2019 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Chevrolet's Cruze continues its path to success with 2019 bringing updated styling and the efficiency of diesel. The second-generation Cruze draws power from either a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder producing 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, or its sought after 1.6-liter turbodiesel counterpart, which lets 137 horses and 240 lb-ft put the Cruze in motion. It takes a lot for a car to stand out in the competitive hatchback segment, especially with the likes of the class-leading Honda Civic and Toyota's reliable Corolla hatch nipping at its heels, but Chevy means business, and the Cruze is a formidable contender intent on leading the pack.

Fresh of a refresh for 2019, the Cruze hatch is easy on the eyes, but still looks sharper and angrier than before thanks to the revised front end. The base trim kicks things off with 15-inch wheels, although 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels are available through the range. Twin-reflector halogen lights feature on the LS trim, with dual-projector halogens as standard on the higher models. The optional RS package adds a touch of performance-inspired styling with an RS bodykit, RS badging, an RS spoiler, and black bowties front and back.

No stranger to the urban environment it was purposed for, the Cruze's 175.3-inch body sits over a 106.3-inch wheelbase. It's also only 70.5 inches wide, making it an easy fit into parking spaces or the family garage. The Cruze stands 57.7 inches tall, while the front and rear track measures at 60.7 and 61.5 inches wide respectively. The curb weight starts off at 2,917 lbs, with the Premier weighing in at 2,978 lbs and the diesel heaviest, at 3,229 lbs.

The base model LS features a five-color palette compared to the rest of the range's nine available colors. Summit White, Silver Ice Metallic, and Black cover the usual light to dark spectrum on the Cruze, with Red Hot and Oakwood Metallic the two more colorful options available for the base LS trim. Nightfall Gray Metallic and Graphite Metallic jump onto the list for the LT, Premier, and Diesel models, with Kinetic Blue Metallic and Cajun Red Tintcoat available at a $395 premium for the upper three trims.

The LS, LT, and Premier trims make use of a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder motor that produces 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels, with no all-wheel-drive options available for the Cruze, unlike the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza. 0-60mph is dealt with in a swift 7.7 seconds, which is slower than the peppiest Honda Civics, but still one of the better performers in the segment. The diesel trim's 1.6-liter turbo engine boasts 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Its nine-speed automatic favors fuel efficiency over performance in almost every aspect.

The first three trims in the Cruze hatchback lineup make use of a single configuration, namely a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder motor with 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque at its disposal. Its six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission favors efficiency over raw performance, shifting up early in the rev-range and seemingly hesitant to shift back down. Acceleration feels progressive and smooth, but sometimes heavy throttle inputs are met with hesitancy when attempting an overtake.

The diesel trim's 1.6-liter turbo motor does a much better job than its gas rival at delivering both power and efficiency, though its 137 hp may be down on the gas engine's output, the 240 lb-ft of torque is what counts, translating to consistently strong responses when pulling off or attempting an overtake. It's usable torque, which matters more than a few horsepower extra. The diesel engine finds itself paired to a nine-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission which harnesses the motor's potential perfectly, providing ample performance and frugal fuel economy. Nine gears may sound like too many for some, but it allows the diesel mill to remain squarely in the torque band at all times.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze has an attractive exterior and interior design, but that's not all it has going for it. This is a rewarding car to drive too, despite its humble purpose. Steering feedback from the front wheels can feel somewhat muted, however, and could take a few cues from its Spark and Sonic brothers which offer a more direct connection to the road. The suspension offers good bump absorption, without rendering the ride wallowy at all. Being the urban crawler that it is, bumps, potholes and even the most neglected of city roads become bearable at their worst and the ride feels silky-smooth when the tarmac is uncompromised.

The Cruze doesn't offer any options in terms of driving modes. Transmission overdrive is available to lend an extra hand should the need arise, but we found it perfectly adequate as is. There's very little body roll to be found when tasked with a corner slightly faster than intended and overall the Cruze carries a predictable driving dynamic that certainly won't leave anyone feeling disappointed.

As if it didn't have enough to gloat about already, the Chevrolet Cruze really steps into its own when it comes to fuel economy. The LS and LT hatches achieve an EPA rated 28/38/32mpg for city/highway/combined cycles from the 1.4-liter turbocharged motor, with the Premier model close on its heels at 28/37/31mpg. Its 13.7-gallon fuel tank capacity nets it 439 miles between refueling. The Diesel model takes things even further with its 30/45/35 mpg ratings and 13.5-gallon fuel tank, which sees you traveling 473 miles before your next stop at the pumps.

