Chevrolet Sonic
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic presents an average reliability profile, making its specific condition and maintenance history paramount.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2020 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 26 | 34 | 29 | 9.05 | 6.92 | 8.11 | — |
| 2019 | 26 | 34 | 29 | 9.05 | 6.92 | 8.11 | 26-34 mpg combined |
| 2018 | 25 | 34 | 28 | 9.41 | 6.92 | 8.4 | 25-37 mpg combined |
| 2017 | 24 | 34 | 28 | 9.8 | 6.92 | 8.4 | — |
| 2016 | 24 | 34 | 28 | 9.8 | 6.92 | 8.4 | — |
| 2015 | 24 | 34 | 28 | 9.8 | 6.92 | 8.4 | — |
| 2014 | 24 | 34 | 28 | 9.8 | 6.92 | 8.4 | 25-35 mpg combined |
| 2013 | 24 | 34 | 28 | 9.8 | 6.92 | 8.4 | — |
| 2012 | 24 | 34 | 28 | 9.8 | 6.92 | 8.4 | — |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | hatchback | 4 | 1.4 | Regular | — | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2019 | hatchback | 4 | 1.4 | Regular | LUV | Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 138 hp | 148 lb-ft | Inline-4 |
| 2018 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | 138 hp | 125-148 lb-ft | Inline-4 |
| 2017 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2016 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2015 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2014 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | LUW | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 138 hp | 125-148 lb-ft | Inline-4 |
| 2013 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | Base price | Trim | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt | pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | — | $20,720 | Premier | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Base price: $20,720, Trim: Premier |
| 2019 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $16,170, MSRP range: $15,420 - $21,520, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for LS Manual to Premier Auto trims., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/9/2026 | $21,520 | LS | USD | $16,170 | $15,420 - $21,520 | 0.9 | MSRP for LS Manual to Premier Auto trims. | llm_estimate | 5/9/2026 | Base price: $21,520, Trim: LS |
| 2018 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $16,170, MSRP range: $16,170 - $21,320, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for LS to Premier trims., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/10/2026 | $19,820 | LT | USD | $16,170 | $16,170 - $21,320 | 0.9 | MSRP for LS to Premier trims. | llm_estimate | 5/10/2026 | Base price: $19,820, Trim: LT |
| 2017 | — | $16,395 | Premier | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Base price: $16,395, Trim: Premier |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $14,995, MSRP range: $14,995 - $20,990, Confidence: 0.8, notes: MSRP for sedan and hatchback models, including destination fees. RS sedan starts at $20,530., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/9/2026 | — | — | USD | $14,995 | $14,995 - $20,990 | 0.8 | MSRP for sedan and hatchback models, including destination fees. RS sedan starts at $20,530. | llm_estimate | 5/9/2026 | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Seat rows | GVWR | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | bodyAndInterior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Optional | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 99.4 | 16 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Optional, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | 422 | 14.9 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 99.4 | 17 | 17 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 422 | 14.9 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 99.4 | 16 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Optional | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 99.4 | 17 | 17 | Keyless ignition: Optional, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 4 | 429 | 15.1 | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 4 | 422 | 14.9 | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 5 | 4 | 422 | 14.9 | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5 HB FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | standard |
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2019 Chevrolet Sonic 5 HB FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | standard |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | standard |
| 2017 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | standard |
| 2016 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2015 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
Model year reports
2020
NewestThe 2020 Chevrolet Sonic presents an average reliability profile, making its specific condition and maintenance history paramount.
2019
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic presents a mixed reliability picture.
2018
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is a below-average risk for used car buyers, primarily due to documented issues with its **electrical system** and **engine**.
2017
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is rated below average for reliability.
2016
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its **engine** and **airbag systems**.
2015
The 2015 Chevrolet Sonic earns a 'Below Average' reliability rating, primarily due to significant safety concerns with its airbag system and critical electrical malfunctions.
2014
The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to frequent electrical system failures causing stalling and power loss.
2013
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its airbag system and electrical components.
2012
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a below-average reliability choice, primarily due to significant concerns with its transmission and engine.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Chevrolet Sonic?
Carfocal currently has 9 published Sonic reports, covering 2012 through 2020. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic presents an average reliability profile, making its specific condition and maintenance history paramount.
Published year coverage: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
Is the Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Chevrolet Sonic. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2020 chevrolet sonic presents an average reliability profile, making its specific condition and maintenance history paramount. and the 2020 chevrolet sonic's value proposition is significantly impacted by its documented **electrical system** and **powertrain** vulnerabilities. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
9 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Chevrolet Sonic?
Across Carfocal's published Sonic guides, recurring problem areas include Electrical System, Powertrain Control Module, and Transmission. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Electrical System, Powertrain Control Module, and Transmission.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 9
- Years tracked
- 9
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints