7 Reasons to Love the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT (and a Few Quirky Flaws)
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT offers a solid balance between affordability, technology, and fuel efficiency. It's the sort of car you don't have to sell a kidney to afford, but still makes you feel like you're driving something smarter than the average commuter vehicle. That’s the magic of the Chevy Cruze—a car that packs plenty of features into a compact and fun-to-drive package.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a close look at why the Cruze LT is a fan favorite, while also pointing out some of its quirks (because, let's face it, no car is perfect). From the tech-savvy interior to the practical fuel economy, and yes even a few oddball annoyances this car may have let's dive into what the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT is all about.
The Good the Bad and the Slightly Weird
So buckle up as we explore why this compact sedan deserves a second look if you’re shopping for a new ride—or maybe a laugh or two if you’re just curious about the quirks that come with the territory of owning one.
Performance and Handling
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. Yeah you heard that right turbo in a compact! With 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque it’s not exactly the car to set your heart racing—but it’s peppy enough to get around town with ease. The 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth and offers a nice balance between power and fuel efficiency.
Acceleration: You Won’t Win Drag Races (But You’ll Get There)
The Cruze LT’s acceleration is not going to give you that "seat-pinning" feeling you might crave but hey, it's a compact car. From zero to 60 mph it takes about 7.7 seconds. Not terrible not great—kind of like my ability to stay awake during Sunday afternoon football games.
Fuel Economy: The Cruze Shines Bright Here
Where the Cruze LT really stands out is in fuel economy. With an EPA rating of 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway this car is an eco-friendly choice for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You’ll pass by plenty of gas stations while your friends with trucks are crying at the pump.
Alex Collantes who’s been driving a Cruze LT for about a year now put it best: “It’s not the fastest car on the road but it saves me so much on gas that I can’t complain. Plus it’s small enough to park anywhere. That’s priceless in the city!”
Handling: Small but Nimble
Thanks to its compact size the Cruze LT handles tight corners and city driving like a pro. Electric power steering makes it easy to maneuver even in crowded parking lots. Plus the ride feels stable and smooth at highway speeds.
If we’re nitpicking though the suspension can feel a bit stiff over bumps. So if you hit a pothole prepare for the road to give you a nice jolt—like an unexpected wake-up call in the middle of a nap. You’ve been warned!
Interior Comfort and Technology
Space and Seating: Surprisingly Roomy
For a compact car the 2019 Cruze LT has a lot more room than you’d expect. The front seats are comfortable even for long drives and there’s enough legroom in the back for passengers to avoid feeling like they’ve been shoved into a sardine can. There’s even 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk which is more than enough for your groceries or weekend road trip gear.
However…
If you’re over 6 feet tall you might feel a bit cramped in the back seat. But hey—this is a compact car after all. If you need a ton of space, maybe look at an SUV or invest in yoga classes for your passengers.
Technology: All the Bells and Whistles
When it comes to tech the Cruze LT doesn’t disappoint. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility so you can connect your smartphone and use your apps on the go. There’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot because apparently the future is now and you can surf the web while stuck in traffic.
Bluetooth comes standard as does SiriusXM satellite radio. Plus there’s remote start which is a lifesaver on cold mornings. You can warm up the car while you’re still cozy in bed—talk about living the dream.
Alex Collantes mentioned: "I love the remote start. I can get the car nice and toasty before I even leave the house. I can’t imagine going back to a car without it!"
Sound System: Rock Out... Sort Of
The 6-speaker sound system is decent but if you’re an audiophile don’t expect to be blown away. It gets the job done but it’s not exactly going to turn your car into a mobile concert hall. But hey—it’s a compact car not a recording studio.
What About Those Buttons?
One small nitpick: the buttons on the dashboard can feel a bit scattered and not as intuitive as they could be. You might find yourself fumbling a bit trying to adjust the climate control or toggle through the infotainment options while driving. But hey more buttons = more fun right?
Safety Features: Peace of Mind Comes Standard
Safety Ratings and Equipment
The 2019 Cruze LT has received solid safety ratings from the NHTSA with 5 stars overall. Standard features include 10 airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera. It also offers Teen Driver technology so you can monitor your kid’s driving habits (or your own if you’re curious).
Optional Driver-Assistance Features
The Cruze LT offers some optional driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. They’re helpful, but the systems can be a bit sensitive sometimes—you might get a beep for a car that’s not even that close. Think of it like that friend who panics when they see brake lights half a mile ahead.
Quirky Drawbacks: Because No Car is Perfect
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Small Back Seat: As we mentioned earlier, if you’ve got tall friends they might not love sitting in the back for long periods of time. But hey it’s a great excuse to claim the front seat every time!
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Buttons Galore: There’s no shortage of buttons on the dash but it’s a little disorganized. It’s like Chevrolet thought “more is more” but forgot to check if the buttons made sense.
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Basic Sound System: If you’re a music lover the sound system might be a letdown. It’s perfectly fine for podcasts or casual listening but if you’re looking for booming bass you’re better off bringing your own speakers.
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Stiff Ride Over Bumps: The suspension is a bit firm which means you’ll feel every pothole and crack in the road. Consider it a massage—or an unrequested chiropractic adjustment.
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Acceleration’s Not a Thriller: Don’t expect to win any races. The Cruze LT is more about being practical and fuel-efficient than giving you a rush of speed.
Final Thoughts: The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT is Quirky But Worth It
At the end of the day the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT is a practical and affordable compact car with a lot to offer. Its fuel efficiency, tech features, and comfortable interior make it a great option for anyone who spends a lot of time commuting or just wants a reliable ride that won’t break the bank.
Sure it’s got a few quirks but what car doesn’t? If you’re looking for an affordable vehicle that’s both smart and fun to drive the Cruze LT is worth a serious look—just make sure you’re okay with a few button fumbles and the occasional bump in the road.
As Alex Collantes summed up: “I don’t mind the quirks because for the price and features it’s really hard to beat the Cruze. It’s the best car I’ve owned so far. Well except for that one time the sound system decided to randomly switch to AM radio but hey it’s never boring.”
Pros and Cons Recap
Pros:
- Excellent fuel economy
- Comfortable interior
- Modern tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Affordable pricing
- Available driver-assistance features
Cons:
- Small back seat for taller passengers
- Basic sound system lacks power
- Button layout could be more intuitive
- Firm suspension can make for a bumpy ride
- Acceleration is average at best
In conclusion the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT is a great option for those who want a stylish tech-friendly compact that won’t break the bank. It may not be the flashiest or fastest car on the road but it's certainly a smart buy for anyone looking for a well-rounded vehicle that excels in fuel efficiency technology and comfort.
References
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Safety Ratings
- Chevrolet Official Website - 2019 Cruze Specifications
- Alex Collantes - Personal Opinion from Cruze LT Owner (provided via interview)