2017 Chevrolet Sonic

Overall, the Sonic has managed a very pleasant design balance. It's neither overly bold nor bland, and it managed to look modern without the bland, boxy econocar look of some class rivals that offer as much practicality as this. It's just handsome and conservative enough to still look good after a few years on the market—and some subtle but meaningful changes to this model's design this year give it just the right kind of refresh so it fits right in alongside other recently redesigned Chevy models like the Malibu, the upcoming Bolt EV, and even the Camaro.

What it means, exactly, is what we see as a more refined, expressive look, with a redesigned hood that flows more neatly from the grille and headlamps; meanwhile the headlights now meet up with the grille in more of a continuous horizontal strip. Airdams have been redesigned in front and in back, as has the entire rear bodywork (for a more chiseled look, as we see it).

Up close with the details, there are projector-beam headlamps, as well as LED daytime running lamps. Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintcoat, and Arctic Blue Metallic are four new colors introduced for 2017, and wheel designs have been refreshed (still 15-, 16-, and 17-inch).

For the U.S., that takes it a lot closer to the front-end look of the international version, which is still called the Aveo in many other markets. It continues to be available as either a five-door hatchback or four-door sedan.

Inside, the Sonic shows its age a little bit more, as it's a version of the twin-cockpit look that dominated larger Chevrolet sedans of a few years ago. The center of the dash curves down through a V-shaped center stack into a console area that wraps around the front-seat riders. But at the center of the dash, new 7.0-inch infotainment systems in some versions will change the look somewhat for 2017. 

Behind the steering wheel, a "motorcycle-inspired" instrument cluster stands proud of the dashboard itself. The only major gauge is actually the tachometer, with a numeric speed readout and a host of digital icons and graphs and lights. (The monochrome display is one area where the Sonic shows its age.).

The materials are upscale for a subcompact, and the three-spoke steering wheel reinforces the Chevrolet identify. Touches you might not expect in a subcompact include chrome trim rings around circular elements, used sparingly, and contrasting materials with different grains for the upper and lower parts of the dash. Even after several years, it's well done, and feels like it costs more than it does. Chevy also gets credit on the outside, for fitting alloy wheels to every single Sonic—even the base LS model. No grim plastic covers over steel wheels here.

Ultimately, the biggest design choice you're going to make within the Sonic lineup is between the hatchback and sedan. We find the hatchback a far more cohesive design, with its angled window line ending in a truncated tail. Handles of the rear doors are "hidden" in the rear doors, ticked with the black trim connecting the roof pillar and door, for a slightly coupe-like look. And overall, the hatchback's short rear and longer front overhangs give it proportions that impress are sportier. 

The Sonic four-door sedan has the same wheelbase, but it gets conventional rear doors, a longer roof, and a surprisingly large trunk. In all, it's less of a consistent design as a whole, and can look from some angles like three different ideas stamped together. Perhaps not too surprising, Chevy sells more Sonic hatchbacks—and fewer sedans, relatively—than it predicted.

While that engine gives the Sonic just the right smooth, strong, refined character to blast all memories of the Aveo and miserly, miserable econoboxes out of your memory, the base 1.8-liter non-turbo engine could bring it all back into focus, as its raspy character, narrow power band, and unimpressive real-world mileage are all reasons to avoid it.

Both are rated at 138 horsepower, and with each you can get either a 6-speed automatic or a manual (5-speed for the base 1.8 or 6-speed with the turbo).

Good steering feel and a well-tuned suspension make the Sonic a joy to drive. In previous model years, an RS model has offered an even sportier feel from a lowered and tuned suspension and lower gear ratios. For 2017, Chevrolet is only offering the hatchback in RS guise, and making the package available on the the sedan as an option.

Outside of a rather mushy brake pedal (stopping power has been just fine) on nearly all the Sonics we've driven, our sole quibble with the turbo versions is that throttle response can sometimes lag the pedal input for a fraction of a second. On the other hand, the 6-speed manual is downright fun to drive with the smaller engine because it offers precise, direct shift action with pleasingly short throws. The clutch is smooth and almost impossible to get wrong.

