It was a weird time for the American car market. In 2019, while everyone was losing their minds over SUVs and crossovers, the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback was quietly rolling off the assembly line for the very last time. Most people didn't notice. They were too busy looking at Blazers or Equinoxes. But if you look at the used market today, this car is a bit of a sleeper. It’s the final evolution of a platform that Chevy finally figured out just as they decided to kill it off.
Honestly, the Cruze gets a bad rap because the first generation had some... let's call them "growing pains." Cooling issues. Plastic parts that felt like they came out of a cereal box. But the 2019 model? It’s a different beast entirely. It’s refined. It’s surprisingly quiet. It handles better than a car this cheap has any right to. If you’re hunting for a daily driver that doesn't feel like a penalty box, you've gotta look at the hatch version specifically.
The Design Shift Most People Missed
The 2019 refresh brought a new grille and some updated lighting, but the real story is the utility. The hatchback offers about 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Flip those down? You’re looking at 47.2 cubic feet. To put that in perspective, that’s more than some subcompact SUVs that cost twice as much on the used market.
People forget that the hatchback version was actually designed with a European sensibility. It’s shorter than the sedan by about eight inches, which makes parallel parking in the city a breeze. It feels tight. The rear suspension on the higher trims, like the Premier, actually uses a Z-link setup. This isn't some fancy racing tech, but it keeps the rear end from hopping around when you hit a pothole mid-corner. It’s a subtle thing that makes a massive difference in how the car feels on a Tuesday morning commute.
That Diesel Engine is a Unicorn
We have to talk about the 1.6-liter turbodiesel. It’s rare. If you find one, buy it. Seriously. In 2019, Chevy was one of the few manufacturers still brave enough to sell a diesel car in the States after the whole Volkswagen "Dieselgate" mess.
This engine produces 137 horsepower, which sounds slow. It isn't. The 240 lb-ft of torque is what matters. You step on it at 30 mph, and it just goes. No waiting for a downshift. No screaming high-RPM drama. Just a smooth wave of shove. Plus, the EPA rated the diesel hatchback at 45 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission. Real-world drivers—look at forums like CruzeTalk or Fuelly—often report hitting 50+ mpg if they aren't driving like a maniac.
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The 9-speed automatic paired with this engine is surprisingly competent. It doesn't hunt for gears. It just works. Of course, the standard 1.4-liter turbo gas engine is fine. It’s punchy enough. But the diesel is the one enthusiasts actually want because it turns the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback into a long-distance cruiser that can go 500 miles on a single tank.
Interior Truths: The Good and the Plastic
The cabin is a mixed bag. Let's be real. If you buy the LS or LT trim, you're going to see a lot of hard plastic. It’s durable, sure, but it’s not "luxury." However, the 2019 model year got the updated Infotainment 3 system.
The 7-inch touchscreen is standard. It’s fast. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are baked in and they don't lag like the older Chevy MyLink systems used to. The physical buttons for volume and tuning are a godsend. Why did car companies ever try to get rid of knobs? Chevy kept them here, and they're tactile and easy to use without looking away from the road.
One weird quirk? The stop-start system. On the 2019 gas models, you can't turn it off. There’s no button. When you hit a red light, the engine dies to save fuel. When you lift off the brake, it fires back up. Some people find it jarring. If you're sensitive to that kind of thing, it might drive you crazy. The diesel version handles this a bit smoother, but it's something you have to live with if you go for the 1.4L gas engine.
Safety and the "Teen Driver" Factor
Chevrolet pushed their "Teen Driver" technology hard in 2019. It’s standard. Basically, you can program a specific key fob to limit certain features. It can mute the audio until the seatbelts are buckled. It can give you a "report card" of how many times the forward collision alert went off.
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Is it "Big Brother" for your kids? Maybe. But for a parent buying a first car, it’s a huge selling point. The 2019 model also offered the Driver Confidence II package on higher trims. This included:
- Low-speed forward automatic braking
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision alert
- Rear park assist
It’s worth noting that the Cruze felt solid. It didn't feel tinny. When you shut the door, it made a thud, not a cling. That's the benefit of the D2XX platform it shares with the Buick Envision.
The Elephant in the Room: Reliability
Is it a Honda Civic? No. Let’s be honest. You might deal with a leaky water pump or an oil sensor issue at some point. But by 2019, GM had addressed the major piston-cracking issues that plagued the 2016 and 2017 models. They switched to a different oil specification (Dexos 1 Gen 2) which basically solved the Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) problems.
Maintenance is key. If you buy a used 2019 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, check the service records for oil changes. These turbo engines hate old oil. If the previous owner skipped maintenance, the turbo will be the first thing to go. But if it was cared for, these cars can easily sail past 150,000 miles.
Why the RS Package is More Than Just a Badge
If you're shopping, look for the RS package. It doesn't add horsepower—don't let the salesperson tell you it does—but it changes the vibe. You get a blacked-out grille, a different rear spoiler, and 18-inch machined wheels on the Premier trim. It makes the car look aggressive. It stops looking like a rental car and starts looking like something you'd actually be proud to park in your driveway.
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The suspension is tuned slightly firmer with the RS package as well. It’s not a hot hatch like a Golf GTI, but it’s "warm." It’s fun enough for a twisty backroad on your way home from work.
What to Check Before You Buy
Before you hand over your cash for a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, do these three things:
- Check the Coolant Levels: Open the hood and look at the overflow tank. If it's low or smells like maple syrup, there’s a leak. These cars are known for small coolant seeps from the plastic water outlet housing. It’s a cheap fix, but if ignored, it'll cook your engine.
- Test the Infotainment: Plug your phone in. Make sure the USB ports actually work. They can get loose over time, and replacing that module is a pain.
- Scan for Codes: Even if the Check Engine Light isn't on, use a cheap OBD-II scanner. Look for "pending" codes related to the turbo boost or emissions system.
Actionable Insights for the Savvy Buyer
If you’re in the market for a compact car, stop looking at Civics and Corollas for a second. The "Toyota Tax" is real—you'll pay $4,000 more for a Corolla of the same year with more miles. The Cruze is the value play.
- Target the LT Trim: It’s the sweet spot. You get the LED daytime running lights and the better sound system without the high price tag of the Premier.
- Seek out the Diesel: If you drive more than 20,000 miles a year, the fuel savings alone will pay for the car’s maintenance.
- Verify the Recall Status: Ensure the fuel tank sensor recall was performed. It was a known issue where the sensor could fail and give inaccurate fuel readings.
The 2019 Cruze Hatchback isn't a museum piece. It’s a tool. A quiet, comfortable, surprisingly spacious tool that happens to look pretty sharp in Kinetic Blue or Red Hot. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best time to buy a car is right when the manufacturer decides to stop making it. All the bugs are worked out, the factory is at peak efficiency, and the used market hasn't quite realized how good it is yet.
Final Checklist for Your Search
- Look for models with the 8-way power driver seat; the manual seats can feel a bit flat on long trips.
- Check the tire brand. If it's still on the original Michelins, it was likely well-maintained. If it's on four different brands of "no-name" tires, walk away.
- Test the rear wiper. It’s a simple thing, but the motors in the hatchbacks can get sticky if they aren't used often.
- Confirm the presence of the spare tire. Some 2019 models came with an inflator kit instead of a physical spare to save weight. If you live in an area with bad roads, you want the real tire.