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Feature-packed compact: chevrolet cruze vs ford focus 2012 technology battle

What To Know

  • 0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Focus with the 2.
  • The Cruze also earned a “Good” rating in all of the IIHS’s crash tests, while the Focus earned a “Good” rating in most of the IIHS’s crash tests, but a “Marginal” rating in the small overlap front crash test.
  • The Cruze is a good choice for drivers who want a spacious and well-equipped cabin, while the Focus is a good choice for drivers who want a more sporty and engaging driving experience.

The compact car segment is fiercely competitive, with automakers constantly striving to outdo each other with the latest features, performance, and efficiency. Two of the most popular models in this segment are the Chevrolet Cruze and the Ford Focus. In this blog post, we will compare the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze and the 2012 Ford Focus to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering purchasing one of these vehicles.

Exterior Design

The Chevrolet Cruze features a sleek and modern exterior design, with sharp lines and a sporty stance. It has a wide grille and angular headlights, giving it an aggressive look. In contrast, the Ford Focus has a more conservative design, with rounded edges and a more traditional grille. It has a cleaner and more understated appearance compared to the Cruze.

Interior Design

Inside, the Cruze offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin. The dashboard is uncluttered and easy to use, with a large touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there is plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The Focus also has a comfortable interior, but it feels a bit more cramped than the Cruze. The dashboard is more cluttered, and the infotainment system is smaller and less intuitive.

Engine and Performance

The Cruze offers a choice of two engines: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 163 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Focus also offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Focus is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, the Cruze is slightly slower than the Focus. The Cruze with the 1.8-liter engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, while the Focus with the 2.0-liter engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The Cruze with the 2.0-liter engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, while the Focus with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

Fuel Economy

The Cruze is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Focus. The Cruze with the 1.8-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Focus with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Cruze with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Focus with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Safety

Both the Cruze and the Focus have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Cruze received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Focus received a four-star overall safety rating. The Cruze also earned a “Good” rating in all of the IIHS’s crash tests, while the Focus earned a “Good” rating in most of the IIHS’s crash tests, but a “Marginal” rating in the small overlap front crash test.

Price

The Cruze has a slightly lower starting price than the Focus. The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS has a starting price of $15,995, while the 2012 Ford Focus S has a starting price of $16,495.

Which Car is Right for You?

The Chevrolet Cruze and the Ford Focus are both excellent compact cars that offer a good balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. The Cruze is a good choice for drivers who want a spacious and well-equipped cabin, while the Focus is a good choice for drivers who want a more sporty and engaging driving experience. Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both models and see which one you prefer.

Wrap-Up: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze and the 2012 Ford Focus depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you prioritize space, comfort, and fuel efficiency, the Cruze might be a better fit. However, if you prioritize performance, handling, and a more engaging driving experience, the Focus could be the right choice for you. Both vehicles offer excellent value and reliability, so you can’t go wrong with either option.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The 2012 Ford Focus with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has a more powerful engine than the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze with either engine option.

Q: Which car has a better fuel economy?
A: The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze with the 1.8-liter engine has a slightly better fuel economy than the 2012 Ford Focus with the 2.0-liter engine.

Q: Which car has a higher safety rating?
A: Both the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze and the 2012 Ford Focus have received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. However, the Cruze has a slightly higher overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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