The 2019 Chevy Cruze debuted with a restyled front grille, offering reasonable fuel economy via either a 1.4L inline-four or 1.6L turbodiesel engine. However, both engines have their downfalls, with the 1.4L lacking in power, and the diesel being expensive to maintain.
Key Points
- Chevrolet’s 2019 Cruze is available with a standard gas-powered 1.4L four-cylinder engine, or an optional 1.6L turbodiesel.
- The diesel motor is only found on one trim level but offers the Cruze’s best fuel mileage, up to 48 mpg on the highway.
- According to registered NHTSA owner complaints, both powertrain options are known to leak oil from the valve cover.
- The turbodiesel is mostly problem-free, but owners report the timing chain becoming a concern after 100,000 miles.
- The 1.4L gas engine is the best choice in regard to the overall driving experience, as well as maintenance, and price.
Chevy Cruze’s Base 1.4L Engine Doesn’t Offer Much in Terms of Performance, and Fuel Economy is Average Compared to Rivals
The 1.4L inline-four-cylinder is the entry-level engine and is what will be found on all 2019 Chevy Cruze models except for the Cruze Diesel. This base model engine produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. While it certainly won’t feel very sporty, it will get you where you need to go.
The gas mileage is average, for an entry-level option, producing an EPA-rated 28/38 mpg city/highway for a combined 32 miles per gallon, with an estimated yearly fuel cost of $1,700.
While 32 mpg on its own is respectable, there are several other options in the compact car class with better gas mileage. The 2019 Kia Forte gets 35 mpg, and the 2019 VW Jetta gets up to 40 mpg, both of which can likely be found cheaper than a Chevy Cruze.
Chevy Cruze’s 1.6L Turbodiesel Provides Impressive Gas Mileage and Torque but is Loud at Slow Speeds
When optioned with the diesel package, the Cruze is equipped with a 1.6L turbodiesel inline-four. This turbo four-cylinder produces 137 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. The turbodiesel achieves an impressive 31 city, 48 highway mpg, for a combined 37 miles per gallon. A much more competitive rating in its class.
With better fuel economy, the diesel will be less costly to run, but not by much. With an average fuel cost of $1,650 per year, it’s only $50 cheaper per year than the smaller gas engine.
While fuel economy improves with the diesel motor, the driving experience does not. In its review, Car and Driver report that the diesel feels louder and rougher than the 1.4L gas option. Further, Motor Trend notes that while the ride is smooth, and there is ample torque, the diesel is no quicker than the 1.4L gasoline-powered model.
Both 2019 Chevy Cruze Engines Known to Leak Oil, but the Gas Motor is the Best Long-term Option
The 2019 Cruze has zero engine-related recalls, and very few reported problems. While cracked oil pans were an issue on the 1.4L previously, the problem has been sorted out for the 2019 Cruze.
However, both the 1.4L and 1.6L are known to leak oil from the valve cover. This problem isn’t serious most of the time, but should be addressed early to prevent any damage to the engine. Repair Pal shows the cost of replacing the valve cover gasket on the Cruze at about $300.
The 1.6L diesel engine, while mostly problem-free and known to be reliable, does have its shortcomings. After 100,000 miles, the timing belt needs to be replaced, which can be an expensive job. According to the Cruze Talk forum, if the timing belt isn’t addressed soon after 100,000 miles, you’ll be in serious trouble with bent valves and piston damage.
Chevy Cruze’s Diesel Model is Considerably More Expensive, Despite Not Providing Much Over the Gasoline Models
According to Kelley Blue Book, the cost of a 1.4L-equipped 2019 Chevy Cruze is between $17,532 and $25,488. The price gap is significant due to the number of trim levels; however, most will be less expensive than a Cruze with the 1.6L motor.
The Cruze Diesel has an average price between $22,750 and $26,497. While this trim does have many amenities found on the more expensive models, the higher cost is surprising, as the diesel offers little over the gas engine.
Chevy Cruze’s 1.4L Gasoline Engine is the Model’s Best, Offering Solid Reliability at an Affordable Price
There is little reason to buy a Cruze with the 1.6L turbodiesel. The diesel-equipped Cruze is more expensive, louder, and provides an unexciting driving experience. While there might be a small amount of savings on fuel, it won’t be enough to offset the other shortcomings.
So, if you’re going to buy a 2019 Chevy Cruze, you should pick one of the gasoline-equipped models. Otherwise, consider looking at a 2019 Ford Fiesta, which will be cheaper and get similar gas mileage.
Photos: Chevrolet
