2019 Chevrolet Cruze review

Color options

Exterior colors:

• Black (hatchback only)

• Cajun Red Tintcoat

• Graphite Metallic (hatchback only)

• Kinetic Blue Metallic

• Mosaic Black Metallic (sedan only)

• Nightfall Gray Metallic (hatchback only)

• Oakwood Metallic

• Pacific Blue Metallic (sedan only)

• Pepperdust Metallic (sedan only)

• Red Hot

• Satin Steel Gray Metallic (sedan only)

• Silver Ice Metallic

• Summit White

Interior colors:

• Galvanized

• Jet Black

• Umber (Premier trim or Diesel trim with Preferred package)

Interior details

The 2019 Cruze is available in two body styles: compact sedan, and hatchback. Both seat five passengers. Most models feature cloth upholstery. For the upgraded leatherette finishing, choose the Premier trim model, or the Diesel trim with the Preferred package.

Both Cruze body styles have soft-touch fixtures, door cubbies that can accommodate bottles, and two drinks holders in the front-row center console. If you pick the LT trim or above, you'll also get a flip-down rear-row armrest with two further drinks holders.

Taller passengers will love the Cruze for its legroom, all seats are generously proportioned. Both body styles feature 42-inches of front-row legroom and 36.1-inches for the second row.

Cargo cubes vary and it's where you'll notice the difference in body styles the most. The L and LS sedans feature a 14.8 cu-ft trunk. The LT and Premier trim sedans have space for a spare—reducing available trunk space to 13.9 cu-ft. If you plan to haul on the regular, the hatchback is king. Fixed cargo space comes in at 22.7 cu-ft, increasing to 47.2 cu-ft with the rear-row folded down.

Child seat details

All 2019 Cruze models have two sets of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and an upper tether) in the rear-row outboard seats and a further upper tether for the rear-row middle seat. Lower anchors are clearly indicated, though they are deeply set, and can be hard to reach during seat installation. The Cruze hatchback's upper tethers are found to the rear of the seatback. For the sedan model, they are directly behind the seating (under capped covers), on the fixed shelf.

All seat types are accommodated, though it's worth noting that the middle seat does not have a headrest and has bolstered padding where the seat and back cushion meet. These may affect seat fit.

Performance

The 2019 Cruze offers two turbocharged engine options. The standard engine is a 153-hp 1.4L turbo four-cylinder, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Choose the Diesel trim for a 1.6L four-cylinder turbodiesel powertrain with a nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers 137-hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. All 2019 Cruze models are front-wheel drive.

Fuel economy is one of the Cruze's standout features, with almost no difference between the sedan and hatchback models. The 1.4L Cruze in all L, LS, LT trims achieves an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.

According to the manufacturer, the 1.4L turbo engine can achieve a zero-60 mph of 7.7 seconds. If you're stuck in traffic, however, you're more likely to appreciate the stop-start technology each Cruze is equipped with.

Year comparisons

2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze (First Generation)

The first-generation Cruze enjoys only mild changes and updates. In 2013, a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring becomes available. A diesel engine option is introduced for the 2014 model year, while 2015 models gain more connectivity tech and some revised exterior styling for all but the base trim.

2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze (Second Generation)

Ushering in the second-generation Cruze in 2016, a new turbocharged engine, and a fresh exterior look are the standout changes.

Building on the popular Cruze sedan, a Cruze hatchback was introduced in 2017. This model year also sees Teen Driver monitoring become a standard feature, and a second engine option is added for the sedan, a turbodiesel.

The hatchback Cruze gained the turbodiesel engine option in 2018. 2019 is the final year of Chevrolet Cruze production.