beebs
Skip to main content

2017 Chevrolet Sonic review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Chevrolet Sonic highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Great handling
  • Spacious interior
  • Many standard features

Cons

  • Lackluster base engine
  • Standard manual transmission

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 33 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

View our Chevrolet Sonic inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

6 photos

Find your Sonic
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our Sonic inventorySearch for a different car

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

Compact with lots of features

Whether you’re looking for a small car for city grocery runs or a daily driver for your commute, the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic fits the bill. The car is available in two body styles: a hatchback or a four-door sedan. Both offer a solid amount of cargo space for the class. The Chevy Sonic is spacious inside too, with nearly 42 inches of legroom in the front seats. Standard smart-phone connectivity and available driver assist features make the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic feel modern. Options like leatherette upholstery and a sunroof add to the appeal of the 2017 Chevy Sonic.

All Chevrolet Sonic years

What is new for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic?

  • The Sonic is available in a new trim called the Premier.
  • The LTZ and RS trims have been discontinued for 2017.
  • Sonic trims have been upgraded with Smart Key, Power Seat(s), Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
  • Parking Sensors, Heated Steering Wheel, and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The LT trim now comes with Rear View Camera and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
  • The LS trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.

Chevrolet Sonic photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic

1. Lots of cargo space 

Whether you’re bringing your instruments to band practice or hauling around a baby stroller to the park, the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic has enough space. The sedan comes with 14.9 cu.-ft. of trunk space. If you need a bit more room, choose the hatchback, which offers 19 cu.-ft. of cargo space.  

2. Smartphone connections 

Keeping up with your podcasts or playlists is easy on the 2017 Chevy Sonic, thanks to standard smartphone connectivity. Apple Carplay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® integration come standard on every 2017 Sonic. A seven-inch touchscreen is standard too.  

3. Turbocharged engine 

The 2017 Chevy Sonic comes standard with a 138-hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine that is great for city driving. But for more power, choose the available 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It also produces 138 hp, but gives the Sonic more torque, so it feels more responsive.   

4. Passenger space 

Even if you’re tall, you’ll have enough space in the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The car has nearly 42 inches of legroom in front. A standard tilting and telescoping steering wheel and height-adjustable front seat make it easy to find a good driving position.  

5. Available options 

With three trims and lots of packages and stand-alone options, it’s easy to find a 2017 Chevy Sonic that’s right for you. For a sporty feel, choose the sports-focused RS package. Or, add lane-departure warning and emergency braking with the available Driver Confidence package.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.4 out of 5

7 customer reviews

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

LT 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • Alloy Wheels
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Sunroof(s)

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

159.8"

Width

68.3"

Height

59.7"

Leg room

F 41.8"/R 34.6"

Head room

F 38.7"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P205/55R16

Rear tires

P205/55R16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 5

2017 Chevrolet Sonic FAQ

Chevrolet Sonic articles

Only Available Used: Subcompact Cars: Abstract | CarMax

Only Available Used: Subcompact Cars

We take a look at some subcompact cars you can only get used. These small, discontinued cars can be a terrific value and a great buy for shoppers who don't need a ton of space. They can also offer impressive fuel economy and some come with modern features you might not expect.
Best used cars under $15,000: Abstract | CarMax

10 Best Used Cars Under $15K: Reviews, Photos, and More

Car shopping on a budget doesn't have to limit your style. We've compiled a list of the best used cars under $15,000 for 2021 shoppers. From the Kia Rio to the Ford Focus, this list features vehicles that check all the boxes, without breaking the bank.

Want to view more trending articles?

Research other vehicles


* 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.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.