Additional Interior and exterior features across the lineup.
Balanced engine power output
Lacks behind in safety features
Smart trim configuration
Average quality interior
Comfortable to drive
Overview
The 2019 Chevy Cruze is a competitive entry level car offered by the homegrown brand Chevroletand is offered in both sedan and hatchback body style. The Chevrolet Cruze runs on both gasoline and diesel powered engine configuration. The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze makes way for some additional features and an increase in the MSRP.
Here we are reviewing the 2019 Chevy Cruze sedan with a 1.4L Turbo gasoline powered engine that is offered in 4 various trims and has a starting price of $18,870. The engine offers adequate power for day to day operations and is pretty fun to drive in the city. It rivals the Hyundai Elantra, the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla and the Mazda 3 all are similarly priced in the segment.
Buying Advice
Considering the Bump in features for 2019, most people who are on a budget will be happy with the base L Variant while the LT will be the pick for users looking for some exclusivity.
The Chevy Cruze is the most affordable sedan offered by the premium car maker Chevrolet, and is a lighter version of the Chevy Malibu. It stands somewhere between the Chevy Sonic and the Chevy Malibu and is appropriately priced for the features it gets. The 2019 Chevy Cruze sedan is a value for money and an excellent entry level vehicle that is practical for low-budget sedan buyers.
Pricing and Features
8.0/10
The Cruze is the Most Selling model from Chevrolet and with the rising competition from Japanese Brands, GM decided to soup up its most "Sought After" model for 2019 in a bet to lure new buyers. Doing duty in the Cruze Gasoline is a familiar 1.4L Turbocharged Inline 4 Motor that generates 153hp and 177lbs-ft of Torque while delivering an astounding 33MPG combined gas average.
For 2019, Chevrolet has bumped up the features in the Cruze. There are a total of 4 Trims to choose from the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan. The Base L Trim has some great features like 7" Touchscreen System, 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, 10 Airbags and more as standard while the Top end Premier Model has nifty features like Powered Driver Seat, LED Tail Lamps and more.
Trim
L
LS
LT
Premier
MSRP
$18,870
$19,995
$22,595
$24,395
Features
Engine Immobilizer and Theft Deterrent System
Adds these to the features of the previous trims
Adds these to the features of the previous trims
Adds these to the features of the previous trims
Daytime Running Lamps
Front Carpeted Floor Mats
LED Daytime Running Lamps
Driver and Front Passenger illuminated mirror
15" Steel Wheels with Bolt On Covers
5yrs/60,000 Miles of 24hr Roadside Assistance
16" Aluminum Wheels with Spare Wheel
Heated Leather upholstered Driver and Passenger Seats
Remote Keyless Entry
2 Way Front Passenger Manual Adjust Seats
6 Speaker Audio System
4 Way Manual Adjust Front Passenger Seat
Rear Window Defogger
6 way manual adjust driver seat
Sirius XM Radio
8 way powered driver adjust seat
Traction Control with ESC
Cruise Control
Heated Steering
Twin Reflector Halogen Headlamps and Interior Overhead Courtesy Lamp
Halogen Projector Beam Headlamps with LED Signature
LED Accent Tail Lamps
Outside Powered Mirrors and Rear Vision Camera
60/40 Split Folding Rear Bench Seat
10 Airbags and Tire Pressure Monitor System
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
4 Speaker Audio System
Remote Start
4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot and Bluetooth
Dual Reading Lamps
Chevrolet 7" Touchscreen Infotainment System
Single Zone Auto AC
Front Center Console Armrest
2019 Chevrolet Cruze trim to buy?
Considering the Bump in features for 2019, most people who are on a budget will be happy with the base L Variant while the LT will be the pick for users looking for some exclusivity.
Engine and Performance
7.2/10
The 2019 Cruze is the only one in this comparison, to be offered only in a Turbocharged Avatar. This Engine has been tuned by GM for efficiency rather than performance.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Bay
However, in no way is the Performance dull as the 1.4L Inline 4 Motor in the Cruze delivers 153HP and a massive 177lbs-ft of Torque.
Models
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan LS
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
MSRP
$20,400
$18,100
$18,700
$20,250
$20,240
$20,240
Engine
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
2.0 L inline-four
1.8 L inline-four
2.0 L inline-four
2.0 L inline-four
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
Transmission
6 Speed Automatic
6-speed Automatic
CVT
CVT
6-speed Auto
8 Speed Automatic
Horsepower
153hp@5600rpm
147hp @ 6200 rpm
132hp @ 6000 rpm
158hp @ 6500 rpm
155hp @ 6000 rpm
147hp@5000rpm
Torque
177lbs-ft@2000-4000
132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
128 lb-ft@4400
138 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm
150 lb.-ft. @4000 rpm
184lbs-ft@1400rpm
The Acceleration from a dead halt, isn't electric as one would expect from turbocharged engines but gets the Cruze to rev above 2000rpm and see the Turbochargers spool up, giving a better performance.
