2020 Chevy Sonic Review
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2020 Chevrolet Sonic Review
byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Spacious cabin for the class
- Standard infotainment system supports full smartphone integration
- Engine makes respectable power
- Excellent crash test scores
Cons
- Interior materials look and feel low-rent
- Competitors get better fuel economy
What's new
- Two new exterior colors
- Six-speed manual transmission has been discontinued
- Part of the first Sonic generation introduced for 2012
Overview
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?
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 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 $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$141/mo
Sonic LT
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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.
Which Sonic does Edmunds recommend?
Though the base Sonic comes with tech options, it lacks many creature comforts that drivers have come to expect. So we recommend the LT trim. It is equipped with a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio reception, cruise control, and power windows and mirrors. An available Convenience Package adds a compass display and enhanced driver information display, keyless entry and push-button start, heated front seats, and six-way power adjustability for the driver's seat.
2020 Chevrolet Sonic models
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.