Chevrolet Sonic

2017–2020 model years · Generation introduced 2012

Compare the years. Keep the details.

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2020 Chevrolet Sonic
2020 model shown · Source: Consumer Reports
Available years
2017–2020
Yearly records
4
Reported market values
$6,300–$9,175

The overview

The standard Sonic uses an unimpressive 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes the expense of upgrading to the modestly quicker and more fuel-efficient 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder worthwhile. The six-speed manual transmission is somewhat balky, but the automatic has to dig for gears constantly. Handling is fairly nimble, the brakes are excellent, and the ride is civilized for this class. The sedan has a huge trunk and gives a better view out, but the hatchback version has more cargo versatility. Both offer a relatively quiet cabin, but the rear seats are cramped. We'd opt for the LT automatic sedan for its extra cargo space and visibility and the MyLink system. We'd also look for the quicker and more efficient turbocharged engine. Crash-test results are impressive. 2020 was the final year for the Sonic.

Generation summary from Consumer Reports. Year-specific figures appear below; missing values mean unavailable, not zero.

Compare the years

Each row keeps its own source data.

Chevrolet Sonicmodel year comparison
Model year Market value Reliability Owner rating EPA combined
2020 ↗ LT sedan Front 1.4-liter 4 (138 hp) turbo (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed $9,175 Not rated Not rated 29 MPG
2019 ↗ LT sedan Front 1.8-liter 4 (138 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed $8,025 Not rated Not rated 29 MPG
2018 ↗ LT sedan Front 1.8-liter 4 (138 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed $6,913 Not rated Not rated 29 MPG
2017 ↗ LT sedan Front 1.8-liter 4 (138 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed $6,300 Not rated Not rated 29 MPG

Values depend on trim and condition. Ratings are source-reported; road-test results may describe a tested configuration.

Year by year

2020 model

LT sedan Front 1.4-liter 4 (138 hp) turbo (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed · Conventional · Used

Find 2020 listings ↗
2020 Chevrolet Sonic
2020 source image
Model year 2020
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated September 11, 2026

Specifications

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Automatic
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$9,175
Retail value range
$8,150 - $10,625
Original MSRP range
$16,720 - $21,520
Trade-in range
$5,045 - $7,370

Fuel economy

EPA city
26 MPG
EPA highway
34 MPG
EPA combined
29 MPG

Road tests

Test status
Not Tested

Dimensions

Length
174 in
Width
68 in
Height
60 in
Wheelbase
99 in
Weight
2,765 lb
Maximum load
895 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5.5 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
24 in
Luggage
3+0+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
5/10
Greenhouse gas score
6/10
SmartWay
No

Vehicle ID: 15247 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

2019 model

LT sedan Front 1.8-liter 4 (138 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed · Conventional · Used

Find 2019 listings ↗
2019 Chevrolet Sonic
2019 source image
Model year 2019
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated September 11, 2026

Specifications

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Automatic
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$8,025
Retail value range
$6,300 - $9,125
Original MSRP range
$15,420 - $21,520
Trade-in range
$3,305 - $5,955

Ratings

Road test score
66/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
25 MPG
EPA highway
35 MPG
EPA combined
29 MPG
Tested city
19 MPG
Tested highway
38 MPG
Tested overall
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,700
Cruising range
345 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.2 sec
0-60 mph
9.3 sec
60-0 mph braking
128 ft
Avoidance speed
54 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
174 in
Width
68 in
Height
60 in
Wheelbase
99 in
Weight
2,765 lb
Maximum load
895 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5.5 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
24 in
Luggage
3+0+0

Vehicle ID: 13565 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

2018 model

LT sedan Front 1.8-liter 4 (138 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed · Conventional · Used

Find 2018 listings ↗
2018 Chevrolet Sonic
2018 source image
Model year 2018
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated September 11, 2026

Specifications

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Automatic
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$6,913
Retail value range
$4,900 - $8,100
Original MSRP range
$15,295 - $21,320
Trade-in range
$2,025 - $4,965

Ratings

Road test score
66/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
25 MPG
EPA highway
35 MPG
EPA combined
29 MPG
Tested city
19 MPG
Tested highway
38 MPG
Tested overall
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,700
Cruising range
345 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.2 sec
0-60 mph
9.3 sec
60-0 mph braking
128 ft
Avoidance speed
54 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
174 in
Width
68 in
Height
60 in
Wheelbase
99 in
Weight
2,765 lb
Maximum load
895 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5.5 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
24 in
Luggage
3+0+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
5/10
Greenhouse gas score
6/10
SmartWay
No

Vehicle ID: 12124 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

2017 model

LT sedan Front 1.8-liter 4 (138 hp) (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 6-speed · Conventional · Used

Find 2017 listings ↗
2017 Chevrolet Sonic
2017 source image
Model year 2017
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated September 11, 2026

Specifications

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Automatic
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2012

Pricing

Current retail median
$6,300
Retail value range
$5,425 - $6,950
Original MSRP range
$15,145 - $21,215
Trade-in range
$2,425 - $3,875

Ratings

Road test score
66/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
25 MPG
EPA highway
35 MPG
EPA combined
29 MPG
Tested city
19 MPG
Tested highway
38 MPG
Tested overall
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,700
Cruising range
345 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.2 sec
0-60 mph
9.3 sec
60-0 mph braking
128 ft
Avoidance speed
54 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
174 in
Width
68 in
Height
60 in
Wheelbase
99 in
Weight
2,765 lb
Maximum load
895 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5.5 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
24 in
Luggage
3+0+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
6/10
SmartWay
No

Vehicle ID: 7679 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: September 11, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

Behind the data

Latest source update: September 11, 2026

Vehicle summaries, specifications, pricing and ratings come from Consumer Reports vehicle records. Auto Guide groups these records by model and reported generation start year.

Available years are listed explicitly. Gaps do not imply that a model was discontinued. Prices are source estimates, not live offers. No first-hand road test by Auto Guide is claimed.