Chevrolet Cruze Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Most Cruze 1.4L turbo engines (both generations) hold roughly 4.0 L (4.25 US qt) with filter; the 1.6L diesel and 1.8L engines hold more. Check your engine code and owner's manual to be sure.
Chevrolet Cruze oil capacity by engine
The Cruze was sold in two very different generations in North America - a first generation (J300, 2011-2015) and a redesigned second generation (D2XX, 2016-2019) - and it also used different engines in other markets. Capacity and the required viscosity change with the engine code, so the numbers below are grouped by engine, not just by model year.
Why the engine code matters
Two Cruze models built a year apart can use completely different engines. Before adding oil, find the engine code stamped on the engine block or listed on the emissions/VECI label under the hood, then match it to the rows below.
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4L Turbo, LUJ/LUV (2011-2015, 1st gen) | 4.0 L / 4.25 qt | 5W-30 (dexos1) |
| 1.8L, LAF/LUW/LWE (2011-2015, 1st gen) | 4.0-4.5 L / 4.25-4.75 qt (sources vary) | 5W-30 (dexos1) |
| 2.0L Turbo-Diesel (2014-2015, 1st gen, US) | approx. 4.5 L / 4.75 qt | 5W-30 dexos2 |
| 1.4L Turbo, LE2 (2016-2017, 2nd gen) | 4.0 L / 4.25 qt | 5W-30 (dexos1) |
| 1.4L Turbo, LE2 (2018-2019, 2nd gen) | 4.0 L / 4.25 qt | 0W-20 (dexos1 Gen2) |
| 1.6L Turbo-Diesel, LH7 (2018-2019, 2nd gen) | 5.0 L / 5.3 qt | 5W-30 dexos2 |
Why the 2016-2017 and 2018-2019 LE2 differ
The engine code (LE2) did not change between 2017 and 2018, but General Motors updated its recommended oil grade partway through the generation, moving from 5W-30 to a thinner 0W-20 dexos1 Gen2 oil. Always use the viscosity listed on your under-hood label or in your specific model-year owner's manual, since two cars with the same engine code can carry different factory-fill recommendations.
Where to double-check for your exact car
- The oil specification sticker on the underside of the hood or near the filler cap
- Your owner's manual, in the maintenance/capacities section
- The oil filler cap itself, which is often stamped with the viscosity grade
- A dealer parts/service lookup using your full 17-digit VIN, which identifies the exact engine build
These sources reflect the exact vehicle in front of you, including any mid-year running changes that generic guides cannot capture.
Summary
| 1st gen 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV, 2011-2015) | 4.0 L / 4.25 qt, 5W-30 |
|---|---|
| 1st gen 1.8L (LAF/LUW/LWE, 2011-2015) | 4.0-4.5 L / 4.25-4.75 qt, 5W-30 |
| 1st gen 2.0L Turbo-Diesel (2014-2015, US) | approx. 4.5 L / 4.75 qt, dexos2 5W-30 |
| 2nd gen 1.4L Turbo LE2 (2016-2017) | 4.0 L / 4.25 qt, 5W-30 |
| 2nd gen 1.4L Turbo LE2 (2018-2019) | 4.0 L / 4.25 qt, 0W-20 |
| 2nd gen 1.6L Turbo-Diesel LH7 (2018-2019) | 5.0 L / 5.3 qt, dexos2 5W-30 |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Chevrolet Cruze: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much oil does a Chevy Cruze 1.4L turbo take?
Both the 2011-2015 (LUJ/LUV) and 2016-2019 (LE2) 1.4L turbo engines hold about 4.0 liters (4.25 US quarts) with a filter change. The recommended viscosity shifted from 5W-30 to 0W-20 partway through the 2018 model year, so check your under-hood label to confirm which your car needs.
Does the Cruze diesel need a different oil?
Yes. Both the first-generation 2.0L diesel (2014-2015) and the second-generation 1.6L diesel (2018-2019) require dexos2-approved 5W-30 oil, which is a different specification from the gasoline engines, and they hold more oil (roughly 4.5-5.3 US quarts with filter, depending on engine).
Is it safe to use the same oil capacity figure for every Cruze model year?
No. The Cruze spans two full engine generations and several engine codes (1.4L turbo, 1.8L, 2.0L diesel, 1.6L diesel), and capacity and viscosity differ between them. Match your specific engine code, printed on the block or the underhood emissions label, to the correct row before you fill.
What if my Cruze's exact engine isn't listed here?
For less common regional 1.8L variants, sources reported a range (roughly 4.0 to 4.5 liters). In that case, use the figure printed on your oil filler cap, your VIN-specific owner's manual, or a dealer parts lookup rather than guessing, since overfilling or underfilling can cause real engine damage.