The Chevrolet Cruze offers great build quality inside the cabin, instilling a premium experience every time you step inside. The same angled and sloped lines on the exterior find their way into the cabin, with a low-swept dashboard housing the cluster and pushed back arches giving it a spacious feel. The dip in the back window compliments the rest of the large windows, offering plenty of visibility to all corners, with the pillars slim enough to not be intrusive. Sharp vertical air vents feature on either side of the infotainment cluster, with almost triangular outer vents completing the look. A sleek center console brings it all together with one of the best infotainment systems around adding the finishing touch.

The Chevrolet Cruze is a five-seater hatchback that nearly hits the nail on the head in terms of seating. Both front seats offer great lateral support with their ergonomic shape and boast 54.9 inches of shoulder room. The Cruze also has 38.9 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom, which make it an easy fit for taller drivers concerned about being cramped behind the wheel. The driver's seat also boasts a wide range of adjustment with an easy-feat driving position. Outboard rear seats sport the same design as the front, though the emphasis is on comfort over the increased support available at the front. At 53.2 inches of rear shoulder room, and 36.1 inches of legroom, the Cruze hatch allows for comfortable trips for three adults.

At the lower end of the range, the LS and LT trims feature cloth seats in a choice of either straight Jet Black or a blend of Jet Black and a Galvanized color finish. Stepping up to the Premier and Diesel models, leatherette seats feature for the first time, available in Jet Black, Jet Black/Galvanized, or the new Jet Black/Umber color scheme. The entire range makes use of a blend of hard plastics and cloth/leatherette inlays, with padding featured on the most commonly touched surfaces.

The Cruze hatch is superior to its sedan sibling when you need to haul cargo, with 22.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Dropping the 60/40 split rear seats sees that space open up to an ambitious 47.2 cubic feet. If you are willing to leave rear passengers at home, it will take a full load of camera gear with ease. The trunk's low lift-over height, paired with its receded wheel arches, make it a practical fit for everyday urban life.

Inside the cabin, two cupholders feature in the center console with two small storage compartments above and below, as well as bottle holders in both the front and rear doors. Cruze hatches of the LT trim and higher feature a fold-down armrest with two more cupholders at the rear, too.

Features are plentiful across the entire range of Cruze trims, with the base model feeling anything but basic. Power windows and door locks, a rearview camera, remote keyless entry, single-zone climate control, and Teen Driver Technology are present. There is a monochromatic driver information center display, tilt and telescopic steering column, six- and two-way manual adjustable driver and front passenger seats on the LS trim, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat on higher trims. You also get climate control, cruise control, remote vehicle start, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats available on the higher trims. The addition of a sunroof remains an optional extra, however, and only for the highest three trims.

Chevrolet's Infotainment 3 System is impressive and with the 2019 model year refresh of the Chevrolet Cruze, it now features the up-to-date system as standard. AM/FM stereo and SiriusXM satellite radio streaming take care of the basics, while Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth take care of connectivity options. Two USB ports and a single auxiliary port feature at the front for a more analog user experience, while built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi offers a more complete connectivity offering from the Cruze. Six speakers flood the cabin with sound, while no native navigation is available in any trim or spec. An uprated Bose nine-speaker system is left purely as optional for the three higher trims, too.

The Cruze gets an almost clean pass in terms of recalls, with only a single recall issued for an insufficient coating on the rear calipers, which may lead to gas pockets forming and reduced braking efficiency at the rear. The majority of owners have only reported minor issues, however, leaving the Cruze in good shape. A three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty accompanies the Cruze off the showroom floor, with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain and roadside assistance warranty to match.

The NHTSA gave the Cruze hatch a clean bill of health, according it with a full five-star overall safety rating and top marks in almost all evaluations. The IIHS hasn't yet tested the hatchback and has only completed partial testing on the mechanically identical sedan, giving it top marks in the side and moderate front overlap crash tests.

Chevy takes safety seriously with the Cruze, with features such as a ten-airbag system scattered across the cabin, four-wheel antilock brakes and Teen Driver Technology to monitor younger drivers and their driving behavior. There is also StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control and an engine immobilizer on the base trim. The Diesel model features rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, with the more extensive active safety features left as optional.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback is a fantastic car, with its premium-feel interior, turbocharged motors, and exceptional fuel economy making the compact hatch a compelling argument against its rivals. With an extensive list of features, even at a base level, buyers would be hard-pressed to want more from this versatile hatchback. Practicality is also one of its many benefits, and if the rest of the Cruze makes a strong enough argument to overlook the high upfront cost of that diesel motor, the frugal gas mileage and responsive motor adds a great deal more to the ownership experience. The 2019 model year refresh means more contemporary styling, technology, and available features that set it apart from last year's iteration, leaving the fresh-faced Chevy an ideal companion if you're in the market for a new hatch. With only a single recall under its belt and Chevy's warranty covering the rest, there's little reason not to consider the Cruze a smart buy.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LS trim kicks off the range with an MSRP of $19,620, excluding tax, licensing, registration, and an $875 destination charge. Acting as the mid-range for the lineup, the LT trim offers a substantially better-equipped car as standard at $22,120, $2,500 more than its base-trim counterpart. At the top of the gas-driven range is the Premier model carrying an MSRP of $24,020, while the diesel model receives the highest price tag at $26,120. Chevrolet offers incentives on a regular basis, meaning buyers can pick up a higher trim-level for the recommended price of a lesser one.

