2019 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is a standout in the compact car segment, offering a harmonious blend of style, efficiency, and practicality. Whether you're a daily commuter, a small family, or someone who simply appreciates a dependable and affordable vehicle, the Cruze provides a solution that fits various driving needs.

In an age where consumers are looking for vehicles that offer more than just basic transportation, the Cruze impresses with its impressive fuel economy, modern tech features, and a comfortable ride. Its updated design for 2019 gives it a fresh, sporty look, while still maintaining the familiar practicality that made the Cruze popular in the first place.

This compact sedan and hatchback provide excellent value without sacrificing quality or performance. It’s a car that not only takes you from point A to point B, but also makes every journey more enjoyable with advanced tech and safety features. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze a top contender in its class and why it might be the perfect vehicle for you.

Exterior and Interior Design

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze boasts a modern and refined exterior design that balances boldness with practicality. Chevrolet refreshed the Cruze's front-end styling, giving it a more contemporary look with updated headlights, a sleeker grille, and a sportier stance. The car’s sharp lines and sculpted body give it an athletic, dynamic appearance, making it stand out in the compact car market.

Available in both a sedan and hatchback body style, the Cruze offers versatility for those who need more cargo space or prefer a more traditional sedan profile. The sedan’s clean, well-proportioned design is perfect for urban environments, while the hatchback variant adds a touch of rugged utility, with its expanded rear hatch offering added convenience for carrying larger items.

The Cruze also comes in a range of attractive colors, from the classic Summit White to the more vibrant Red Hot or Kinetic Blue, allowing buyers to express their individual style. With alloy wheels standard on most trims, the Cruze delivers an upscale appearance that is perfect for both city streets and highway cruising.

Interior: Comfort and Technology at Your Fingertips

Step inside the 2019 Cruze, and you’re greeted by a thoughtful, well-appointed interior that combines comfort with user-friendly technology. The cabin is designed with high-quality materials, offering a premium feel without a premium price tag. Soft-touch surfaces, smooth plastics, and well-stitched upholstery create an inviting atmosphere for both the driver and passengers.

Standard features in the Cruze’s interior include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is integrated with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features allow seamless smartphone integration, giving you easy access to music, navigation, and messaging, all from the convenience of your dashboard. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity ensures hands-free calling and media streaming, which is a great feature for safety-conscious drivers.

The seats are supportive, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. While rear seat space may not be as expansive as some larger sedans, it’s still comfortable for adults on shorter trips. The rear seats in the hatchback offer more flexibility with the option to fold them down for increased cargo space, making the Cruze a great choice for those who need to haul larger items from time to time.

Higher trims of the 2019 Cruze, such as the Premier, elevate the experience even further. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an available power-adjustable driver’s seat add extra layers of luxury. In addition, the Premier trim features a Bose premium audio system, providing crystal-clear sound for music lovers.

Ergonomics and Usability

Chevrolet also paid attention to the practicality of the Cruze’s design, ensuring that all controls are within easy reach and intuitive to use. The layout of the dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with physical knobs and buttons for climate control and volume, ensuring that drivers can adjust settings without distraction. The available driver assistance features, including lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning, are also easy to engage, further enhancing the overall driving experience.

In terms of storage, the Cruze offers a variety of compartments to stow smaller items, such as cupholders, door pockets, and a sizeable glovebox. The trunk in the sedan variant offers 14.8 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback variant provides more flexibility and cargo room with a spacious 22.7 cubic feet with the seats up, increasing further when the seats are folded down.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze offers two distinct engine options, each tailored to meet the needs of different drivers—whether you’re looking for a balance between power and fuel efficiency or seeking the best possible economy for long-distance driving.

The standard engine in the Cruze is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which delivers a peppy 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, ideal for daily commuting, urban driving, and weekend getaways. Paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, this engine strikes a nice balance between performance and fuel economy. The Cruze accelerates smoothly and offers sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking without feeling sluggish. For drivers who prefer more engagement in their driving experience, the manual transmission provides a more connected and responsive feel on the road.

For those who prioritize fuel efficiency above all else, the Cruze offers a diesel engine variant. The 1.6-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is an excellent choice for long-distance commuters or anyone who frequently drives on highways. This engine produces a respectable 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, making it a capable option for both city and highway driving. What truly sets this engine apart is its remarkable fuel economy, with the diesel Cruze achieving up to 48 mpg on the highway. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicles in its class, offering drivers an extended driving range and fewer stops at the pump. Whether you’re cruising along the freeway or tackling a long road trip, the diesel Cruze excels in providing exceptional fuel savings.

