The Chevy Cruze has only been in production since 2008 – and a lot has changed. Today, the 2019 Chevy Cruze is unlike any other compact car. This little Chevrolet has a couple of tricks up its sleeve to get it noticed.
With a choice of body styles and a turbodiesel engine option, the compact Cruze has some unique merits. Take a look here at what the 2019 Chevrolet Cruz has to offer.
Exterior Styling
It’s debatable whether the hatchback or sedan version of the 2019 Chevy Cruze is the most attractive body style, but at least Chevrolet offers the choice. This year, the Cruze benefits from a light refresh. And the changes have made the already attractive little car even more desirable.
Even in its basic forms, the Cruze is sporty and attractive. The hatchback is possibly the sportier of the two styles, but a sloping roofline on the sedan hints at sporty coupe styling.
And if sporty is what you want, make sure to check out the RS and Redline appearance packages. These options spice things up with unique wheels and other design cues.
Interior
Because the Cruze isn’t a luxury model, it simply needs to deliver a comfortable interior with plenty of space. And it delivers exactly that.
There’s 94 cu.-ft. of passenger volume inside the compact Chevy, which translates to 42 inches of legroom in the front and 36.1 inches in the rear. Most Cruze models have the cloth interior, which is tough, durable, and pleasant to the touch. Cloth could be preferable to the synthetic leather found in the range-topping Cruze Premier. Unfortunately, if you want real leather you’ll have to look somewhere other than the 2019 Cruze.
Powertrains
Regardless of trim level or body style, the majority of Cruze models come fitted with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard transmission in all Cruze variants is a six-speed automatic.
The big trick that really sets the Cruze apart from the competition is the availability of a turbodiesel engine option. This four-cylinder unit is a little down on horsepower at 137 hp, but it makes up for it with an impressive 240 lb.-ft. of torque and impressive fuel economy ratings. Unlike the gasoline engine, the diesel comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Performance
Although the Chevy Cruze isn’t the most powerful car in its class, it tries to make up for it with responsive steering and handling. It’s particularly good around town, and it settles into cruising speeds comfortably on the highway. There’s a bit more tire noise than some might like, but the Cruze is still more refined than most of its competitors.
If the RS or Redline package is added to the Premier or LT trims it does add a more sophisticated rear suspension setup that further enhances the Chevy’s handling.
Fuel Economy
There’s no such thing as a thirsty 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. Even the most popular models don’t visit the gas station too often.
The sedan versions of the Cruze are rated by the EPA at 28 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 32 mpg combined. Thanks to a less aerodynamic body style and larger wheels, the Cruze Premier hatchback is only rated at 28/37/31 mpg. But that’s still more than acceptable.
The Cruze sedan with the diesel powerplant is rated at a magnificent 31/48/37 mpg, and even the hatchback is rated at 30/45/35 mpg. If you want better than that, you’re going to have to buy a hybrid.
Trim Levels and Features
If we include the diesel as a trim level in its own right, there are five different trim levels and two body styles to choose from in the 2019 Chevy Cruze lineup. The range starts off with the entry-level L, and then we have the LS, LT, Diesel and the Premier.
The Cruze L is only available in the sedan body style, and it’s really a cost-conscious model. Even so, it comes pretty well equipped with standard power features, air conditioning, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, a pair of USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and GM’s OnStar concierge and safety service.
The Good
- Attractive sedan and hatch body styles
- Excellent standard infotainment system
- Frugal turbodiesel engine option
- Good ride and handling
The Not-So-Good
- Options can increase the price
- Not as sporty as it looks
The Last Word
Anyone looking for a new compact vehicle really ought to take a closer look at the 2019 Chevy Cruze. There are many ways the appealing little car can be specified to suit a wide range of buyers. And every version is economical, attractive, and a good value.
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