2019 Chevrolet Sonic
What’s new
- The base 1.8-liter engine has been discontinued
- All 2019 Sonics now have the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine as standard
- Part of the first Sonic generation introduced for 2012
Pros & Cons
- Engine makes good power
- Spacious cabin for the class
- Standard infotainment system supports full smartphone integration
- Excellent crash test scores
- Cabin materials look and feel low-rent
- Competitors get better fuel economy
Which Sonic does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
Subcompacts aren't a particularly exciting class. They prioritize form over function, and they need to pack a lot of capability for the size. Pound for pound, this class of vehicle simply has to do more than most. Does the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic deliver the goods?
Utility is part of the Sonic game plan. The sedan version features a big 14.9-cubic-foot trunk, while the hatchback features 19 cubic feet behind its folding rear seats. Both figures are more than what you typically get from this class of car. Up front, the Sonic comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as a 4G LTE data connection and Wi-Fi hotspot. Again, these are features that aren't always standard on other subcompacts.
We also like the Sonic's turbocharged engine, which is standard this year. It makes a respectable 138 horsepower and a gutsy 148 pound-feet of torque. This torque makes the Sonic responsive and increases the fun-factor. Uniquely, all trims of the Sonic are available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
So, is the ideal Sonic the ideal subcompact? It's close, but you'll compromise on interior refinement. Most of the materials look and feel cheap, and the Sonic's base trim comes with manual windows and minimal active safety features. If you want a car that has a nicer interior, take a look at the Kia Rio. The versatile Honda Fit is another one of our favorites. Still, the 2019 Sonic is a solid offering and definitely worth considering if you're shopping for an affordable sedan or hatchback.
2019 Chevrolet Sonic models
The 2019 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 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or 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 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 heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat and an upgraded driver information display. For added safety, the Driver Confidence package adds 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 adds 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.
Scorecard
| Overall | undefined / 5 |
Driving
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Sponsored cars related to the Sonic
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic.
Trending topics in reviews
- appearance
- value
- sound system
- doors
- engine
- electrical system
- maintenance & parts
- fuel efficiency
- comfort
- transmission
- seats
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- wheels & tires
- interior
- infotainment system
Most helpful consumer reviews
Nice looking car! Love the sporty look. Beautiful. The get up and go is great! Mileage great. Entertainment center great except I wish it had a CD player. Sound is awesome! Lots of other percs with satellite, syri, bluetooth, Gps, and OnStar. The issues I have are more of comfort. The seats are small and somewhat hard on my mid- size butt. I guess the sport suspension causes a rougher ride. Owee, my outer thighs felt road hard after an hour and a half! Also feel every shift of gears. I'm told it's a small turbo charged motor and that you will feel the pep. All in all, I'm happy but next time will definitely choose a more comfortable car or ride with bigger butt room, lol.
I have 2019 Chevrolet Sonic i absolutely love it has all the space I need and rides very smooth. My first new car !! I purchased it from Hare Chevrolet wonderful service fantastic sales person ! Corbin Richards Kuddos !!! From Brenda Price
I have a very basic model, yet it still had a lot of good features and you can spot that a lot of thought went into even the most minor features. It's been flawless running for 27,000 miles. I can't complain about features I didn't pay for like electric windows. Even though I'm a 7 time Honda owner, I have been surprised by the excellence of this car overall. If you need a bargain car but not a complete econo box this is a very good choice. If you're buying your daughter a car for college and you can afford it, (and she doesn't want a sporty model) this would be the car I would pick. 10 airbags I believe.
my mother bought this 2019 sonic sedan and paid $16,000 she passed away shortly after . car has less then 5,000 miles on . my sister went back where they bought it and talked to the same sales man who sold it to mother and he said he could only give her $8,000 for the car because it has no resale value . so if you buy one of these car you better plan on driving the wheels off it or don't buy it in Flint Michigan
Features & Specs
| LT 4dr Sedan 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $18,620 |
| MPG | 27 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
| Premier 4dr Sedan 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,020 |
| MPG | 28 city / 37 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
| Premier 4dr Sedan 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,720 |
| MPG | 27 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
| LS 4dr Sedan 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $15,420 |
| MPG | 28 city / 37 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 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 behind the car that may not be visible.
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
From a functional perspective, the Sonic and the Spark are very similar. They both have advanced infotainment systems and a fun-to-drive nature. But the performance advantage goes to the Sonic thanks to its turbocharging and its traditional automatic transmission. The Spark is ideal for drivers who want a car that's very easy to park in small spaces.
Chevrolet Sonic vs. Chevrolet Cruze
Consider the Cruze the bigger brother to the Sonic since both of these models are available in sedan and hatchback format. They also share similar infotainment systems and turbocharged engines. The Cruze is the more powerful of the two, but it's also heavier. Drivers who value comfort at higher speeds will value the Cruze's roomier interior and better materials.
Chevrolet Sonic vs. Honda Fit
The Fit is only available as a hatchback, but its clever folding rear seats mean it's more versatile for carrying cargo than the Sonic. If you frequently carry passengers in the rear seat, the Fit will be more comfortable for them, too. In the Sonic's favor are its superior performance and easier-to-use infotainment interface.
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Sonic a good car?
What's new in the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic:
- The base 1.8-liter engine has been discontinued
- All 2019 Sonics now have the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine as standard
- Part of the first Sonic generation introduced for 2012
Is the Chevrolet Sonic reliable?
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
The least-expensive 2019 Chevrolet Sonic is the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $15,420.
Other versions include:
- LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $18,620
- Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $20,020
- Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $20,720
- LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $15,420
- LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $16,720
- LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $17,920
What are the different models of Chevrolet Sonic?
More about the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact car with some great standard technology and enough options to satisfy buyers of all sorts. It's available as a sedan or a hatchback. This year, every Sonic comes with a peppy 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet) and either a manual or an automatic transmission, plus an assortment of performance options.
Even the base Sonic LS comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The LS also comes with a rearview camera, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, remote locking and unlocking, cloth upholstery, a four-way manually adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a 60/40-split folding rear bench. You won't forget it's a budget commuter, though, with the 15-inch steel wheels and manual side mirrors and windows. The LS is only available in the sedan body style
Of course, this being a Chevrolet, OnStar is included as a standard feature. OnStar adds functionality including turn-by-turn directions, emergency roadside assistance and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Moving up to the Sonic LT gives you access to both the sedan and hatchback body styles. The LT gets power windows and mirrors, alloy wheels, a six-speaker stereo, and access to options packages that add everything from a lowered suspension to drive safety features such as forward collision alert. Stepping up to the range-topping Premier gets you a power driver seat, simulated leather upholstery, and proximity entry with push-button start.
We appreciate the Chevy Sonic's interior for its comfortable seats and the head- and legroom afforded both front and rear passengers. Likewise, both the sedan and the hatchback offer excellent cargo capacity for the class. When equipped with the sportier exhaust and suspension upgrades, the Sonic can be downright fun to drive.
There's a lot of stiff competition in the subcompact segment, so it's worth examining your options carefully. Make sure to read our full review to find out more about the Sonic, and take advantage of our shopping tools to find the best deal on a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic in your area.
2019 Chevrolet Sonic Overview
The 2019 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), LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Premier 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Premier 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and LT Fleet 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A).
What do people think of the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2019 Sonic 3.8 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 2019 Sonic.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
Which 2019 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) 2019 Chevrolet Sonic for sale near. 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 2019 Chevrolet Sonic.
Can't find a new 2019 Chevrolet Sonics you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Chevrolet Sonic for sale - 6 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $15,541.
Find a new Chevrolet for sale - 12 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $21,128.
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 2019 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