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Chevrolet claims the Sonic is one of its most popular models for consumers under the age of 35. With a good mix of comfort and safety features and its affordable price tag, it’s easy to see why. Available as a hatchback and a sedan, the Sonic can be built to fit any lifestyle, and thanks to its compact size, it's a great option for urbanites.
What's New for 2018
After getting a refresh last year, the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic only gets minor changes for the new model year. Opting for the RS Package brings black bowties to the Sonic, while the Fun and Sun Package (available on both sedan and hatchback models) now comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, and a sunroof. Lastly, the Sonic lineup includes a new Ivy Metallic paint scheme.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Sonic
The 2018 Sonic is available as a sedan and hatchback with two engine choices. The base Sonic comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The engine can be paired to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox. The most fuel-efficient version of the Sonic with the 1.8-liter engine is capable of getting up to 26 miles per gallon in the city and and 35 mpg on the highway.
A 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine is also available that produces 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine is paired to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission and is capable of helping the subcompact get up to 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
In addition to being easy to maneuver in tight spots and getting good fuel economy, the Sonic is also capable of holding a large amount of cargo in its trunk. The sedan offers consumers 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offers a generous 47.7 cu. ft. with the seats folded down.
The subcompact vehicle also has an impressive list of safety features, including: electronic stability control with traction control and brake assist, a rearview camera, hill start assist, OnStar, and 10 airbags as standard. Advanced safety technologies including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear park assist.
The Sonic sedan is available in three different trims, while the hatchback comes in two.
LS Sedan
The entry-level Sonic LS sedan houses the 1.8-liter engine with the five-speed manual transmission and costs $16,170 (all prices include the $875 destination charge). Stepping up to a LS sedan with the six-speed automatic starts at $17,370.
The LS comes with 15-inch steel wheels, body-color door handles, and automatic on/off headlamps on the outside. The interior includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, OnStar 4G LTE and built-in WiFi hotspot, cloth bucket seats, manual windows, and remote keyless entry. The only available package for the LS trims is the Winter/Summer Floor Mats Package ($250).
LT Sedan
The LT sedan starts at $18,570 for the six-speed manual, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine variant, and goes up to $20,020 for the sedan with the automatic transmission and the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The LT trim adds heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, power windows, cruise control, and deluxe cloth seats.
There are five available packages on the LT trims in addition to the Winter/Summer Floor Mats Package ($250). The Driver Confidence Package ($495) adds forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear park assist. The RS Package ($800) brings Jet Black deluxe cloth-trimmed seats, 16-inch wheels, premium front and rear carpeted floor mats, more aggressive rocker moldings, a sporty body kit, front fog lamps, Black Chevrolet emblems, a spoiler, RS badges, and a three-spoke sport steering wheel.
The Convenience Package ($875) includes heated front seats, a six-way power driver’s seat, keyless start and open, two spare keys, an enhanced driver information center, a compass, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and a heated steering wheel. The Fun and Sun Package ($1,850) adds the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a power sunroof. A Fun and Sun Package with RS Package ($1,850) combines the features of its two namesakes and adds a sport suspension. Lastly, the Performance Package ($1,760) brings a performance exhaust and a lowered suspension kit.
Premier Sedan
Like the rest of the Sonic lineup, the Premier sedan is available with a manual and an automatic transmission. Both of the gearboxes are paired to the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The Premier manual starts at $20,670, while the automatic variant is priced from $21,370.
The Premier trim adds a few features over the LT models, including: an integrated rear decklid spoiler, a sport exhaust system with a chrome outlet, the RS Package, 17-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, keyless open and start, an Enhanced Driver Information Center, leatherette seats, heated front seats, and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Driver Confidence Package ($495) is the only available package for manual Premier models.
LT Hatchback
The LT trim is the entry-level model for the hatchback body style and is available with either the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine or the 1.8-liter inline-four. With the manual transmission, the LT hatchback starts at $18,670, while the automatic variant costs $20,070. The LT hatchback has a lot of the same features as the LT sedan, but includes: a rear wiper with washer, a rear Sport spoiler, a sport exhaust system with a chrome outlet, the RS Package, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and a cargo-area privacy shade and adjustable shelf floor.
There are four available packages for the LT hatchback trim. The Driver Confidence Package ($495) and Fun and Sun Package ($1,850) carries over from the sedan in both price and features added. The Convenience Package ($650) includes heated front seats, a compass, a six-way power driver’s seat, keyless open and start, two spare keys, and an enhanced driver information center. Lastly, the Performance Package ($1,580) brings a performance exhaust system and a lowering suspension kit to the Sonic.
Premier Hatchback
The range-topping Premier hatchback starts at $20,670 and comes with the 1.4-liter turbo engine and the six-speed manual transmission. Stepping into a Premier hatchback with an automatic gearbox costs $22,170. The Premier adds a few luxury features over the LT hatch, including: 17-inch black wheels, keyless open and start, an enhanced driver information center, leatherette seating surfaces with sueded microfiber inserts, heated front seats, and a six-way power driver’s seat. The Driver Confidence Package ($495) and the Performance Package ($1,580) add the same features as on the LT variant.
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.
