Looking for a hatchback that's small and cost-effective? The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic might be worth checking out. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we dont and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Transcript
TRAVIS LANGNESS: I'm Travis Langness, Edmunds editor, with an Expert Rundown of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. On the outside, the new Chevy Sonic gets some updated styling, new LED running lights and projector headlights. On the inside, a rear view camera's now standard across the lineup, which is nice. And the new seven-inch touchscreen, which comes with Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is standard grade in this class vehicle. The cabin's pretty spacious for this class vehicle as well. Lots of headroom up front and in the back. Excellent crash test safety scores. The ride quality's pretty good. Overall, you get a lot more from this little car than you expect. And it's also pretty unique in this class that it's fun to drive. A lot of cars in this class feel humdrum, very point A to point B transportation. But we actually enjoy driving the Sonic, especially with the optional turbocharged engine. The base engine doesn't get great fuel economy. It's rated at 30 MPG combined, which is OK. But top rivals do a lot better in this class. Cabin materials are kind of low rent. It's what you expect from this class. But in context with the rest of the car, it seems out of place. The car drive so well, and it looks nice on the outside. But on the inside, there's a lot of hard plastic to look at and it surrounds a nice usable interface on the touchscreen, so it kind of throws you off. Competitors like the Honda Fit and the Ford Fiesta and maybe even the Kia Rio are going to have a little bit better interior quality. But the bottom line is the Chevy Sonic stands out for its roomy interior, lots of standard features, and it's even fun to drive, especially with the optional turbocharged engine. For more reviews of key competitors, go to YouTube and check out more of the Edmunds Expert Rundowns.
Sporty, fun and a bit quirky, the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic will satisfy the needs of many buyers looking for a subcompact car with a relatively spacious interior, above-average ride and handling, good safety ratings and a host of available technology. Like its predecessors, the updated Sonic is available as either a sedan or hatchback and with enough trim levels, equipment packages and options to allow buyers to tailor it to their own taste.
For 2017 the Sonic's exterior is refreshed with a new hood, grille, projector headlights and LED daytime running lights in front, while out back there's a new rear fascia and revamped taillights. Even the base model now comes with a 7-inch touchscreen and an infotainment system that's compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also new color and wheel choices, reconfigured trim levels and several new options and packages, including an RS package — standard on all hatchbacks and the Premier-level sedan with manual transmission — which comes with stiffer suspension, a sport body kit and unique interior and exterior accents.
In both sedan and hatchback versions, the Sonic's interior is attractively styled and well laid out, even if some of the materials have been chosen to keep the price down. The front seats are comfortable and roomy, and the rear compartment, though a bit tighter, still measures up to most competitors in its price range. For 2017 the Sonic becomes the first vehicle in its class to offer a power driver seat; other available features include keyless entry and start, cruise control, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated seats.
Power on the Sonic LS and LT models comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Buyers looking for more pep can opt for a 1.4-liter turbocharged four that makes the same 138 hp but ups torque to 148 lb-ft. The standard transmission for the turbo is a six-speed manual, and a six-speed automatic is available with both engines.
The Sonic provides a smooth and stable ride, with one of the quietest interiors in its class. Handling is surprisingly lively, especially with the available sport-tuned suspension. Although the standard 1.8-liter engine isn't disappointing, the optional turbo provides improved acceleration and better passing power.
The Sonic's best fuel economy was achieved with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission combo; EPA rated 32 mpg combined (28 city/38 highway). With the 1.8-liter engine coupled to the automatic transmission the Sonic got 28 mpg combined (24 city/34 highway).
The base Sonic LS sedan comes fairly well equipped with such features as a rearview camera, air-conditioning and the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment interface. The LT trim level adds a number of useful comfort and convenience items, and the Premier model includes the turbocharged engine and a standard convenience package. Whatever your preferences, Edmunds can help you find the best 2017 Chevrolet Sonic for your needs.
2017 Chevrolet Sonic Overview
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is offered in the following submodels: Hatchback, Sedan. Available styles include LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A), LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A), and LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A). Sonic models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 Sonic comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed automatic. The 2017 Sonic comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $21285. The average price paid for a new 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A) is trending $1822 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1822 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19463.
The average savings for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A) is 8.6% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A) 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 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 All of our reviews are 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 do people think of the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Sonic a 3.7 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 2017 Sonic.
Vehicle LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
Review Nice car for an "inexpensive" car. Would not want to drive it long distances on the expressway but is a reliable car;
2017 Chevrolet Sonic inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Chevrolet Sonic for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 196 new and 171 used and CPO 2017 Sonics listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 10999 and mileage as low as 0. 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 vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 4842 on a new, used, or CPO 2017 Sonic available from one of 2632 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? 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
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic safe? The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 5.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
MPG
2017 chevrolet sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A), 6-speed automatic, regular unleaded 28 combined MPG 24 city MPG/34 highway MPG
2017 chevrolet sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A), 6-speed automatic, regular unleaded 28 combined MPG 24 city MPG/34 highway MPG
2017 chevrolet sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A), 6-speed automatic, regular unleaded 28 combined MPG 24 city MPG/34 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?
Available Chevrolet Sonic 2017 Submodel Types: SedanHatchback
Available Chevrolet Sonic 2017 Trims: LTLSLTZPremierRS
Exterior Colors: Nightfall Gray MetallicSummit WhiteKinetic Blue MetallicMosaic Black MetallicSilver Ice MetallicRed HotCajun Red TintcoatArctic Blue MetallicBlack Granite MetallicAshen Gray MetallicInferno Orange MetallicOrange Burst MetallicBlue Topaz MetallicBlue Velvet MetallicCrystal Red TintcoatIvy MetallicCyber Gray MetallicVictory RedBlackDragon Green MetallicMocha Bronze MetallicDragon Green Metallic (Late Availability)
Interior Colors: Jet Black/Dark Titanium premium clothJet Black premium clothJet Black/ Dark Titanium premium clothJet Black/Dark Titanium clothJet Black/Dark Titanium leatheretteJet Black/ Dark Titanium clothJet Black/ Dark Titanium leatheretteDark Pewter/ Dark Titanium premium clothDark Pewter/Dark Titanium premium clothJet Black leatherette/sueded microfiberJet Black leather/sueded microfiberJet Black/ Brick leatheretteDark Pewter/ Dark Titanium leatheretteDark Pewter/Dark Titanium leatheretteJet Black/ Brick premium cloth
