2018 Chevrolet Sonic review
Chevrolet Sonic highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Generous space
- Great handling
- Many standard features
Cons
- Lackluster base engine
- Standard manual transmission
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 34 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $13,998*
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Small with tons of options
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is built for city life, and can serve as a family-friendly car to get the kids to drop-off or a practical commuter from the suburbs. The 2018 Sonic comes as a sedan or a hatchback. Although it’s about a foot shorter, the hatchback offers more cargo space, so it’s a great option for families or pet parents. The two available four-cylinder engines both produce 138 hp, but the turbocharged version feels more responsive. Lots of available options ranging from leatherette upholstery to driver assist features to sports running make it easy to find a 2018 Sonic that’s right for you.
All Chevrolet Sonic years
What is new for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?
- Sonic trims have been upgraded with CD Audio as standard equipment this year.
- Tow Hitch and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Premier trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic trims
Curious how Chevrolet Sonic trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLS:
- 138-hp, 125-lb-ft of torque 1.8L
- Rear Defroster
- Cloth Seats
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Automatic Transmission
- Android Auto
LT:
- Includes all features available on the LS
- 138-hp, 148-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
- Power Mirrors
- Cruise Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Remote Start
- Rear Spoiler
- Power Windows
- View our Chevrolet Sonic LT inventory
Premier:
- Includes all features available on the LT
- Smart Key
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Leather & Suede Seats
- CD Audio
- View our Chevrolet Sonic Premier inventory
Chevrolet Sonic photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic
1. Functional space
The 2018 Chevy Sonic may be small, but it offers plenty of space for hauling groceries, moving sports equipment, or bringing baby gear out with you. The sedan has a large trunk with 14.9 cu.-ft of cargo space. The hatchback has 19 cu.-ft. of cargo space, so it’s a great option if you need a bit of extra room.
2. Turbocharged engine
The 2018 Chevy Sonic comes standard with a 138-hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine that is great for city driving. But for more power that comes in handy on the highway, choose the available 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That engine also produces 138 hp, but gives the Sonic more torque, so it feels more responsive.
3. Tech connections
Apple Carplay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® integration come standard on every 2018 Sonic, so you won’t miss a beat on your playlists. A seven-inch touchscreen comes standard too, along with a four-speaker audio system. That might sound small, but on a compact car it produces plenty of sound.
4. Sporty options
Channel your inner race car driver with the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic with the available RS package. The package, available on the sedan or hatchback, adds a sports exhaust and upgraded six-speed manual transmission. Styling changes including a rear spoiler, contrasting stitching, and a sport steering wheel come standard.
5. Passenger space
Heading off to basketball practice? You’ll have plenty of space in the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic, thanks to nearly 42 inches of front legroom. A standard tilting and telescoping steering wheel and four-way adjustable driver’s seat make it easy to find a comfortable position.
Shop with your budget in mind
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Ratings & reliability
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 SonicChevrolet 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
- Alloy Wheels
- 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 Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- 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
2018 Chevrolet Sonic FAQ
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LT: 28 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- LS: 26 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Premier: 28 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
The Chevrolet Sonic received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Chevrolet Sonic as 22 out of 27 among Subcompact Car
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic:
- CD Audio
- Tow Hitch
- Running Boards
- Power Seat(s)
- Cloth Seats
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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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