The automatics here aren't bad either; with the turbo you get up- and down-shift buttons on the side of the lever for added sportiness. Leaving it in Drive is just fine, though—though with the 1.8-liter it will be hunting around more to keep moving briskly.

There's room for four passengers in the Sonic, with enough leg room to accommodate adults front and rear, if you manage some negotiation. Front seats in the Sonic are quite good, and adjustable to a wide range of drivers, but back-seat accommodations are quite tight (in head room especially) and by no means transcend this model’s subcompact status.

In front, the Sonic serves up plenty of trays, bins, and cubbies up front to hold glasses, toll tickets, change, phones, sodas, and all the rest of the stuff you carry in your car these days.

What you won't find in the Sonic is any trick seat-folding, or an extraordinarily low or flat cargo floor—although whether you choose the hatchback or sedan, its rear seatbacks flip forward all the way to expand space.

It mostly makes up for that in sheer volume. The hatchback has a remarkably large 19-cubic-foot cargo area, making it possible to accommodate long packages and still close the hatch. It also has a hidden storage area underneath the high load floor that's large enough to hold a laptop bag. And the sedan boasts a 14.9-cubic-foot trunk, which is the same size as that of the Nissan Versa Sedan—although here the opening is larger.

The Sonic had one of the quietest, best-insulated cabins in the class when it was introduced more than five years ago, and while the competition has started to catch up it still remains one of the better picks in this class for general ride comfort. Road and engine noise are muted—although we'd stick with the mid-level LT model for the quietest ride and avoid the 17-inch wheel-and-tire upgrade of LTZ models (and the RS) as it's a bit noisier and rough-riding.

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic comes standard with 10 airbags. Blind-spot mirrors come standard at all trim levels, as is a rearview camera system. Rear parking sensors are newly available this year, in addition to forward-collision warnings. There's no automatic emergency braking, but that's still a rare feature among subcompacts. 

To that, there's no stripped-down Sonic. Even the base LS model, with its 1.8-liter engine, comes standard with air conditioning, steering-wheel audio controls, keyless entry, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Trim levels have been revamped for the whole 2017 Chevrolet Sonic lineup. LS, LT, and Premier trims will be offered for the Sonic (LT and Premier only for the hatchback), replacing the LS, LT, LTZ, and RS trims of the 2016 model.

The RS model is effectively replaced by an appearance package that’s offered on LT and Premier trims; it appears that the performance enhancements that used to go along with the RS as a standalone model (like the lowered suspension, lower gear ratios, and performance exhaust) have been discontinued.

The top-of-the-line Sonic Premier will likely parallel the former LTZ, adding larger 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and fog lamps as standard, along with heated front seats upholstered in leatherette.

According to GM, the Sonic is the first model in its class to offer a power driver’s seat. Other new features offered in the lineup include a heated steering wheel, heated cloth seats, and a 7.0-inch infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system also has 4G LTE connectivity and a wi-fi hotspot.

The EPA deems the most fuel-efficient Sonic to be the 1.4-liter turbo with the 6-speed manual gearbox, rated at 28 mpg city, 38 highway, 32 combined. Go for the 6-speed automatic, as most buyers will, and you'll still see 27/36/30 mpg.

If you opt for the base 1.8-liter inline-4, it's rated more fuel-efficient with the 5-speed manual at 25/33/28 mpg; the 6-speed automatic brings it down slightly, to 24/34/28 mpg.

We strongly recommend the modestly higher-priced 1.4-liter turbocharged models, which are more fuel-efficient, peppier, smoother, and more fun to drive. The turbo doesn't require premium fuel either. The base 1.8-liter engine costs less, it drinks more fuel. It's also less fun to drive, so we think the payback is pretty clear.