What's New
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic only sees minor changes for the new model year. The biggest news is the fact that the six-speed manual transmission has been discontinued.
This change doesn't really help the Sonic stand out in the subcompact segment, which are struggling in sales up against tiny crossovers and SUVs. Competitors, like our perennial favorite, the Honda Fit, offer more when it comes to comfort, quality, safety, features, and fuel economy.
Still, while not as new as other subcompact vehicles, the Sonic is a good option as it’s available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, which is something a lot of other models can’t claim. It’s also inexpensive and comes with a good amount of tech features.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Sonic
The Sonic is available in three trims: LS, LT, and Premier. The hatchback body style is only available in LT and Premier guise for an $800 premium over the sedan. Pricing starts at $17,595 including destination for an LS sedan and climbs to $22,395 for a Premier hatchback.
Engine Choices
Chevrolet offers one powertrain combination for the Sonic. The engine is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard.
Fuel economy for the Sonic checks in at an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 combined for both body styles.
The Sonic gets a peppy engine with decent fuel economy. Some competitors have more power, while others get better fuel economy, but the Sonic finds itself in the middle.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
All Sonics have seating for five passengers. Cargo capacity depends on what body style you go with. The sedan has 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is above average for the subcompact segment. Going with the hatchback brings 19 cubic feet of cargo space, or 47.70 cubic feet with the rear seat down.
While those figures are good for the subcompact segment, they fall behind options like the Honda Fit, which has 16.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a total of 52.7 cubic feet of space.
Safety Features
The Sonic comes with no standard active safety features, which isn't uncommon in the subcompact segment.
On the LT and Premier, some features become available through the Driver Confidence Package ($495). It brings forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear parking sensors.
Connectivity
The Sonic comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Gm’s OnStar system, USB ports, and wi-fi hot spot capability.
The LS comes with 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and manual windows. The last feature shows just how basic the LS trim is, but it does get a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The LT adds 15-inch aluminum wheels, heated side mirrors, a six-speaker audio system, cruise control, power windows, and satellite radio.
Upgrade to heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat, keyless open and start, and a better driver information display with the Convenience Package ($1,175). Buyers can inject some sportiness with the RS Package ($800), which includes a unique body kit, fog lights, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a rear spoiler, and black Chevrolet bowties.
The LT hatchback adds 16-inch aluminum wheels, remote start, a rear window windshield wiper, and the equipment from the RS Package as standard.
Standard features on the Premier include 17-inch aluminum wheels, keyless open and start, remote start, six-way power front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and perforated leatherette upholstery.
The Premier hatchback includes the features from the RS Package, 17-inch black wheels, and standard leatherette upholstery.
Compare Sonic Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic’s main draw is its small stature and affordable pricing, but the LS trim lacks modern creature comforts. We recommend going with the LT in the hatchback body style. With the available packages, you can get something that’s similarly equipped to a range-topping Premier for less.