Handling and Ride Quality

Chevrolet’s engineers have fine-tuned the Cruze’s suspension system to provide a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing most bumps and road imperfections with ease. The Cruze offers a well-balanced driving experience, with steering that’s light yet responsive, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces or make quick lane changes. The suspension is tuned to offer a smooth ride, ensuring passengers enjoy comfort without feeling too much road harshness. Overall, the 2019 Cruze strikes an excellent balance between comfort, ease of driving, and performance.

Fuel Efficiency: A Key Highlight

One of the standout features of the 2019 Cruze is its exceptional fuel efficiency, particularly with the diesel engine. The gasoline-powered Cruze manages an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making it an economical choice for those who want to save on fuel without compromising on performance. The fuel tank holds about 13.7 gallons, allowing for a decent driving range between fill-ups, even in urban settings.

Driving Experience and Road Trip Potential

Whether you're driving through city streets or embarking on a long road trip, the 2019 Cruze is an enjoyable companion. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission makes for easy driving in stop-and-go traffic, while the manual option allows for a more involved experience. The well-insulated cabin ensures that wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, contributing to a more peaceful and enjoyable driving environment.

For those who enjoy taking weekend trips or longer road journeys, the Cruze’s fuel efficiency and ample comfort make it a practical option. The quiet cabin, combined with great fuel economy and responsive handling, makes it an ideal choice for people looking for a budget-friendly car that excels in both short commutes and long-distance travel.

Safety Features

Standard Safety Equipment

One of the most basic yet crucial safety features is the rearview camera, which comes standard across all trims. This feature provides a clear view of what’s behind the vehicle, making parking and reversing much easier and safer, especially in tight spaces.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Chevrolet offers several advanced driver assistance systems on the 2019 Cruze, providing an extra layer of safety for drivers who want additional help with avoiding potential hazards.

Forward Collision Alert: This system uses sensors to detect if the vehicle is approaching another car or obstacle too quickly. On higher trims, the Cruze can also include Automatic Emergency Braking, which will apply the brakes if the driver does not act quickly enough to prevent a collision.

Lane Keep Assist: This feature helps prevent unintentional lane departures by gently steering the car back into its lane if it starts to drift.

Blind Spot Monitoring: One of the most beneficial safety features, Blind Spot Monitoring helps alert the driver if there is a vehicle in the blind spot, making it easier to change lanes safely.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert: This system comes in handy when reversing out of a parking space. It warns the driver of vehicles approaching from the side, which can be difficult to see from the rearview camera.

Structural Safety and Crash Test Ratings

In addition to the advanced safety technologies, the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is built with a reinforced, high-strength steel structure that provides excellent protection in the event of a collision. The car’s body is designed to absorb and dissipate the energy from an impact, helping to protect the cabin and its occupants.

The Cruze has performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It received high ratings for frontal crash protection, side-impact safety, and overall crashworthiness. The Cruze’s solid structure, combined with its array of airbags and safety technologies, provides a strong foundation for occupant protection.

In crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the 2019 Cruze earned Good ratings in several key areas, including front crash protection, side impact, and roof strength. It was also awarded the Top Safety Pick designation when equipped with optional front crash prevention systems, including forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking.

Teen Driver Technology

Another noteworthy safety feature of the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is its Teen Driver Technology. This is a unique feature designed for parents who want to monitor and encourage safe driving habits for their teenage drivers. The system allows parents to set speed alerts, volume limits on the audio system, and even view a report card of the teen’s driving habits, such as maximum speed, distance driven, and whether any safety features were triggered. This feature provides an added layer of peace of mind for parents, ensuring that their young drivers are staying safe and adhering to safe driving practices.

Pricing and Value

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze offers a range of pricing options, making it accessible for a variety of budgets while maintaining a strong value proposition with its features and efficiency. Whether you're looking for a basic compact car or something with more luxurious amenities, the Cruze provides options for different preferences and needs.

Base Price and Trim Levels

The 2019 Cruze is available in several trims, each offering a different set of features and options. The main trim levels are:

The L trim is a solid choice for buyers on a budget who don’t require all the bells and whistles but still want a reliable and efficient compact car.

LS: The LS trim adds a bit more in terms of features, including upgraded interior materials and additional convenience features, such as power-adjustable side mirrors and enhanced USB ports.

