The Cruze is slow to accelerate, but it’s plenty capable at highway speed. The Cruze's engine stop-start function is smoother than those found in competitors, but you can't disable it, which you might find annoying in stop-and-go traffic –Cars.USnews.com
Engine and Transmission
The 2019 Cruze is the only one in this comparison, to be offered only in a turbocharged avatar. This engine has been tuned by GM for efficiency rather than performance. However, in no way is the performance dull as the 1.4L inline 4 motor in the Cruze delivers 153HP and an impressive 177lbs-ft of torque.
Models
|
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan LS
|
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
|
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
|
Honda Civic LX Sedan
|
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
|
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
|
MSRP
|
$20,400
|
$18,100
|
$18,700
|
$20,250
|
$20,240
|
$20,240
|
Engine
|
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
|
2.0 L inline-four
|
1.8 L inline-four
|
2.0 L inline-four
|
2.0 L inline-four
|
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
|
Transmission
|
6 Speed Automatic
|
6-speed Automatic
|
CVT
|
CVT
|
6-speed Auto
|
8 Speed Automatic
|
Horsepower
|
153hp@5600rpm
|
147hp @ 6200 rpm
|
132hp @ 6000 rpm
|
158hp @ 6500 rpm
|
155hp @ 6000 rpm
|
147hp@5000rpm
|
Torque
|
177lbs-ft@2000-4000
|
132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
|
128 lb-ft@4400
|
138 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm
|
150 lb.-ft. @4000 rpm
|
184lbs-ft@1400rpm
|
The acceleration from a dead halt, isn’t electric as one would expect from turbocharged engines but get the Cruze to rev above 2000rpm and see the turbochargers spool up, giving a better performance.
Transmission duties in the 2019 Cruze are handled by a 6 speed automatic unit. This unit does not shift to the top gear as soon as you step on the gas from a stop and does hold up gears, when you are doing hill climbs. The gears are well-calibrated and when on the highway, the transmission ensures that the car reaches highway speeds without much effort. This engine allows the Cruze to be a very capable highway cruiser.
Acceleration
The turbo bred motor in the Cruze delivers average acceleration from a dead stop. The turbo lag adds to the lethargy of the engine and in theory, the Cruze has a lot going against it.
Models
|
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
|
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan
|
Honda Civic Sedan
|
Mazda 3 Sedan
|
Volkswagen Jetta
|
0-60 MPH(sec)
|
7.7
|
8.3
|
9.4
|
8.2
|
8.0
|
7.7
|
Quarter mile(sec)
|
16.3
|
16.4
|
17.2
|
16.3
|
16.2
|
N/A
|
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
5.6
|
10.2
|
9.8
|
8.4
|
11.2
|
5.2
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
2870
|
2767
|
2840
|
2742
|
2899
|
2959
|
In reality though, the turbocharger supports the cause of the Cruze in 0-60 runs as the extra boost from the same helps the Cruze, get to the 60 mph the fastest among its naturally aspirated rivals. The turbo boost however isn’t good enough to make it the fastest in quarter mile runs and is beaten eventually, by the Mazda 3 Sedan.
Ride and Handling
The ride inside the 2019 Cruze will be comfortable in most conditions for most people. The Cruze tends to absorb speed bumps and undulations well while not being too soft on the ride front. Some might find the suspension to be a little too stiff for daily usage, it definitely aids during the driver during corners and turns.
The Cruze, however, shines on the highway and on twisty roads. The suspension is well-tuned to take corners well and provides very little body roll, aiding driver confidence. Not a lot is expected in terms of ride and handling from a budget family sedan but the 2019 Cruze manages to surprise everyone. The light sporty steering responds to the smallest of inputs on the highway and provides good feedback when tackling sharp bends or high speeds.
Braking
The brakes on the Cruze are pretty potent, to say the least. They offer a good feel and responds well to the pressure applied by the driver. They are in no way feather touch in feedback but they do reduce speed drastically when sufficient pressure is applied.
The Standard 4 Wheel ABS and Traction Control with Electronic Stability Program and Electronic Brake Force Distribution ensures the brakes don’t lock up during panic braking situations and provide stability to the sedan.
Models
|
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan
|
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan
|
Honda Civic Sedan
|
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
|
Mazda 3 Sedan
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
10.8
|
10.3
|
10.8
|
10.2
|
11.5
|
10.7
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
10.4
|
9.7
|
9.1
|
9.8
|
10.8
|
9.5
|
70-0 MPH (ft.)
|
110(60-0MPH)
|
182
|
183
|
180
|
191
|
179
|
The Volkswagen Jetta has the biggest brakes out of this bunch. Jetta's 11.5 inch front brake rotors are slightly bigger than the rest. The Cruze sedan is a close second with 10.8 inch front discs and 10.4 inch rear discs. Having said that, the Jetta still manages to embarrass itself with the longest braking distance out of the bunch. This cannot be blamed on the weight as other vehicles in this group perform better even with higher curb weight.