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2016 Chevrolet Sonic review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Chevrolet Sonic highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Great handling
  • Spacious interior
  • Lots of available features

Cons

  • Lackluster base engine
  • Limited cargo space
  • Rough drive on RS trim

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 33 highway, 28 combined

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Subcompact with lots of options

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is built for the city. The car offers lots of options, so you can find the 2016 Chevy Sonic that’s right for you. It’s available as a hatchback or sedan, in four different trim levels. Those range from a no-frills entry level trim to an upscale sporty trim complete with a turbocharged engine and leatherette and suede upholstery. The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is available with features including a sunroof, remote start, lane-departure warning, and more. Its small size and great handling make the 2016 Chevy Sonic fun to drive every day.

All Chevrolet Sonic years

What is new for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

  • Enhanced safety features including advanced driver assistance systems now standard across all models.
  • New infotainment system with improved connectivity options and a larger touchscreen display.
  • Upgraded engine options available for better fuel efficiency and performance.
  • Additional trim levels introduced, offering more customization choices for buyers.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic

1. Maneuverable 

The 2016 Chevy Sonic is petite and easy to handle, making it perfect for city driving. The hatchback version is about 13 feet long, bumper to bumper, while the sedan is about 14 feet long. That size, coupled with responsive handling, makes the 2016 Chevy Sonic nimble as you navigate through the city.  

2. Passenger space  

Despite the 2016 Sonic’s small size, the interior feels surprisingly spacious. The Sonic has nearly 42 inches of legroom in front. A standard height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilting and telescoping steering wheel help you find a comfortable driving position. The back seat has 34.6 inches of legroom, enough for kids.  

3. Turbocharged engine 

The 2016 Chevy Sonic in the LTZ and RS trims comes standard with a 138-hp 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is peppy and energetic. With a bit of extra torque, that engine is great for faster acceleration and highway driving. The 138-hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine that comes standard on the 2016 Sonic is well suited to city driving.  

4. Upscale options 

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic offers plenty of available options so you can find the car that’s right for you. Emergency braking and lane-departure warnings are available on all but the base trim as part of the Driver Confidence package. Leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and a seven-inch touchscreen are standard on the LTZ trim and higher, while a sunroof is available on all but the base trim.  

5. Sporty trim 

Want to add a bit of fun to your commute? Choose the 2016 Chevy Sonic in the sporty RS trim. This trim comes standard with the turbocharged engine and a sports-tuned suspension. Standard manual transmission with sports-oriented gear ratios gives a hands-on driving experience, while a sports steering wheel and interior and exterior styling tweaks give the RS a race-ready feel.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.9 out of 5

12 customer reviews
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic offers excellent fuel economy, good safety features, and value pricing. Users appreciate its sporty ride and decent cargo space but criticize limited interior space, dated technology, and inconsistent reliability. Suitable for budget-conscious buyers seeking a compact car.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Sonic an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Sonic 23rd out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Sonic

Chevrolet Sonic features and specs

Curious how Chevrolet Sonic trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

RS 4D Hatchback 2WD

Standard Features

  • Remote Start
  • Leather Seats
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Heated Mirrors
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Optional Features

  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Bluetooth Technology

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

138

Torque (ft-lbs)

148

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

12.2

Wheelbase

99.4"

Overall length

159"

Width

68.3"

Height

59.3"

Leg room

F 41.8"/R 34.6"

Head room

F 38.7"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P205/50R17

Rear tires

P205/50R17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Chevrolet Sonic FAQ

Chevrolet Sonic articles

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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