Transmission duties in the 2019 Cruze are handled by a 6 Speed Automatic Unit. This unit does not shift to the top gear as soon as you step on the gas from a stop and does hold up gears when you are doing hill climbs. The Gears are well calibrated and when on the highway, the transmission ensures that the Car reaches Highway speeds without much effort.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Acceleration
The Turbo bred motor in the Cruze delivers average acceleration from a Dead Stop. The Turbo Lag adds to the lethargy of the engine and in theory, the Cruze has a lot going against it.
Models
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta
0-60 MPH(sec)
7.7
8.3
9.4
8.2
8.0
7.7
Quarter mile(sec)
16.3
16.4
17.2
16.3
16.2
NA
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
5.6
10.2
9.8
8.4
11.2
5.2
Curb Weight (lbs.)
2870
2767
2840
2742
2899
2959
In reality though, the Turbocharger supports the cause of the Cruze in 0-60 runs as the extra boost from the same helps the Cruze get to the 60 mph the fastest among its Naturally Aspirated rivals. The Turbo Boost however isn't good enough to make it the fastest in quarter mile runs and is beaten eventually, by the Mazda3 Sedan.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Ride and Handling
The ride inside the 2019 Cruze will be comfortable in most conditions for most people. The Cruze tends to absorb Speed Bumps and undulations well while not being too soft on the ride front.
The Cruze however shines on the Highway and on Twisty Roads. The Suspension is well tuned to take corners well and provides very little body roll, aiding driver confidence. The light sporty steering responds to the smallest of inputs on the highway and provides good feedback when tackling sharp bends or high speeds.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Braking
The Brakes inside the Cruze are pretty potent to say the least. They offer a good feel and respond well to the pressure applied by the driver. They are in no way Feather Touch in feedback but they do reduce speed drastically when sufficient pressure is applied.
Models
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Brake Front (in.)
10.8
10.3
10.8
10.2
11.5
10.7
Brake Rear (in.)
10.4
9.7
9.1
9.8
10.8
9.5
70-0 MPH (ft.)
110(60-0MPH)
182
183
180
191
179
The Standard 4 Wheel ABS and Traction Control with Electronic Stability Program and Electronic Brake Force Distribution ensures the brakes don't lock up during panic braking situations and provide stability to the Sedan.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
Chevrolet ditched the Naturally Aspirated Engine in the Cruze and moved to a Turbocharged Version in favor of achieving good fuel economy. This has yielded good returns to the Cruze as it delivers one of the best Fuel Economy figures in the segment.
Models
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
MPG (city)
30
28
28
32
30
27
MPG (highway)
39
37
35
42
39
36
MPG (combined)
33
32
31
36
34
30
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal.)
13.7
14
13.2
12.39
13.2
13.2
The 13.7 Gallon Fuel Tank in the Cruze combined with a 33 MPG combined figure gives the Cruze an amazing 452.1 mile range which means lower gas expenses and less trips to the gas station.
Interior
8.2/10
Step into the Interiors of the Cruze and you will be welcomed by a Black and Brown theme in front of you on the dashboard. The dashboard has a lot of buttons for various controls like Audio, AC etc. The center of the dashboard houses a big 7" Touchscreen Infotainment System and a few buttons to control the same.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Dashboard
The Cruze is a compact Sedan by dimensions and the class it sits in. However, most people will find the interiors anything but compact. There is generous amount of Headroom for passengers in the front and rear while the leg room will be adequate for most passengers. Ingress and Egress isn't much of an issue as well courtesy of the High Roof and the wide door openings.
Models
Chevrolet Cruze
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
VW Jetta Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.9/54.8/42
38.8/56.2/42.3
38.3/54.8/42.3
39.3/57.0/37.1
38.5/55.9/41.1
38.3/54.8/42.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
37.3/53.7/36.1
37.3/55.0/35.7
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.2/54/37.4
37.6/54.4/35.8
5 passengers can be made to sit in the Cruze but making 3 adults sit at the back won't be a good proposition for long drives. The Rear seats are narrower as compared to segment leaders like the Honda Civic and the raised center tunnel furthermore reduces the practicality of the middle seat in the rear.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Cargo Capacity
The Cargo Capacity in the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze ranks among the best in class. The loading floor is flat and coupled with the big cargo area helps the Cruze to gulp in plenty of luggage and cargo. There are numerous Cubby Holes and Small Storage Spaces in the Cabin of the cruze as well.
Models
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
VW Jetta
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Cargo Capacity (cu.ft)
14.8
14.4
15.2
12.4
14.1
13.0
The Trunk lid is big and opens to reveal a big cargo space. The Spare Tire in the LT and the Premier trim eats up some of the big cargo space but the 60/40 split rear seats pave way for some more useful storage space.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Infotainment System
The Infotainment System inside the 2019 Cruze has to be one of its biggest highlights. The 7" Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System is it's rendition of Cadillac's CUE infotainment system and is standard on all trims. It's intuitive, easy to learn, operate, understand and has all the functionalities one would ever need from a Car infotainment System.
