10 Surprising Reasons to Love the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT
Are you shopping for a compact car with a nice mix of style affordability and a decent amount of tech? Well then allow me to introduce the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT. This car might not be a Ferrari but it certainly has enough under the hood and in the cabin to make your daily commute a little bit more enjoyable. Let's dive into the details on why the Cruze LT could be your next go-to ride, and we’ll cover some fun drawbacks too. Spoiler alert: It's got Wi-Fi.
Performance and Engine - Not a Speed Demon but Solid for Everyday
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. No it's not a powerhouse. It's not going to blow your socks off with acceleration or make you feel like you’re in a Fast and Furious movie. But for the 153 horsepower it delivers the ride feels smooth especially around town and on highways. It’s not winning any races but for a car aimed at economy it’s actually pretty peppy for its class. Plus that turbo gives it a bit of a kick when you need it.
And hey let's be honest: most of us aren’t professional racers. We’re just trying to get to work without spilling our coffee right? In that regard the Cruze LT does the job well.
Transmission Options: Manual or Automatic?
In 2019 Chevy offered two transmission options with the Cruze LT: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Most people opt for the automatic because shifting gears in traffic is a real pain but for the purists out there the manual is still on the table. And hey who doesn’t like the idea of saving a little cash on a lower-cost manual transmission? It’s a $1000+ savings right off the bat.
Fuel Economy - The Real Star of the Show
One of the best aspects of the 2019 Cruze LT is the impressive fuel economy. The EPA rating for the automatic version is 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. For manual enthusiasts expect around 30 mpg combined.
Let’s put it this way: you’ll be skipping the gas station a lot more than your friends driving those gas-guzzling SUVs. Now that’s a win. Who needs a second mortgage just to fill up the tank? Not you, my friend.
Exterior Design - Sleek But Not Flashy
When it comes to looks the 2019 Cruze LT strikes a fine balance. It’s not an over-the-top attention seeker but it certainly has some refined elements. The Cruze has clean lines and a sporty profile, with the front grille giving it a sharper appearance. It’s got just enough design language to make it feel modern without being too bold.
Exterior Dimensions
Here's a quick overview of the Cruze’s measurements:
- Length: 183.7 inches
- Width: 70.5 inches
- Height: 57.4 inches
It's compact enough to easily slip into tight parking spots and zip through city streets but still has a wide enough stance to feel stable on highways.
Tire Sizes & Wheel Options
The 2019 Cruze LT comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels. Not too shabby right? You can upgrade to 17-inch wheels if you feel like throwing in a little extra cash for added style. But hey let’s be real the 16-inch set looks perfectly fine unless you’re gunning for Instagram-worthy shots of your daily driver.
Interior Comfort - Surprisingly Spacious
Chevrolet knows how to make an interior that doesn’t feel like you’re driving a sardine can. The Cruze LT has a surprisingly roomy cabin, especially considering its compact classification. With 93.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, there’s plenty of space to stretch out whether you’re cruising alone or hauling around friends or family.
Seating - Comfy for the Long Haul
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT comes standard with cloth seats, but there’s an option to upgrade to leatherette if you’re feeling fancy. The front seats are pretty comfortable with enough lumbar support to keep you from feeling stiff after a long drive.
Oh and did we mention that heated front seats are an available option? Because let’s face it nobody wants to freeze their rear off during those winter months. Especially not Alex Collantes a daily commuter who tested the Cruze LT and had this to say:
"The heated seats are a lifesaver on cold mornings! It's honestly one of my favorite features in the car."
Infotainment System - Tech that Actually Works
One of the standout features of the 2019 Cruze LT is the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System. It’s easy to use and comes with a 7-inch touchscreen. It’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can seamlessly connect your smartphone and control everything from navigation to music to text messages.
Plus and this is a game changer for road trips the Cruze LT comes with standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Yes Wi-Fi in your car. You’ll never hear the dreaded “Are we there yet?” from the backseat because now you can stream Netflix on the go.
Cargo Space - Better Than You’d Think
For a compact sedan the Cruze LT has a pretty decent amount of trunk space. You get 13.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the sedan version, which is more than enough for groceries or a weekend’s worth of luggage. Need more room? The 60/40 split-folding rear seats let you expand the cargo area to fit bulkier items.
But we gotta be honest here: If you’re planning on hauling around your entire drum kit or the family’s mountain of holiday gifts you might run into some space issues.
Safety Features - Chevrolet Didn’t Skimp Here
Chevy made sure the 2019 Cruze LT comes packed with safety features and that’s always a huge plus when you're spending time on the road. You’ll get the standard fare like 10 airbags and a rearview camera but there’s more:
- Lane Keep Assist (because we all get a little distracted sometimes)
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Chevy didn’t just throw in basic safety tech they really tried to make sure you and your passengers stay safe out there. But let’s be real nobody’s perfect and we all have our clumsy moments.
Drawbacks (With a Bit of Humor)
Okay okay we’ve covered the good stuff but no car is without flaws. The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT has its fair share of quirks but let’s keep it light-hearted shall we?
1. Engine Power - Not Winning Any Drag Races
If you’re looking for a car that will give you whiplash when you hit the gas pedal well... keep looking. The 1.4L turbocharged engine does its job but let’s just say it won’t be leaving any skid marks. Think of it as more of a gentle nudge forward than a rocket launch. It’s the kind of car that says “I could go fast... if I wanted to... but nah.”
2. Infotainment Glitches - Is That a Ghost in the System?
The infotainment system is pretty great overall but sometimes it can act up a bit. You might find that the screen has a mind of its own deciding to freeze at the most inopportune moments. It’s like the car’s way of saying “Hey you’ve been staring at me too long take a break.” Classic Cruze.
3. Interior Plastics - They’re There They’re Everywhere
One downside of the Cruze LT's interior is that it’s not exactly dripping in luxury materials. There’s a fair bit of hard plastic around the cabin which can feel a bit cheap especially if you’re comparing it to some of the higher-end rivals. But hey it’s easy to clean! Spilled coffee on the dash? No problem just wipe it off and go.
4. Trunk Lip - Watch Your Head
This is a funny little quirk: the trunk has a bit of a high lip which means you might find yourself bumping your head as you load up groceries or luggage. It’s like a little reminder from your car to stay humble.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT?
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact car that offers great fuel economy plenty of tech and just enough style to stand out from the crowd. It’s comfortable it’s practical and it has Wi-Fi! What’s not to love?
Sure it’s not perfect (we’re looking at you underwhelming engine power) but for most people this car is a reliable everyday driver with all the modern features you could ask for. If you want a car that’s dependable affordable and comes with some fun tech features the Cruze LT definitely deserves a test drive.
So what do you think? Is the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze LT calling your name or do you need something with a bit more zip? Either way if you're looking for a fuel-efficient ride that won't break the bank this might just be your new favorite set of wheels.
Summary of Pros:
- Fuel-efficient with up to 38 mpg on the highway
- Spacious interior for a compact car
- 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity
- Heated front seats available
Summary of Cons:
- Not the most powerful engine in its class
- Some cheap interior materials
- Occasional infotainment glitches