2019 Chevrolet Cruze Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

When shopping for a new compact car, be sure to at least test drive the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. It's sleek profile and large number of standard features may leave you impressed. While a high-performance version of the Cruze is not available, most people will find it to be quite enjoyable.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze has received a few changes. An updated front bumper and new headlamps highlight the car's refreshed exterior styling. There's also an all-new infotainment system inside the Cruze. Furthermore, you can now disable the automatic stop-start system. Unfortunately for the drivers who enjoy changing gears, Chevy no longer offers the Cruze with a traditional manual transmission.

Chevrolet continues to offer both a sedan and hatchback body style for the Cruze. You'll have access to five different trims: L, LS, LT, Diesel and Premier. Let's find out which trim works best for you.

Compare the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze L vs LS Trims. What is the difference?

Unlike the upper trims, the base L trim is only available as a sedan. Unsurprisingly, it has the lowest sticker price in the lineup. A 153-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine rests under the hood. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

While the Cruze L doesn't come equipped with flashy wheels, it does boasts a nice selection of features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable Chevy's all-new 7.0-inch touch screen to easily link to your smartphone. You will also enjoy the OnStar communications system, which has an integrated Wi-Fi hot spot. Bluetooth streaming, dual USB ports, and remote locking/unlocking come standard as well. Although no advanced driving aids are offered on the Cruze L, Chevy's popular Teen Driver system comes standard across the board.

Available as either a sedan or hatchback, the LS trim really doesn't bring much more to the table. While an upgraded steering wheel comes standard, you can opt for a Convenience package. It outfits the Cruze with steering-wheel mounted controls and cruise control.

Compare the 2019 Cruze LS vs LT Trims. What is the difference?

Although the LT trim is roughy $2,500 more expensive, it's well worth the additional money. Upgraded headlights with LED running lights and alloy wheels give the exterior a tad more style. Aside from the LS trim's optional Convenience package, a six-speaker stereo system with satellite radio also comes standard on the Cruze LT.

Featuring a sunroof and a much more entertaining Bose audio system, the Sun and Sound package proves to be a popular upgrade. Keyless entry and heated fronts seats are offered in a separate package. Most importantly, a Driver Confidence package is available on the Cruze LT. It makes commuting safer by providing blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors.

If you want to give the Cruze LT a hotter look, check out the RS appearance package. A sport body kit and a stylish set of 17-inch alloy wheels transform the car into a genuine head-turner.

Compare the Cruze LT vs Diesel Trims. What is the difference?

The Cruze Diesel shares a lot of the Cruze LT's same equipment. It comes standard with heated front seats and push-button start. Proximity keyless entry makes unlocking the doors even easier. Simulated leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel are optional.

As its name suggests, the Cruze Diesel is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine. It helps the Cruze to return segment-leading fuel economy. This is a big plus for the drivers who'll be commuting a long distance. A nine-speed automatic transmission also helps aid efficiency.

Compare the Cruze Diesel vs Premier Trims. What is the difference?

Atop the lineup sits the Cruze Premier. It's designed to offer more luxury than the lower trims. Not only will you receive the Diesel trim's standard features, but you will also enjoy a leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. Ambient interior lighting gives the cabin a more vibrant look. While 17-inch alloy wheels come standard, a set of 18-inch black machined aluminum wheels are found in the Premier trim's optional RS appearance package. Niceties, such as the Bose sound system and a sunroof, remain optional.

In contrast to the Cruze Diesel, the range-topping Cruze Premier comes equipped with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It also benefits from an upgrade suspension, which improves ride quality and handling.

The Cruze Premier is the only trim that offers a Driver Confidence II package. It equips the car with forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking, which has become one of today's most popular safety technologies. Automatic high-beam control and lane-keep assist are included as well.

Final Thoughts

If you're a bit short on funds, consider getting the base Cruze L. It provides high-tech features like Chevy's new touch-screen interface and onboard Wi-Fi. However, stepping up to the Cruze LS will give you access to cruise control and steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Cruze LT is possibly the best trim in the lineup. It comes standard with a better sound system and upgraded headlights. You can also get the Cruze LT with blind-spot monitoring, which will definitely make highway commuting less dangerous. Don't hesitate to get the sharp-looking RS appearance package. An optional Bose sound system brings even more fun to your daily commute.

For the maximum fuel savings, Chevy offers the Cruze Diesel. Its diesel engine can return up to 48 mpg on the freeway.

With a starting price of $23,500, even the range-topping Cruze Premier proves to be quite a value. While an upgraded suspension improves handling on the Premier trim, chrome exterior accents add just a bit more flair. For only $720, you can get the Cruze Premier with driver-assist technologies like low-speed automatic braking and lane-keep assist. Like the LT trim, the Premier trim offers an RS appearance package.

2019 Chevrolet Cruze Key Features

For 2019, every Cruze comes equipped with an all-new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 interface. It pairs a 7.0-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You shouldn't have any issues connecting your mobile phone. Automotive critics find the new infotainment system to be attractive and easy to operate. All of the controls are well within reach from the driver's seat. Unfortunately, navigation is no longer offered on the Chevrolet Cruze.

Chevrolet gives you two Cruze body styles to choose from: sedan and hatchback. While passenger space is virtually the same, the Cruze hatchback obviously provides a lot more cargo space. In fact, there's an extra 11 cubic feet of storage space behind the hatchback's rear seat. From cycling equipment to college dorm supplies, you'll be able to load the Cruze hatchback with a lot of stuff.

If you're like most buyers, you'll likely pick the base turbocharged four-cylinder. Although the Cruze isn't nearly as quick as the new Honda Civic or the Mazda 3, a good mid-range punch enables it to easy overtake vehicles on the interstate. Sadly, last year's manual gearbox has been removed from the lineup. While the gas-powered Cruze can return a combined 33 mpg, the Cruze Diesel can deliver a combined 37 mpg. Keep in mind that the diesel engine tends to vibrant before getting warm.

Even the lowest-priced Chevrolet Cruze comes equipped with Teen Driver. This helpful feature enables parents to set driving limitations for their teenagers. By analyzing driving habits, it can be used as a teaching tool. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert makes the Confidence package a highly recommended option. Low-speed automatic braking is available on the top-of-the-line Cruze Premier, which gives you more security in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze comes standard with a less than desirable stereo system. Its four-speaker setup won't motivate serious music fans. You'll find the six-speaker audio system to sound more entertaining. Although the available nine-speaker Bose audio system will cause the Cruze's price to climb, it's an upgrade you'll greatly appreciate in the long run. The clear sound reproduction is well worth it.

Thankfully, GM's OnStar communications system comes standard. By providing automatic crash notification, it can actually save lives. You can also use OnStar to quickly summon roadside assistance. A Wi-Fi hot spot is included, which enables everyone to access the web. OnStar can also provide navigation directions, hands-free calling, and vehicle diagnostic reports.

In previous years, many drivers complained about the Cruze's automatic engine stop-start feature. While it worked well at conserving fuel in the city, Chevy didn't allow you to turn off the system. For 2019, it can now be easily shut off at the touch of a button.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze has received high marks for its stable road manners. It actually feels sportier than some of today's other compact sedans, especially the Toyota Corolla. However, you'll have more fun in the Cruze Premier. Chevy equips it with an upgraded rear suspension, which equates to sharper handling.

Most people agree the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is a handsome car. While last year's Redline Edition has been discontinued, a lot of drivers will like the available RS appearance package. Its blacked-out wheels and body kit really give the Cruze a cooler look. Younger buyers will especially enjoy the enhanced styling of the RS package.