Chevrolet Cruze Tire Pressure (Recommended PSI)
TL;DR
Gen-1 Cruze (2011-2015) splits between 35 PSI (base 16-17 inch tires) and 30 PSI (17-18 inch LT/LTZ tires); Gen-2 Cruze (2016-2019) is 35 PSI front and rear on every trim.
Why there is no single number for every Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze was built in two very different generations, and within each generation General Motors specified different cold inflation pressures depending on the tire size fitted at the factory. A page that gives you one PSI figure for the whole model line is guessing. The only number that matters for your car is the one printed on the tire and loading information placard inside the driver's door jamb, because it was calculated for your exact tire size and the car's loaded weight.
First generation (2011-2015)
On first-generation Cruze sedans, the base tire sizes (P215/60R16 on LS/LT, 215/55R17 on Eco/Diesel) are specified at 35 PSI front and rear. Cars ordered with the larger optional 225/50R17 tire (some LT builds) or the 225/45R18 tire (LTZ) are specified at 30 PSI front and rear instead. A couple of independent tire-pressure databases list 32 PSI for a narrow band of 16 and 17-inch sizes on 2012-2015 cars, so if your placard reads 32 PSI for a mid-size tire, trust the placard over any chart.
Second generation (2016-2019)
Redesigned second-generation Cruze sedans and hatchbacks (2016 through the final 2019 model year, the last year Chevrolet built the sedan for the US market) simplified this: every trim level, from L up through Premier and the RS package, and every tire size offered (195/65R15, 205/55R16, 225/45R17, 225/40R18), is specified at 35 PSI front and rear. This figure is consistent across multiple independent sources for this generation.
Where to double-check your exact figure
- The tire and loading information placard on the driver's door jamb (pillar) - this is the manufacturer's authoritative source for your specific car
- Your owner's manual, in the Wheels and Tires section
- The tire sidewall shows a maximum pressure, not the recommended one - do not inflate to the sidewall number
Quick reference table
| Generation / years | Trim or tire size | Front (PSI) | Rear (PSI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st gen (2011-2015) | LS/LT with P215/60R16, Eco/Diesel with 215/55R17 | 35 | 35 |
| 1st gen (2011-2015) | LT (optional) with 225/50R17 | 30 | 30 |
| 1st gen (2011-2015) | LTZ with 225/45R18 | 30 | 30 |
| 1st gen (2012-2015) | Some 16-17 inch sizes (sources vary) | 30-32 | 30-32 |
| 2nd gen (2016-2019) | All trims (L, LS, LT, RS, Premier), all tire sizes | 35 | 35 |
Summary
| Generation 1 base tires (215/55R17, P215/60R16) | 35 PSI front / 35 PSI rear |
|---|---|
| Generation 1 LT optional (225/50R17) | 30 PSI front / 30 PSI rear |
| Generation 1 LTZ (225/45R18) | 30 PSI front / 30 PSI rear |
| Generation 2 (2016-2019), all trims | 35 PSI front / 35 PSI rear |
| Authoritative source | Driver's door jamb placard |
| Years produced (US sedan) | 2011-2019 |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Chevrolet Cruze: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is 35 PSI correct for every Chevrolet Cruze?
No. It is correct for second-generation Cruze models (2016-2019) across all trims, and for most base-tire first-generation models (2011-2015). However, first-generation LT and LTZ trims fitted with 225/50R17 or 225/45R18 tires are specified at 30 PSI instead, so check your door placard before assuming 35 PSI applies to your car.
Where exactly do I find my Cruze's correct tire pressure?
Open the driver's door and look at the placard on the door jamb (the pillar the door latches against). It lists the original-equipment tire size and the exact recommended cold PSI for front and rear tires as built by the factory. This always overrides any generic chart, including this one.
Why do front and rear pressures look the same on the Cruze?
Unlike some performance or truck models, the Cruze does not use a staggered pressure setup. Every generation and trim we found specifies identical front and rear cold PSI, so you do not need to inflate the axles differently on this model.
Does tire pressure change with larger aftermarket wheels?
Yes, potentially. The factory placard figure is calculated for the original-equipment tire size. If you have fitted different-sized aftermarket tires or wheels, use the load index and pressure chart from your new tire's manufacturer rather than the factory placard, since the correct pressure depends on the tire's actual load capacity.