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- Highs Peppy available turbocharged engine, relatively comfortable cabin, value pricing.
- Lows Weak standard engine, cut-rate interior materials, uninspired handling.
- Verdict The Sonic is priced right, easy to drive, and worth a look for anyone who wants basic transportation.
Overview
The Chevrolet Sonic replaced the Aveo for the 2012 model year, to become General Motors’ first serious North American effort in the cutthroat subcompact field. As with its chief competitor, the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet put the emphasis on the Sonic hatchback body style’s design and features over the sedan to take on such rivals as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Chevy added the sporty RS package to the four-door hatchback for the 2013 model year, with stiffer suspension, sport exhaust, and body kit. The RS option was made available for the sedan for the 2014 model year.
What's New for 2017?
Chevy gave the Sonic its first major refresh for the 2017 model year. This includes a new hood and front fascia design, a smaller grille, redesigned headlamps, redesigned rear fascia, and reshaped taillamps. There are also new wheel designs and new options that include a power driver’s seat, keyless entry, remote start, heated seats, and heated steering wheel.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LS: $16,020
- LT: $18,405
- Premier: $20,595
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base engine in the Sonic is a 138-hp, 1.8-liter inline-four, and the optional engine—the one to get—is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four, also rated 138 horsepower, but with 148 pound-feet of torque compared with the base engine’s measly 125 . The 1.8-liter engine comes standard with a five-speed manual, while the 1.4 turbo comes with a six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic is optional for either engine, and front-wheel-drive is the only drivetrain choice. When the Sonic first launched, we praised it as Chevrolet’s first example of “small-car excellence.” The turbocharged six-speed manual we tested had “very little lag, power delivery is smooth, and it never groans like so many other econo-car engines.” The Sonic offers a comfortable ride, but the handling doesn't inspire when driven hard, although the RS models’ stiffer suspension makes for a fun daily drive and autocross weekends.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Sonic sedan is available in rental-car base LS trim, popular LT trim, and top-spec Premier, while the Sonic hatchback comes only in LT and Premier trim levels. The interior is functional and fairly roomy for the class, but in terms of materials used in the cabin, well, the Sonic isn’t going to set any styling trends. This is a basic interior, and the plastics remind you this is a value-minded machine. While the RS model is quite basic, higher trims add such features as power windows, cruise control, heated seats with power adjustment, and a leather-covered steering wheel. A Sonic RS package is available, as well, with piano black interior trim, flat-bottom steering wheel, and faux suede seats.
Infotainment and Connectivity
For the 2017 model year, Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system has been made standard on the Sonic, with a 7.0-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a USB port, and a four-speaker stereo. Moving up in trim levels brings additional features like a 7.0-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, and a premium six-speaker audio system with satellite radio.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chevrolet Sonic‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
