inside, the Cruze has leatherette seats in Captain Blue, a sunroof, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It's modestly packed with tech, too, with dual 10.25-inch displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system.
Under the hood, the Cruze is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, producing 113 horsepower and 104 lb-ft of torque. Safety features include two airbags, a rearview camera, cruise control, four airbags, and rear park assist.
View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article
Uncovering its Chinese Roots
What's different this time around is where the Cruze comes from. Instead of the US or South Korea, the 2026 model is built in China based on the Monza sedan and exported exclusively to Middle Eastern markets like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon.
Given the high tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles, it's unlikely the Cruze will return to the US in its current form. Even if it were brought in, it would struggle in a market that has largely turned its back on compact sedans. Crossovers have overtaken the space the Cruze once occupied, and the new model would find itself against not just old rivals, but also a consumer base that's moved on.
The Chevy Cruze Lives Again, Just Not Where You Think first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 30, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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