It appears the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze will survive one more year, another victim of America’s preference for compact crossovers over small, sporty sedans. That’s unfortunate because in its class, the Cruze is one of the most stylish, well-equipped and versatile cars money can buy. Unlike the Toyota Corolla or the Honda Civic, the Cruze offers the option of diesel engine, and its available infotainment system is one of our personal favorites. For those who don’t like overly aggressive driver assists, Chevrolet allows owners the option of adding them to their car rather than making them standard. Offered as a stylish sedan or practical 5-door hatchback, the Cruze offers a nice blend of features, price, fuel economy and durability.
Autotrader's Advice
: If we were getting a Cruze, we’d choose an LT with the Convenience package and a few safety options. For around $25,000, you’ll have a well-equipped small car with a standout design, an upscale interior and an impressive array of convenience and safety technologies. If fuel economy is a priority, the Diesel is worth a look, although the $3,000 premium over its gasoline-powered sibling might be hard to justify.
What We Like:
Handsome styling; large interior with superior materials; impressive array of technology; peppy 4-cylinder offers great gas mileage; the diesel offers even better economy
What We Don’t:
Interior still not as large as in some rivals; steering feels a little numb; standard engine lags behind competitors in horsepower; no L or LS trim for hatchback
Original MSRP:
$18,870-$32,000 (when new)
MPG:
With the gasoline engine, fuel economy is 28 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the diesel earns in impressive 31 mpg city and 48 mpg hwy (30 mpg city/45 mpg hwy for the hatchback).
Standard Features and Options:
The Cruze sedan comes in five trim levels: the L, LS, LT, Premier and Diesel. Only the L trim is exclusive to the sedan.
The
2019 Chevrolet Cruze L ($18,870, when new) comes standard with air conditioning, 15-in steel wheels with hubcaps, Bluetooth, a backup camera, power accessories, Teen Driver, a 4-speaker stereo with Bluetooth, OnStar with Wi-Fi hotspot and a 7-in center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The
2019 Chevrolet Cruze LS ($19,955, sedan; $20,495, hatchback, when new) adds a front center armrest, carpeted floor mats and engine start/stop technology.
The
2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT ($22,595, sedan; $22,995, hatchback, when new) and you get 16-in alloy wheels, steering-wheel-mounted phone and audio controls, cruise control, LED running lights, satellite radio and a 6-speaker stereo. The LT also offers a Convenience package with keyless ignition and push-button start, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors and the contents of the Driver Confidence package (rear park assist, lane-change assist, blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert). The RS package adds fog lights, a rear spoiler, Z-line rear suspension, a body kit and 17-in alloy wheels.
The
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel ($26,495, sedan; $26,995, hatchback, when new) includes all the LT trim features plus remote vehicle start, heated front seats and an 8-way power driver’s seat.
The
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier ($24,395, sedan; $24,895, hatchback), which comes standard with the LT’s Convenience package. The Premier also includes larger alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel and leatherette upholstery.
Other options (mostly for the LT and Premier) include a 9-speaker Bose audio system, a power sunroof, performance brake package and a long list of safety options, including rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors and a blind spot monitoring system.
Safety:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze a 5-star overall rating, with five stars in the front crash test and four stars in the side and rollover tests. The Cruze offers a long list of safety features, both standard and optional. Standard are 10 airbags, including side-curtain airbags, a backup camera and anti-lock brakes, while options run the gamut from rear cross-traffic alert and a blind spot monitoring system to forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist and automatic high beams.
Behind the Wheel:
On the road, the Cruze feels a lot punchier than its modest 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine’s size might suggest. Chalk it up to minimal turbo lag and an efficient automatic transmission. Speaking of that transmission, it’s impressively smooth, even under hard acceleration. Inside the Cruze, there’s a lot of room for passengers, especially in the back. Materials are of the highest quality, meaning the Cruze’s cabin offers about as much visual delight as does its exterior design. As for cornering and handling capabilities, the Cruze feels as stable and composed as any other car in this segment, but it’s not as quick-witted as sporty small cars such as the Mazda3, largely due to a slightly vague steering feel.
Learn more
