Used 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT Diesel Review

Chevrolet hopes a fresh new look will entice buyers to take a look at the 2019 Cruze. It has features that buyers in the compact class want, such as smartphone mirroring through a fast-acting 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, solid crash test scores and enjoyable handling. The Cruze is also available as a sedan or a hatchback and can be fitted with a fuel-efficient diesel engine, which is distinctive for this class of car.

But certain aspects of the Cruze have kept it as the perennial second string to segment leaders Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Mazda 3. The Cruze's engine choices are the main drawback. The base engine lacks punch, and the diesel, though preferable from a driving standpoint, is a costly option with questionable value from a gas-savings standpoint.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact sedan or hatchback. Available trims include L (sedan only), LS, LT, Diesel and Premier. The L and the LS are pretty light on features. The LT is better, though you'll still need to get a couple option packages to equip it with some desirable safety features. The Diesel and the Premier get most of the Cruze's features.

Powering most Cruze trims is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The L is only available to dealers through custom ordering. Standard equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, remote locking and unlocking, air conditioning, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth, a four-speaker audio system with two USB ports, OnStar (with 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot), a rearview camera, a 7-inch central touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration.

Much more common is the LS, which is similarly equipped but adds a front center armrest and carpeted floor mats. An LS Convenience package adds cruise control, 16-inch wheels and steering wheel-mounted controls.

We think you'll be happier with the LT. It comes with the above as standard plus upgraded headlights with LED running lights, a rear center armrest with cupholders, a rear USB port and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio. You can also get more features through a couple of packages. An optional Driver Confidence package adds rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Convenience package (requires the Driver Confidence package) includes keyless ignition and entry, heated mirrors, heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

The Diesel is similar to the LT with its optional features. It's powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel (137 hp, 240 lb-ft) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. An optional Preferred package bundles simulated leather upholstery with a heated steering wheel.

The Cruze Premier gets most of the above plus 17-inch wheels, an upgraded rear suspension, chrome exterior accents, ambient interior lighting and illuminated vanity mirrors.

Both the LT and the Premier offer an RS Appearance package, with foglights, a rear spoiler, a sport body kit and 18-inch wheels for Premier models, and a Sun and Sound package that includes a sunroof and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Driver Confidence II package, offered only on the Premier, adds automatic high-beam headlight control, forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Chevrolet Cruze Premier Sedan (turbo 1.4L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current Cruze has received some revisions, including this year's revisions to the list of standard and optional features, including faux-leather instead of real leather on the Premier trim. Additionally, the 2019 model finally gives drivers the ability to disable the automatic engine start/stop system. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Cruze, however.