2020 Chevrolet Sonic
What’s new
- Two new exterior colors
- Six-speed manual transmission has been discontinued
- Part of the first Sonic generation introduced for 2012
Pros & Cons
- Spacious cabin for the class
- Standard infotainment system supports full smartphone integration
- Engine makes respectable power
- Excellent crash test scores
- Interior materials look and feel low-rent
- Competitors get better fuel economy
2020 Chevrolet Sonic Review
Gone are the days of compact cars with no modern technology or high-end equipment. And while it's a far cry from a Rolls-Royce or even Mercedes-Benz, the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic provides buyers with a small and frugal car that has nearly the same amount of equipment as much more expensive models. But are these items important?
Take for example a built-in 4G LTE hotspot, which allows driver and passenger to use its more powerful radio modem and more sensitive antenna far after their smartphones' signals have gone down to a single bar. Likewise, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are standard and bring your smartphone experience right into the big, center-mounted touchscreen.
As far as being a car, the Sonic proves its worth with its spacious cabin and cargo area. It also comes with a turbocharged engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque to help it zip across intersections and make quick work of highway merging.
So is smartphone-friendly technology, a big cabin and a spirited engine important to you? If so, the Sonic deserves a look, but it's not perfect. The Kia Rio features a nicer interior, while the Honda Fit is roomier for rear-seat passengers. But the Sonic slots squarely in the middle by providing both great interior space and a high level of standard technology.
Notably, the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic and Sonic Hatchback are featured vehicles in our Cheapest New Cars article.
Which Sonic does Edmunds recommend?
Chevrolet Sonic models
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic's trim levels actually have a few surprises, though on the surface they seem straightforward enough. There are three trim levels: the no-frills sedan-only base LS, the LT with its functional standard features, and the fully loaded Premier. The LT and the Premier are available in sedan and hatchback body styles. All Sonics are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (138 horsepower, 148 lb-ft of torque) that drives the front wheels through either a six-speed automatic transmission.
The base Sonic LS sedan is, in many ways, a bare-bones commuter, although it doesn't skimp when it comes to infotainment. Standard equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, manual side mirrors and manual windows, a rearview camera, and remote locking and unlocking. Inside, you'll find a four-way manually adjustable driver's seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a 60/40-split folding rear bench.
Infotainment duties are handled by a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, two USB ports, and a four-speaker sound system. GM's OnStar is also included, which adds a 4G LTE data connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It's a good thing the LS has these features since there are no option packages available for it.
Moving up to the LT adds 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows, heated power mirrors, upgraded cloth upholstery, a six-speaker stereo system and satellite radio.
A couple of packages are worth getting for the LT. The Convenience package adds proximity entry with push-button start, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and an upgraded driver information display. For added safety, the Driver Confidence package offers forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear parking sensors.
The Sonic Premier sedan comes with the features of the Convenience package plus 17-inch wheels and simulated leather upholstery. The Driver Confidence package is available for the Premier sedan, and the sunroof is a stand-alone option. You can also get an optional RS package that presents a variety of styling enhancements.
For the LT and the Premier, Chevy also offers a Performance package that bundles a sport-tuned suspension and a sport exhaust.
Sponsored cars related to the Sonic
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic.
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
Such a great car, good on gas and such a nice ride
Features & Specs
| LT 4dr Sedan 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $18,620 |
| MPG | 26 city / 34 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
| LS 4dr Sedan 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $16,720 |
| MPG | 26 city / 34 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
| Premier 4dr Sedan 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,720 |
| MPG | 26 city / 34 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Sonic safety features:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Detects potential obstacles and warns the driver to take action to avoid a collision.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alerts the driver if the car drifts out of its lane without the turn signal engaged.
- Rear Park Assist
- Sounds an audible tone when reversing to alert the driver to obstacles that may not be visible behind the car.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 12.6% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Chevrolet Sonic vs. the competition
Chevrolet Sonic vs. Chevrolet Spark
The Spark is smaller on the inside and outside and has less power. But both Chevys have the same high level of standard features and numerous options and packages that can equip them to be on par with much larger and more expensive cars. In the end, the Spark's lower cost of entry is its draw, while the Sonic's real-world practicality is its appeal.
Chevrolet Sonic vs. Toyota Yaris
Smaller than a Corolla, the Yaris is a modern but simple subcompact car. While the Yaris has the bare minimum in equipment, the Sonic comes with electronic gizmos and bells and whistles. On the flip side, the Yaris has less power but gets better fuel economy. If you really want basic transportation, the Yaris is hard to beat, but the Sonic provides a few extra surprises to make ownership fun.
Chevrolet Sonic vs. Honda Fit
Though the Fit is only available as a hatchback, interior space is maximized thanks to its clever fold-flat rear-seat system. It gives the Fit a flat-floor cargo area, like the kind in a pickup truck, while providing rear passengers with excellent legroom when the rear seats are up. The Sonic has a peppier turbocharged engine and a superior standard infotainment system.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Sonic a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic:
- Two new exterior colors
- Six-speed manual transmission has been discontinued
- Part of the first Sonic generation introduced for 2012
Is the Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
The least-expensive 2020 Chevrolet Sonic is the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $16,720.
Other versions include:
- LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $18,620
- LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $16,720
- Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $20,720
What are the different models of Chevrolet Sonic?
More about the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic
2020 Chevrolet Sonic Overview
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic is offered in the following submodels: Sonic Hatchback, Sonic Sedan. Available styles include LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Premier 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and LT Fleet 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A).
What do people think of the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Sonic 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Sonic.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Sonic featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
2020 Chevrolet Sonic Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $21,635. The average price paid for a new 2020 Chevrolet Sonic Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $968 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $968 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $20,667.
The average savings for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is 4.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2020 Chevrolet Sonic Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19,535. The average price paid for a new 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $793 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $793 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $18,742.
The average savings for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is 4.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 13 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $17,635. The average price paid for a new 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending -$2 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of -$2 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $17,637.
The average savings for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is 0% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Chevrolet Sonics are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Chevrolet Sonic for sale near. There are currently 84 new 2020 Sonics listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $17,595 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,930 on a used or CPO 2020 Sonic available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Chevrolet Sonics you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Chevrolet Sonic for sale - 2 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $20,042.
Find a new Chevrolet for sale - 3 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $13,666.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials