Chevrolet Brings Back the Cruze—But It’s Not for Sale
It’s essentially identical to a vehicle that carries a more well-known Chevy nameplate.
Sometimes, no matter what, a good car—or even just a decent one—refuses to fade away. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Chevrolet Cruze, which is making a comeback. While it won’t be available in the U.S., buyers in the Middle East will soon have the chance to purchase this compact sedan proudly bearing the iconic bow-tie emblem once again.
If You’re Particular, This Isn’t Really the Same Cruze
Although it carries the Cruze name familiar to American buyers, the version sold in the Middle East is quite different. In fact, it’s essentially the Chinese-market Chevrolet Monza under a new badge. The Monza originally launched in 2018 and has been sold in various markets since then, with a recent facelift introduced just a few years ago. Interestingly, the Monza’s presence overlaps with the Cruze’s absence in the U.S.—the Cruze’s last model year in America was 2019, around the same time the Monza was gaining traction overseas.
That said, the new Cruze still bears a strong visual connection to its predecessor. Its bodywork features sharply creased panels, and the front grille unmistakably Chevrolet—with a prominent chrome crossbar and a subtly downturned lower section. It fits right in alongside other vehicles sold in the Middle Eastern market, like the Chevy Blazer. Inside, the cabin matches what you’d expect from a contemporary Chevy, boasting dual 10.25-inch screens for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system, framed by trapezoidal, layered surrounds that add a touch of style. The infotainment interface is also familiar to those who know current Chevy models. The base LS trim comes with cloth seats, while the LT upgrade offers leatherette upholstery, including an eye-catching “Captain Blue” color option.
It’s Neither Fast Nor Fancy
The new Cruze comes with just one engine option: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder delivering a modest 111 horsepower and 104 pound-feet of torque. That’s actually less powerful than any version of the Cruze previously sold in the U.S., including the brief-run diesel model that produced 137 hp. Paired with the engine is a single transmission choice—a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. For comparison, the Chinese-market Monza offers an additional 1.3-liter engine featuring a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. On the plus side, the new Cruze’s chassis may be an improvement over the old American model, as it appears to utilize a multi-link rear suspension instead of the simpler torsion-beam setup.
The feature list feels quite basic. Despite the large interior screens, the seats are only manually adjustable, and push-button start is reserved for the top-tier trim. Safety equipment is limited too: standard gear includes just dual front airbags, forward collision warning (without automatic braking), and a rearview camera. The higher LT trim adds two more airbags and parking sensors. To put that in perspective, the entry-level Chevy Trax in the U.S. comes standard with six airbags, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. It also offers a more powerful turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower. So, if you’re tempted by this overseas Cruze, keep in mind the differences. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the sedan will be available as a 2026 model in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Bahrain.