Features
4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot connectivity
Chevrolet On Star services
Android Auto and Apple Car Play Compatibility
2 USB Ports, 1 Auxiliary Input Port and Bluetooth Telephony
Sirius XM Radio Trial
Navigation System
Bose Audio System available as an Optional Extra
Exterior
8.5/10
The Chevrolet Cruze, starting from its Inception has been one of the most handsome looking sedans in the market. With the 2019 edition, Chevrolet has infused some small changes in the Cruze to keep it fresh against the competition.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Driving view
There are sharp lines running across the side of the Cruze which start from the Hood and end near the Rear Fenders adding visual appeal to the Car. New 18" Alloys also accentuate the overall visual character of the Cruze while adding to the high speed stability of the Compact sedan.
The Cruze pitches itself in the Compact Sedan Arena with its compact proportions and size. It is the longest in its class and also the Tallest which gives it the extra room in the interiors.Talking about weights, the Chevy weighs in at 2870 pounds, which isn't a lot considering the competition has similar weights.
Model
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
VW Jetta
Mazda 3 Sedan
Curb weight (lbs.)
2870
2844
2840
2724
2767
2899
Length(in)
183.7
181.9
183.1
182.3
185.1
180.3
Width(in)
70.5
70.9
69.9
70.8
70.8
70.7
Height(in)
57.4
56.5
57.3
55.7
57.4
57.3
Ground clearance (in)
6.4
5.3
6.7
6.3
5.6
6.1
Wheelbase (in)
106.3
106.3
106.3
106.3
105.7
106.3
The Cruze also has one of the best ground clearances in the segment which means the underbody of the Sedan will stay protected from big speed humps or other barriers which the Cruze may have to cross.s
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Exterior Features
The Chevy Cruze is a handsome looking compact sedan with some striking exterior features. The Big Bowtie grill in the front helps the Cruze distinguish itself from other sedans in the segment and adds to the visual appeal of the sedan. The 2019 Edition comes with features like
New Bigger Front Grille
Dual Element LED Tail Lamps
Redesigned Headlamps with LED treatment on the Top Trims
New Design 18" Alloy Wheels
Safety
9.3/10
Safety has been a top priority for Chevrolet considering the rise in number of fatalities in the US due to Road accidents. The 2019 Cruze comes packed with plenty of Safety Tech and Features that offers complete peace of mind and guarantee to the occupants inside the Car.
Some of the Safety Features include
10 Airbags including Side Curtain, Knee and Front
4 Wheel ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Teen Driver Assist Feature
Theft Deterrent Unauthorized Entry System
Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Display
Chevrolet Connected Access
Rear Vision Camera
StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control
Competition
8.0/10
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan vs. Toyota Corolla Sedan
The Chevrolet Cruze has been GM's most selling model ever and the Corolla has been one of the World's most selling cars ever. The Toyota, despite its lower power and torque figure sells because of its stupendous dependability, practicality and efficiency. However, the current crop of buyers aren't just satisfied with Practicality or Frugality. They want all of these but with added performance. The Cruze here presents itself as being able to provide the best of both worlds without compromising on the Reliability aspect and adding the performance aspect.
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan vs. Honda Civic Sedan
The Honda Civic has been a runaway success in the US with its superb performance and ton loads of Space inside the Cabin. The Honda also has a great resale value and the value of the Civic depreciates way slower than any other compact sedan. The Civic also has better power output than the Cruze. However, the Cruze offers a better Mileage and overall a better range than the Sedan while the turbocharged Engine allows the Cruze to produce a massive amount of Torque. This makes the Cruze a better mile muncher and a better tourer than the Civic.
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan vs. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
The Mazda 3 has been always known for its good looking interiors and great driving dynamics. The Engine inside the Mazda is one of the refined in its class and has a lively driving character.
Mazda however is yet to refresh the Mazda 3 sedan for 2019 and the Mazda 3 is starting to show its age. The New Age Cruze comes closest to the Mazda in terms of Power and betters it with its Torque figure. The Cruze also has a better feature list and a great mileage figure makes the Cruze a better tourer.
Final Verdict
Chevrolet has done its best to keep the Cruze updated in 2019 against the rapidly evolving competition. The updated Instrument Console gives a fresh lease of life to the Interiors. Standard Features like the 7" Touchscreen infotainment system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and 10 Airbags creates segment benchmarks in terms of equipment offered.
On the whole, the 2019 Cruze offers great Performance, Mileage and a great set of features built in as standard. With a 5year/60,000 mile warranty, the Cruze also offers great satisfaction to the user. So, if you are in the market looking for a Mile muncher with great Handling Characteristics and Highway manners without being heavy on the pocket, the Chevrolet Cruze seems to fit the bill well.
What are the Prices of a used Chevrolet Cruze based on trim and mileage?