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Rumored to be discontinued last year, the Chevrolet Sonic has returned for another go-round. Starting at $16,295 (all prices include an $875 destination charge), the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic is offered as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, available in three trim levels, with single powerplant option. While it’s sparse on tech and safety features, the Sonic is an affordable and reliable subcompact that'll transport you efficiently around town.
What's New for 2019
The biggest change to the Sonic is the swapping of power-providers, from the former 1.8-liter four-cylinder to a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotech engine. The new engine produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, and can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon city, 38 mpg highway, and 31 combined. The latest Sonic receives a few minor trim enhancements and extra color options for 2019.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Sonic
Consumers opting for a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic have the option to configure it as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. Each receives power via the standard 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and can be paired to a six-speed manual (standard) or an upgraded six-speed automatic transmission for $1,300 on the base LS or $700 on the LT and Premier sedan. On the hatch, the automatic transmission runs $1,400 on the LT or $1,500 on the Premier.
Chevrolet offers the Sonic in three trims: LS, LT, and Premier – although the hatchback is only available in the LT and Premier.
LS
The base 2019 Chevrolet Sonic four-door sedan is the LS, which starts at $16,295 with the manual transmission and $17,595 with the automatic. This trim isn't quite a bare-bones subcompact, with impressive standard features including StabiliTrak Electronic Stability and Traction Control with Panic Brake Assist, a rearview camera, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a theft-deterrent system. The LS rides on standard 15-inch steel wheels and is available with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi that can connect with up to seven devices. The LS can be painted from one of five standard exterior colors or a $395 Kinetic Blue Metallic. There's a single cloth interior option. Chevrolet offers a single winter/summer floor mats package for the base that adds Z-Spec floor mats and all-weather floor mats for an additional $250.
LT
The LT sedan starts at $18,795 while the hatchback begins at $18,895. The most affordable LT with an automatic gearbox costs $19,495 for the sedan and $20,295 for the hatchback.
The sedan builds off the base LS and adds 15-inch alloy wheels, outside power mirrors, a three-month trial to SiriusXM Satellite radio, power windows, cruise control with steering wheel controls, enhanced cloth seating, and a premium six-speaker sound system. The $1,760 Performance Package includes a lowering suspension kit and performance exhaust system. The Convenience Package costs $875 on manual models and brings two spare keys, heated front seats, six-way power front seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, and keyless entry, while it runs $1,175 on automatic models. The RS Package ($800) adds carpeted floor mats, a sport steering wheel, a black-accented instrument panel, RS badging, front fog lights, sporty rocker moldings, a rear spoiler, and black Chevrolet emblems. Finally, the Driver Confidence Package ($495) brings blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear park assist.
The LT hatchback features outside heated mirrors, projector-beam halogen headlights with automatic exterior light control, and 16-inch wheels. It also includes the RS package's equipment as standard. The hatchback can be enhanced with the Performance Package for $2,775, while the Convenience Package costs $650 and doesn't include the heated steering wheel. The Driver Confidence Package remains with the same price and features.
Premier
Both the Premier sedan and hatchback start at $20,895 with the manual transmission. With the automatic, the Premier starts at $21,595 for the sedan and $22,395 for the hatchback.
The Premier sedan with the manual comes with the rear spoiler, sport exhaust, RS Package, and 17-inch black wheels as standard equipment. The Driver Confidence Package ($495) is the only available package. With the automatic, the Premier sedan loses the RS equipment and black paint on the wheels, but gains leatherette seating, remote start, and keyless open. The Performance Package, RS Package, and Driver Confidence package return as they were on the LT.
The Premier hatchback gains a rear spoiler, sport exhaust system, the RS package, 17-inch, black-painted alloy wheels, keyless open and start, leatherette seating, and heated front seats. Adding the Performance Package only costs $1,580 and the Driver Confidence Package is still $495. The Premier with the automatic adds the same standard equipment and package options as the hatch.
If you’ve been wanting to put a Chevrolet Sonic in your driveway, the 2019 model may be your best option. While many automotive journalists have tried to bury this reliable subcompact for the past three years, the 2019 Chevy Sonic brings a new fuel-efficient turbocharged engine and several, flexible trim levels. For the money, the LT is likely the best bang for your buck.
