What does the LT in Chevy Cruze LT mean?
The LT designation on the Chevy Cruze is a mid-level trim badge. In Chevrolet’s shorthand, LT is commonly read as “Luxury Touring.” The Cruze LT sits above the base LS and below the LTZ in most model years, though features vary by year and market.
Meaning of the LT badge
LT is Chevrolet's trim designation used across several models. For the Cruze, LT is generally understood to denote a mid-level trim that adds features beyond the base LS, while remaining below the top-tier LTZ. The exact equipment tied to LT varies by year—and in many markets you may see a "1LT" badge indicating the first LT tier.
What you typically get with LT compared with LS includes a mix of comfort, tech, and styling improvements:
- Exterior and interior upgrades (often alloy wheels, chrome accents, upgraded seating fabrics)
- Infotainment and connectivity (touchscreen radios, Bluetooth, USB, and sometimes Chevrolet MyLink)
- Convenience features (power windows/locks, cruise control, remote entry)
- Optional safety and comfort features that may be bundled differently by year
Note: The specifics depend on the model year and country; always review the official trim package for the Cruze you’re considering.
LT vs LS vs LTZ: where the Cruze trim sits
Chevrolet organizes Cruze trims with LS as base, LT as mid, LTZ as highest non-performance trim. LTZ typically adds leather seating, premium audio, and other luxury touches.
- LS: base level with essential features
- LT: mid-level with more comfort and tech
- LTZ: top-level, with premium materials and features
Again, exact inclusions differ by year and market, so check the window sticker or official brochure for the specific Cruze you’re looking at.
Generation-by-generation notes
Across Cruze generations, the LT badge remained the mid-range option, but features shifted as technology evolved. The Cruze was sold in North America from 2011–2019, with a significant refresh in 2016 that carried into the later years. In practice, LT features moved from basic connectivity to more advanced infotainment in later generations.
First generation (2011–2016)
In the early years, 1LT was the first upgrade from LS and commonly included features such as alloy wheels, body-color trim, upgraded interior, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Cruze LTZ later added leather, more chrome, and additional tech options in some packages.
- Key features often included: air conditioning, power accessories, cruise control, and a touchscreen/ Bluetooth option in newer years
- Not all features were standard; packages varied by year
Always verify the specific package for a given used Cruze.
Second generation (2016–2019)
The second-generation Cruze kept LT as the mid-level trim but introduced Chevrolet MyLink infotainment widely, improvements in safety tech, and different wheel options. The 1LT/ LT package continued to be the value-oriented upgrade over LS, with more standard features while LTZ remained the top trim.
- Refined interior with better materials on LT and LTZ
- Enhanced infotainment (MyLink/Android Auto/Apple CarPlay where available)
- More convenience and safety features offered in packages
Again: check the model year for exact inclusions.
In practice: should you buy LT?
If you value added comfort, tech, and convenience without stepping up to LTZ-level luxury, the Cruze LT is typically the best value. For the utmost features, LTZ is the option to look for; if you want the simplest, cheapest Cruze, LS is the baseline.
Summary
The LT badge on the Chevy Cruze denotes a mid-level trim, typically meaning “Luxury Touring.” It sits above LS and below LTZ, with year-to-year variations in included equipment. Always check the specific trim sheet for the model year you’re considering, since features differ across generations and markets.