The Chevrolet Cruze hatchback range comprises of four trims: LS, LT, Premier, and Diesel.

The LS trim serves as the entry to the range, offering an inexpensive car packed with features as standard. All the basic creature comforts such as a rearview camera, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and a seven-inch infotainment system leave the LS anything but basic.

The LT model adds projector-style headlamps and LED daytime running lights, a remote vehicle starter system, and cruise control. The base trim's steel wheels also get replaced with 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as the addition of automatic climate control.

The Premier model tops Chevrolet's Cruze range of gasoline models with greater emphasis on creature comforts. It features heated power-adjustable mirrors, keyless entry and start, a heated leather-trim steering wheel and a heated eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

A trim seemingly on its own, Cruze's diesel model boasts the majority of the kit the Premier features with, though it lacks the 17-inch alloy wheels unique to the Premier. It redeems itself with its superior fuel economy, as well as being the only trim that features the Driver Confidence Package as standard, which adds rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Additional packages are aplenty for the Cruze hatch with seven packages available in the lineup. Starting off the list is the LS Convenience Package, which adds cruise control, remote vehicle start, steering-wheel-mounted controls, 16-inch alloy wheels, and all-season tires at $1,000.

The Convenience Package adds keyless open and start, heated driver and front passenger seats, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, outside heated power-adjustable mirrors, as well as the Driver Confidence Package's rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert to the LT trim at a $1,200 premium and features as standard on the Diesel model. The Driver Confidence II package adds IntelliBeam high beam assist, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and low-speed forward automatic braking for $790 extra.

For aesthetic purposes, the Cruze's RS Package boasts sporty styling upgrades, such as a rear spoiler, foglamps, a sports body kit, RS badging, black beltline moldings, and 17-inch alloy or 18-inch machined-face wheels to the LT and Diesel/Premier models respectively. Pricing differs across the range, where the RS kit will set you back $795 for the LT trim, $995 at Premier trim, and requires the optional Sun and Sound & Preferred Packages to be included for the Diesel trim at a $3,415 premium.

The LT adds a substantial list of features over its base model LS at only $2,500 more, as well as opening it up to the Convenience, Driver Confidence, RS, and Sun and Sound Packages for extra added features. The $22,995 LT trim with the $1,200 Convenience Package would be our recommendation for the gas-driven models, adding both driver comforts and safety features in equal measure while still being cheaper than its Premier counterpart. If fuel economy is the order of the day, the range-topping diesel model is an excellent buy, packed with a torquey diesel engine and an abundance of standard features.

If you want to be the best, you need to beat the best. Unfortunately for Chevrolet, they haven't quite beaten the Civic just yet, but the battle is closer than ever. Both are stylish, well-equipped, safe, and fun to drive, but the Civic is more of a driver's car, with a manual gearbox and a more entertaining chassis. It's also substantially more frugal. The Honda offers more driver assistance features on lower-level trims, but the Cruze counters with a full ten airbags. The two are evenly matched on interior volume as well as cargo volume, and both feel premium in their build and choice of materials. The Cruze boasts a vastly superior infotainment system, but the Civic feels more premium everywhere else. The Civic isn't vastly better than the Cruze in any one particular aspect, but the marginal superiority in many aspects adds up, and it's still the segment leader and our recommended choice.

Both the Cruze and Corolla have ardent advocates for each brand, with the Corolla namesake spanning decades and the Cruze being the relatively new contender fighting for a place in the heart of every American. The all-new Corolla finally takes the style battle to Chevrolet, but in doing so compromises its cargo space, with 4.7 cubic feet less than the Cruze. Rear passenger volume isn't all too good either. There's more power on tap from the Corolla, but the turbocharged offerings from the Chevrolet contender are easier to use in real-world situations. They are, unfortunately, thirstier than the Corolla. Almost no one can touch Chevrolet when it comes to quality infotainment, offering more features and an easier to use interface. Combine this with more space, high-quality materials, and high levels of safety, and it beats the all-new, all-improved Toyota as our pick.