Item: 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
Author: Matthew Keegan

Overview

Anyone seeking a subcompact that offers a nice blend of safety, comfort, and features should find a lot to like in the Chevrolet Sonic. In addition to steady handling and respectable ride comfort, the Sonic offers plenty of advanced safety features. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Sonic can be configured to meet a broad range of priorities without disrupting the family budget.

What's New for 2017

Freshening of the Sonic’s exterior includes new LED lighting, as well as a new hood and front fascia. LED daytime running lights and a heated steering wheel are now available. So is rear parking assist. A new gauge cluster incorporates an analog speedometer. The previous LTZ trim level is gone, replaced by the Premier. A new MyLink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen, includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A rearview camera now is standard on all Sonics.

Choosing Your Chevrolet Sonic

All four Sonic trim levels are available as a sedan or four-door hatchback. Base LS and LT models come with a standard Ecotec 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Generating a respectable 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, the base engine is estimated at 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the manual transmission, or 24/34 mpg with the automatic.

Optional on the LT and standard for the Premier and RS is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that also makes 138 horsepower, but offers more torque and up to 28/38 mpg.

The Sonic covers quite a bit of market territory, with three sedan trim levels and two for the RS hatchback:

CarsDirect Tip

Hatchback styling makes the RS versions stand out in this class. Especially with the Premier’s turbo engine and sport suspension, the RS delivers a ride that’s surprisingly snappy and fun. An RS Package is available for the sedan, too. If your priority is getting the most car for the money, the LT sedan or hatchback delivers a bit more value.

Get your price on a Chevrolet Sonic »

Read our review on the Chevrolet Sonic »

James Flammang

Contributing Editor - October 13, 2016

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - September 26, 2016

Introduced in 2012, the Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact front-wheel drive vehicle with room for five. Both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan models are available.

For 2017, the Sonic offers a refreshed exterior, including a new front face with updated lighting elements, a new hood, fresh exterior colors, and the latest wheel designs. Interior and technology changes include keyless open and start, an updated infotainment system, and available heated cloth seats.

Pricing and Equipment

The 2017 Chevy Sonic offers two powertrain choices. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is standard and makes 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Here, you have your choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. Also available is a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

The EPA rates the 2017 Sonic at 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway when powered by the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with the five-speed automatic transmission. Models outfitted with the turbo engine and paired with the six-speed manual transmission are EPA-rated at 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

The 2017 Sonic offers two trims for the hatchback (LT and Premier) and three trims for the sedan (LS, LT and Premier). The sedan is priced from $16,020 and the Sonic hatchback begins at $18,455.

Sedan LT editions start at $18,045; Premier editions begin at $20,595. Upgrading to the automatic will add $695 to $1,250 to your price, depending on the trim. The Premier hatchback is priced from $20,595. Add $1,390 or $1,495 for the automatic, depending on the trim.

Sedan LS models are equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, power door locks, Chevrolet MyLink Radio with a 7-inch color display, OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, air conditioning, and cloth seats.

Sonic LT models add aluminum wheels, power-heated side mirrors, power windows, SiriusXM satellite radio, and upgraded cloth seats. Premier models add imitation leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an enhanced driver information center, and RS package trim.

Performance Pros

The manual transmission isn’t dead yet, at least not in budget models. With five or six gears at the ready, today’s manual gearboxes are far easier to operate than what many of us “mature” drivers experienced way back when. Add in sufficient clutch play and “rowing your own” in the Sonic is a blast.

The available turbo engine is ideally matched with this model. Some lag is noted, but once the turbo spools up, you have a zippy sedan or hatch on your hands.

Performance Cons

Chevrolet doesn’t seem interested in taking on the competing Ford Fiesta ST with a performance model of its own. In RS badging, the Sonic has the looks, but it can’t pretend to compete against other pocket rockets.

The standard 1.8-liter engine offers the same horsepower as the turbo engine, but only 125 pound-feet of torque compared to 148 pound-feet for the turbo. The difference becomes especially noticeable when climbing steep hills with the automatic and you find yourself coaxing more power from the car.

Interior Pros

The motorcycle-inspired cockpit gives the Sonic a fun, youthful persona. Dominated by the tachometer, the monochrome display needs updating.

Providing 4G LTE with Wi-Fi as standard equipment was a smart move on Chevrolet’s part. As young drivers look at their cars as an extension of their digital lives, the Sonic delivers something very important to them and at no extra charge.

Interior Cons

Most competing models have roomier back-seat space than the Sonic. An updated seat configuration layout along the lines of the Honda Fit’s magic seat are in order. Happily, the rear seat in both the sedan and hatchback do fold all the way back to expand cargo space.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

We’re not surprised the Chevrolet Sonic offers 10 airbags—ever since the car made its debut in 2012 it has had them. However, we think most buyers will be impressed by the offering, which includes both driver and front passenger knee airbags.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

Fuel economy for models equipped with the standard engine comes in no better than 34 mpg on the highway. Much larger models such as the Honda Accord with bigger engines get at least 36 mpg on the highway.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an affordable small car, the Chevrolet Sonic should be on your short list. Its styling is sharp, the standard amenities are very good, and the hatchback offers excellent storage space. Well-equipped models can be had for about $20,000 and that’s a smart deal no matter how you look at it.

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

1.8L I-4 / 138 HP / 125 ft.lbs.

Transmission

5-spd man w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

25 / 33 / 29 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	1.8L I-4 / 138 HP / 125 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes	Front Disc/rear Drum
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	12.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$46

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	14.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	90 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	173.1 "
Exterior Width	68.3 "
Exterior Height	59.7 "
Front Headroom	38.7 "
Rear Headroom	37.8 "
Front Legroom	41.8 "
Rear Legroom	34.6 "
Front Shoulder Room	53.4 "
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	2,733 Lbs.
Wheel Base	99 "
Turning Radius	17.3 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	15.0 " Steel / 17.0 " Painted Aluminum / 17.0 " Steel / 17.0 " Black Aluminum / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Manual Remote
Bumpers	Front Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings	Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust	Stainless Steel

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats	60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers	4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	1

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag	Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	24 Months / 24,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	72 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2017 Chevrolet Sonic for Sale