2020 Chevy 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.

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.