LT: Stepping up to the LT trim brings more technology and comfort options, such as alloy wheels, keyless entry, and a more robust infotainment system.

Premier: The Premier trim is where the Cruze starts to offer premium features, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an upgraded audio system. It also offers optional advanced safety features like forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Premier trim is the most luxurious variant of the Cruze, appealing to those who want a compact car with more upscale amenities and features.

The diesel Cruze comes with the 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine and provides outstanding fuel economy, especially for those who frequently drive long distances or on highways.

Pricing Breakdown

The starting price for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze L trim is approximately $17,995. Prices for higher trims increase accordingly:

LS trim: Starts at around $19,495.

LT trim: Starts at about $21,495.

Premier trim: Starts around $24,295.

Diesel trim: Starts at about $25,295.

These prices are relatively competitive compared to other compact cars in the market, particularly when considering the features, fuel efficiency, and safety technology that come standard or as options across the various trims.

Value for Money

These upgrades give the Cruze a more luxurious feel without the high price tag typically associated with more expensive sedans or compact cars in the same class. The diesel variant is an excellent choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency, offering impressive highway mileage that can save significant money over time—especially for drivers who spend a lot of time on the road. The diesel engine comes with a higher starting price but makes up for it in the long run through its fuel savings.

With its low base price, excellent fuel efficiency, and reliability, the Cruze has a lower total cost of ownership compared to some other compact cars. Maintenance and repair costs are generally affordable, and Chevrolet's extensive network of dealerships and service centers ensures that owners can easily find support when needed.

Resale Value

While the Cruze is a compact car designed for affordability, it still holds a respectable resale value. Though not as high as some of its competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, the Cruze performs well in terms of long-term value. It’s known for its reliability, and vehicles that are well-maintained can still fetch a good price on the used market, especially if they are the diesel variant due to its excellent fuel efficiency.

Competitor Comparison

Competing models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra have similar pricing structures, but the Cruze often has the edge in terms of standard technology features and fuel efficiency, particularly in the diesel variant.

Pros

Impressive Fuel Efficiency One of the biggest selling points of the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is its outstanding fuel efficiency, especially the diesel variant. This means fewer stops at the gas station and more savings over time, especially for those with long commutes or who enjoy road trips.

Modern Technology and Features The 2019 Cruze is equipped with a solid array of modern tech features that make it appealing for tech-savvy buyers. Higher trims offer more advanced features like a Bose premium audio system, leather upholstery, and wireless charging—all of which contribute to a more comfortable and connected driving experience.

Comprehensive Safety Features The Cruze takes safety seriously, with both standard and available features designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants.

Comfortable and Refined Interior Inside, the Cruze offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cabin, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The materials used throughout the cabin are high-quality, and the seats are supportive, with options for heated front seats and leather upholstery in higher trims.

Affordable Price Point With a starting price of around $17,995 for the base model, the 2019 Cruze is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable compact car. Even with added features on higher trims, it remains competitively priced compared to rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, making it an attractive option for those seeking value without sacrificing quality.

Quiet and Smooth Ride The Cruze offers a refined driving experience, with a smooth and quiet ride that minimizes road noise and engine vibrations. This makes it an enjoyable option for daily commuting and long road trips.

Cons

The rear legroom is adequate for shorter drives, but families with larger children or adults who frequently sit in the back may find the space somewhat restrictive.

Less Engaging Driving Dynamics While the Cruze offers a smooth ride, its driving dynamics are not as engaging as some of its competitors. The handling can feel a bit numb, and while the steering is responsive, it lacks the agility and sportiness of rivals like the Mazda3 or Honda Civic.

Tight Trunk Space (Sedan Model) While the Cruze’s hatchback version offers ample cargo space, the sedan’s trunk is somewhat smaller compared to competitors.

Basic Standard Features on the Base Model While the base L trim of the Cruze is affordably priced, it comes with relatively minimal features compared to some competitors. This might be a downside for budget-conscious buyers who want more tech and comfort features at the base level.

For example, the plastic surfaces may feel a bit hard, and the overall design is more basic compared to the more polished interiors of rivals like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.

The 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine produces 137 horsepower, which is less than the standard gasoline engine. As a result, the diesel Cruze can feel sluggish when quick acceleration is needed, such as for passing on the highway. Those who prioritize speed and performance might find the diesel model lacking in this regard.

2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Exterior and Interior Design