2019 Chevy Sonic Review

Name: 2019 Chevrolet Sonic Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Rating: 3.9 (33 reviews)

Price Range: $8,995 - $14,998

Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback Exterior

+129

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Chevrolet Sonic model years

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Chevrolet Sonic types

Hatchback
Sedan

Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Engine makes good power
Spacious cabin for the class
Standard infotainment system supports full smartphone integration
Excellent crash test scores

Cons

Cabin materials look and feel low-rent
Competitors get better fuel economy

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

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?

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 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 $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$114/mo

$153/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

The Sonic is a spirited little car with good steering and handling, especially with the sport-tuned suspension. Unfortunately, the manual gearbox is a bit clunky, and the 1.4-liter turbo 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 sport 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 the interface. Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional for the LT and the Premier.

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.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#23 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Sonic from 2008-2022.}

$580/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.31x/yr

vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

12.3%

vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Chevrolet Sonic.

5 (52%)

4 (18%)

3 (9%)

2 (12%)

1 (9%)

3.9

33 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Great Surprise

sogo, 11/05/2019

2017 Chevrolet Sonic Premier 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

The 2017 Sonic Hatchback has more passenger & cargo room than the new Toyota Corolla Hatchback. The Sonic LT/RS comes with power drivers seat and heated seats and pushbutton start. You have to step up to Corollas XSE hatchback model to get these features. The Sonic comes with a sunroof not available in the Toyota. The Sonic has a turbo charged cast iron engine with a 6 speed …

great value

No name given, 03/03/2017

2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A)

Bought it and have not regretted it. It is an inexpensive car, but has great technology and drives well for a small car. I also think it is a good looking car.

An fun and safe sub compact, with a catch.

Andrew M., 06/04/2020

2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A)

I've had my Sonic for around three years. The seats are comfortable, the dash is modern. It is equipt with an infotainment center which poweres some lacking, but alright, sounding speakers. It has a smooth ride, as well as a very well build set of struts and shocks. The brakes are more than adequate, even when you decide to drive it more aggressively than usual! My specific model has …

A Amazing Sporty Battle Tank With That Luxury Feel

Christopher Vizcarra, 04/20/2017

2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A)

I bought the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT (Auto) RS Hatchback and added the Convenience & Drivers Confidence Packages to match the goodies of the Premier Trim. There is a reason why I chose the trim I chose; the Hatchback only comes in 2 trims, the LT & Premier, there is a slight difference between the two trims. The LT has an amazingly quiet cabin equal to the highest trim of a $70k+ luxury …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonic since its last redesign.

See all 33 reviews of the Chevrolet Sonic

Write a vehicle review

2019 Sonic Highlights

Type:

Hatchback

Trim:

LT Fleet

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$17,195
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$120/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Sonic models:

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

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover12.6%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

2019 Chevy Sonic Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 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 $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology

Which Sonic does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Chevrolet Sonic models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great Surprise

great value

An fun and safe sub compact, with a catch.

A Amazing Sporty Battle Tank With That Luxury Feel

2019 Sonic Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic LS 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) 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 $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}