2018 Chevy Sonic Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byWill Kaufman
Content Strategist and News Editor
Throughout his career, Will Kaufman has been making sure shoppers get the best car for them by creating automotive content, product news, and robust content strategies for the site and social media.Pros
- Optional turbocharged engine makes good power and fuel economy
- Spacious cabin for the class
- Standard infotainment system supports full smartphone integration
- Excellent crash test scores
Cons
- Base engine offers lackluster fuel economy
- Cabin materials look and feel low-rent
What’s new
After last year's face-lift, the 2018 Chevy Sonic receives an updated version of the MyLink infotainment system, a second USB port, and minor adjustments to package and trim level features.
Vehicle overview
Last year's update helped keep the aging Sonic competitive, adding technology and optional active safety features to an already fun-to-drive small car. It has some flaws, but most subcompacts are compromised in one way or another.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.43 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$148/mo
Sonic LT
vs
$193/mo
Avg. Compact Car
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic sets itself apart from most subcompacts with its standard infotainment system. For most subcompacts, you'd pay extra for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On the Sonic, it's standard. And with standard OnStar, even the lowest trim of the Sonic can have an onboard 4G LTE data connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot. As a bonus, the Sonic is a fun little car to drive, and it comes with a spacious interior and plenty of cargo room.
Of course, the lowest-cost Sonic does give up quite a few other conveniences, such as power windows and mirrors. Getting your hands on the eminently practical hatchback also requires stepping up to the midlevel trim. And the base engine is not only a bit anemic, but it also returns subpar fuel economy when compared to the rest of the class.
Additionally, the cabin can get noisy, and opting for the suspension that adds the most to the Sonic's driving experience makes the ride borderline harsh. There's also a lot of hard plastic on display in the cabin, even in the Sonic's top trim, and some competitors offer more in the way of active safety features and driver aids.
There are some solid alternatives in the segment, depending on your needs. The Honda Fit is a monster of practicality thanks to its large cargo area and versatile folding seats, but its handling does feel a bit floaty and it's pricey for the class. There's also the all-new Kia Rio, which is easy to recommend thanks to its upscale interior and sporty driving dynamics. Still, if you're willing to pay a little more than the base price, you can get a well-equipped and relatively spacious Chevy Sonic with both good fuel economy and performance.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Last year's update helped keep the aging Sonic competitive, adding technology and optional active safety features to an already fun-to-drive small car. It has some flaws, but most subcompacts are compromised in one way or another. Overall, it's a solid pick.
Driving
The Sonic is a spirited little car with good steering and handling, especially with the RS package's suspension. Unfortunately, the manual gearbox is a bit clunky, and the 1.4-liter turbo, while an improvement over the base engine, lacks responsiveness at low rpm.
Comfort
The comfortable front seats are a highlight, with decent bolstering for spirited driving and a comfortable driver-seat armrest. Unfortunately, there's lots of tire noise over rough surfaces, and the sportier RS suspension delivers a ride that borders on harsh.
Interior
There's plenty of head- and legroom both up front and in the back, though elbow room is tight all around. The large door openings make it easy to get in and out. Unfortunately, cheap plastics abound and thick roof pillars reduce visibility.
Utility
The sedan's trunk is bigger than average for a subcompact, and the hatchback similarly offers a generous amount of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Up front, there are many storage spaces for your small items.
Technology
The standard 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a great feature for this class, and we like Chevy's MyLink system. Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional for the LT and Premier.
Which Sonic does Edmunds recommend?
The LT sedan with a manual transmission is actually the best bargain of the bunch — it's the least expensive version of the LT and it comes standard with the turbocharged engine. That's an optional extra on any other Sonic LT trim. Opt for the Convenience package for greater day-to-day livability. But for an automatic-equipped Sonic, consider moving up to the Premier. Adding the turbo 1.4-liter to any other LT trim brings the price within spitting distance of the Premier, and the Premier comes with the Convenience package.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic models
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic's trim levels actually have a few surprises, though on the surface they seem straightforward enough. There are three trim levels: the LS, LT and Premier.The Sonic is also available in sedan and hatchback body styles. Chevy offers two engine choices along with a plethora of options.