DecodedCars2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 37 combined · 31 city / 48 hwy
- Length
- 175.2–183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,756–2,893 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 38% better than the average 2019 compact car (26.8 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints23 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 99 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 1.4L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,756 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (31 city / 48 highway), 38% better than the 2019 compact car average of 26.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Cruze — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Cruze →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 183.9 in | 70.9 in | 57.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 2,756 lb | 61/39 |
| 5dr Hatch | 175.2 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 2,893 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruze Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 48 / 37 | +38% | $2,600 | 294 |
| Cruze Hatchback Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 45 / 35 | +25% | $2,750 | 310 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 38 / 33 | +23% | $2,050 | 267 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 277 |
| Cruze Hatchback | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +14% | $2,100 | 277 |
| Cruze Premier | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 277 |
| Cruze Premier Hatchback | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +10% | $2,150 | 286 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Cruze 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2019 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2019 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Cruze (this car) | 37 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2019 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 30, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 210,628 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Not every 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Chevrolet Cruze buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cruze years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cruze | 37 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 109 |
| 2017 Cruze | 37 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 201 |
| 2016 Cruze | 34 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 250 |
| 2015 Cruze | 32 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 252 |
| 2014 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 10 | 643 |
| 2013 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 450 |
| 2012 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 581 |
| 2011 Cruze | 32 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 424 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →