Used 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LS Hatchback Review

Name: 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

More about the 2019 Cruze

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LS Hatchback.

5 (100%)

4 (0%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

5.0

1 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 1 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Amazing car

Sara, Greensboro, NC, 05/15/2019

2019 Chevrolet Cruze LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

This was my first "big girl" car and I wanted something roomy with good gas mileage and a little kick in the engine. The Chevy Cruze is a dream! The exterior is gorgeous, the turbo engine gives me a satisfying boost, and I only pay $27 for a full tank (Roughly 426 miles). Get this car if you need reliability and a sporty look without sacrificing mpg!

See all 1 reviews of the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LS Hatchback

Write a vehicle review

Edmunds Summary Review of the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LS Hatchback

What’s new

Mildly updated styling
All Cruze trims come standard with a 7-inch infotainment system
Revised feature availability
Engine stop-start function can now be switched off
Part of the second Cruze generation introduced for 2016

Pros & Cons

Pro:Feels sporty and planted around turns
Pro:Touchscreen interface is easy to use
Pro:Available diesel-powered engine for high fuel economy>
Con:Gas engine's disappointing acceleration and real-world fuel economy
Con:Diesel engine's high upfront cost
Con:Front seats aren't particularly comfortable

Full Edmunds Review: 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Vehicle overview

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.

2019 Chevrolet Cruze models

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.

Trim tested

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

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, 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.

Driving

The Cruze's performance appeal will largely depend on your commute. Lackluster acceleration makes this sedan less than ideal for city dwellers. But those who typically traverse twisty roads will be impressed by its excellent handling.

Acceleration

Acceleration from a stop is tepid. The Cruze's turbo engine is more responsive on the highway, making overtaking slower cars a cinch. A 0-60 mph sprint time of 8.1 seconds is a little slower than average in this class. Very hot weather can further sap performance.

Braking

The Cruze has a nice, firm brake pedal feel, and the brakes respond as soon as you press the pedal. But they aren't touchy; they're just responsive. The Cruze hatch required 114 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph in simulated panic-stop testing. This is average for a compact hatch.

Steering

As in most compact cars, the Cruze's steering effort is fairly light, building up gradually as speed increases. The Cruze feels sportier than others thanks to its quick reactions to steering inputs and a little more feedback transmitted through the steering wheel.

Handling

The optional 18-inch tires provide good grip, so you can take turns reasonably quickly before the tires begin to howl. Body roll seems to be slightly more prevalent in the hatch than the sedan, but compared to the rest of the class, the Cruze is well-sorted.

Drivability

The transmission is intent on making those EPA numbers, so expect engine rpm to stay low unless you really mash the pedal. Even when you press past the halfway point, the transmission shifts at a conservative 3,000 rpm. Thankfully, the annoying automatic engine stop-start system can finally be switched off this year.

Comfort

The ride is comfortable overall, but the seats are far from the best in class. On the climate front, the stop-start mechanism reduces the fan speed when the engine turns off, and the leather seats in our Premier model got swampy during a multi-hour trip.

Seat comfort

The front seats allow plenty of travel for tall drivers, but wider occupants might feel somewhat confined by the narrow seatbacks. There's no lumbar adjustment and the seat belt is not height-adjustable. The padding in the back row is surprisingly firm and the upholstery is pulled taut. Not great.

Ride comfort

Even with the largest wheels, the Cruze soaks up broken pavement and minor imperfections. Road bumps or an undulating surface will cause the Cruze to heave, which can be unpleasant. If you prize comfort over sportiness, you can get a lower trim or opt out of the Premier's RS package.

Noise & vibration

At highway speeds, wind and engine noise is kept to a minimum, while road noise is present but not overwhelming. There's no wind buffeting when a single window is cracked at speed. A mild shock through the cabin can be felt when the Cruze's stop-start feature turns the engine off and on.

Climate control

You'll only really feel the front seats' heating function on the highest setting, and the heated steering wheel barely warms. Crazy that you have to order the Premier trim with an additional package to get automatic climate control, and dual-zone isn't even offered.

Interior

The Cruze isn't as roomy as the cavernous Civic, but four adults should sit comfortably without feeling claustrophobic. The small cabin means most controls are within the driver's reach, including the large touchscreen. Drivers of varying heights will be able to find an ideal seating position.

Ease of use

The instrument panel gauges are clear and easy to understand. Most of the controls on the center stack are easily within the driver's reach with the exception of the temperature knob. Manual gear-selector buttons are awkwardly located on top of the shifter.

Getting in/getting out

Because of the Cruze's wide door opening, high roof and minimal seat bolstering, it is extremely easy to get into and out of the front seats. The sloping roof makes back-row access a bit more difficult.

Driving position

The steering wheel and driver's seat both have a good range of motion, so most people will find an agreeable seating position. The wheel's thumb grips on the 3 and 9 o'clock positions are a smidge too high. The seat bottom doesn't tilt back as much as we'd like, but this is common for this class.

Roominess

There's plenty of legroom for tall occupants up front, but rear passengers will feel the pinch. That said, short rear armrests allow you to splay legs if necessary. There's enough width to the cabin to keep occupants from rubbing elbows, and there's ample headroom above the outboard seats.

Visibility

There's good forward and side visibility thanks to a low hood, tall windows and relatively narrow roof pillars. Visibility over the shoulder is decent, too. The rear window isn't very tall or wide, but a standard rearview camera and optional parking sensors help.

Quality

With a glossy black trim center console, faux leather surfaces on the dash and contrast-color stitching throughout, the Cruze's cabin looks and feels premium. Excessive chrome trim can be blinding in the bright sun, and our tester had developed creaks. Not great for a car with 2,000 miles on it.

Utility

The Cruze hatch's cargo area is 7 cubic feet larger than the sedan's, and the total volume is class-competitive. The cargo area's tall liftover height is disappointing if you're trying to load heavy objects. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to store small items inside.

Small-item storage

The storage cubbies in each door can hold a water bottle and a few small items. There are two typical-size cupholders in the front row and two more in the fold-down rear armrest. The optional wireless charging slot eats up a significant amount of front console storage.

Cargo space

With the rear seats in place, cargo volume measures 22.7 cubic feet; fold down the seats and the volume increases to 47.2 cubes. These figures are average for the class, but the Cruze's tall cargo liftover height and sunken load floor will make it difficult to load and unload heavy objects.

Child safety seat accommodation

Each of the outboard rear seats has a pair of LATCH anchors hidden under clearly marked covers that are easily pushed aside. The three upper anchors are located on top of the rear shelf; you'll have to remove the cargo cover or open the hatch, which tilts the cover, to access them.

Technology

The new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 interface is attractive, uncluttered and, most important, easy to learn and operate. Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is a major plus.

Audio & navigation

We haven't tried the new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system in the Cruze, but we have some experience with it in other Chevy products. It's similar to the last-generation MyLink system, but with nicer graphics and a slightly retooled menu structure.

Smartphone integration

Pairing a phone to the Bluetooth system is simple and quick. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is included on every Cruze, as are an auxiliary input and two USB ports.

Driver aids

Standard and optional safety features are in line with the rest of the class, which is a testament to how much tech is available in this segment. The Premier-only Driver Confidence II package adds lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise is not offered.

Edmunds Insurance Estimator

The Edmunds TCO^® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze in Ohio is:

$50.00 per month^*

Legal