2020 Chevrolet Sonic

Chevy Sonic competes with Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Ford Fiesta. The Chevrolet Sonic Sedan is offered in two easy to choose trims with good segregation of features across both trims. Sonic presents itself as fun to drive choice at an affordable price.

The Chevrolet Sonic Sedan is available in two trim levels – LT and Premier. The turbocharged 1.4-liter engine is standard across both the trims. The base Premier trim brings all the essential features at a price of $18,995. You will get a 7-inch infotainment system, a rearview camera and touring suspension for comfortable ride quality. The Premier trim comes with more luxury features like heated 6-way adjustable seats and keyless entry. This trim also comes with a sport tuned suspension for better handling.

Trims	LT	Premier
MSRP (Manual)	$18,995	$20,895
MSRP (Automatic)	$20,295	$22,395
Features	6- way manual adjustable drivers seat	Adds or replaces features from LT:
	Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel	Keyless Ignition
	6 Total Speakers	Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber
	Satellite Radio	6 -Way Power Driver Seat
	10 airbags	Front Fog/Driving Lights
	Rear vision camera	Heated Passenger Seat
	Audio Controls On Steering Wheel	Leather Steering Wheel

There are 3 optional packages on offer. The Driver Confidence Package offers driving aids and the Convenience Package brings premium features. The Performance Package lowers the ride height and makes the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan a better handling machine with an engaging drive.

Package	Driver Confidence Package	Convenience Package	Performance Package
MSRP	$495	$650	$2,775
Features	Lane Departure Warning	Heated driver and front passenger seats	Performance exhaust
	Forward Collision Alert	Enhanced Driver Information Center	RS lowering suspension kit
	Side Blind Zone Alert	Keyless Open
	Rear Park Assist	Keyless Start
		6-way power driver and front passenger seats

We Recommend

We would suggest most buyers to stick with the base LT trim as it comes with touring suspension which is more suitable for Sonic’s daily commuter nature. We also highly recommended to get the Driver Confidence Package as it adds a wide range of safety features for a marginal cost of $495.

“The Sonic is a spirited little car with good steering and handling, especially with the sport-tuned suspension. Unfortunately, the manual gearbox is a bit clunky, and the 1.4-liter turbo lacks responsiveness at low rpm.”-Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The Chevrolet Sonic offers a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine as the only engine option. This four-banger is a unique engine for this segment. Most rivals have normally aspirated engines on offer. The 2020 Sonic drops the 1.8-liter engine in favor of the 1.4-liter turbo-four. This engine has a strong mid-range pull which is often missing from the cars in this segment.

Models	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Kia Rio Sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
MSRP	$19,420	$16,400	$15,880	$16,370	$15,135	$15,650
Engine	1.4L Turbocharged I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4	1.5L I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	6-speed manual	6-speed manual	5-Speed manual	CVT
Horsepower	138@4900	130@6300	130@6300	106 @ 6000	120 @ 6350	109 @ 6,000
Torque	148@1850	119@4850	119@4850	103@ 4000	112 @ 5000	107 @ 4,400

Sonic is offered with a FWD configuration and power is channeled to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. The Sonic is best enjoyed with the stick shift because the automatic transmission is a bit sluggish and holds gears longer to offer better fuel efficiency. Chevy Sonic produces the best power output in the segment, it is followed by the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. 

Acceleration

A properly equipped Sonic will sprint to 60mph in 8.2 seconds and will pass the quarter mile in 16.4-seconds. The Sonic is the fastest car in the segment, thanks to the turbocharger. The engine offers the entirety of its 148 lb-ft. torque output under 2,000 rpm and getting off the line in stop and go traffic is much easier with this car.

Models	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Kia Rio Sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
0-60 MPH	8.2 seconds*	8.5 seconds	9.6 seconds	N/A	9.4 sec	9.9 seconds*
Quarter mile	16.4 seconds	16.7 seconds	17.2 seconds	N/A	N/A	17.6 seconds*
Engine	1.4L Turbocharged I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4	1.5L I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	-	5.5	-	5.1	5.5	-

*Data from 2018 has been used

Ride and Handling

For a subcompact sedan, Chevy Sonic offers a relatively pleasant driving experience. The suspension has been tuned to offer comfort but it doesn’t come at the cost of handling dynamics. Sonic is playful around the corners. The high speed stability is also on the better side and isn’t squishy as other rivals. It feels sturdy and planted at highway speeds.

The steering has a nice feel to it. Its light nature helps to maneuver the Sonic in the city, easily. The Sonic also eagerly changes direction if you intend to do so.

Braking

When it comes to braking, the Sonic is equipped with a disc setup at the front and drum setup at the rear. This Chevy tips the scale at 2,819 lbs and is the heaviest car in this comparison. Yet it was able to do a 60mph to 0 stop in 169 feet. The Sonic has a decent stopping power at its disposal.

Model	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Kia Rio Sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Brake Front (in.)	10.8	11	11	10.2	10.2	10
Brake Rear (in.)	9	8	-	7.9	7.9	8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2714	2714	2502	2385	2578	2,395
60-0 MPH (ft.)	169	182	173*	N/A	N/A	188*

The Chevy Sonic hatch offers a combined mileage of 29 miles to the gallon. The turbo-four setup should offer better fuel mileage but Sonic’s figures are on the lower side of the segment. Toyota Yaris sedan and Nissan Versa offers combined fuel efficiency of 34 miles per gallon.

Model	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Kia Rio Sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
MPG (city)	26	28	28	30	27	31
MPG (highway)	34	37	37	39	35	39
MPG (combined)	29	32	31	34	30	34

“Inside, a revised instrument panel and simple dashboard are refreshingly void of details that try too hard, and condense the useful information right in front of the driver in a clear format. A standard touchscreen is front and center above intuitive climate control knobs, and material quality is better than some of its competitors from across the Pacific.”-TheCarConnection

Seating and Comfort

The Sonic sedan was introduced as a replacement for the aging Chevrolet Aveo. The interior fit and finish is a way ahead of the Aveo but the cabin has its fair share of hard plastics. Once you touch the materials you will be reminded of the price you have paid for the car. Manufacturers like Kia and Ford offer better materials and build quality at a similar price point.

For the base LT trim, you will have to be satisfied with cloth upholstery. Stepping in, you will be fond of that roomy feeling. There are lots of spaces to store miscellaneous items as this car has two glove boxes, cup holders and space near the shifter to keep your wallet and smartphone.

Models	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Kia Rio Sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5	5	5
Front Head room (in)	38.9	38.7	38.9	38.9	38.2	39.1
Front Shoulder room (in)	53.4	54.1	54.2	53.1	53.4	51.7
Front Leg room (in)	41.8	42.1	42.1	41.9	41.8	41.8
Rear head room (in)	37.9	38.1	37.4	37.3	36.8	37.8
Rear Shoulder room (in)	53.0	53.3	53.7	50.0	53.0	51.9
Rear Leg room (in)	34.6	33.5	33.5	34.4	34.6	37.0

Space isn’t an issue with this car. Whether you are driving or sitting on the rear seats, you would be content with the space on offer. If you plan to keep your car for a long time, then you might be a bit put off by the lower quality of interior fit and finish. The droning noise from engine can also be off putting for some folks.

Infotainment

The Sonic comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display and a 6-speaker audio system. Apple carplay and Android Auto are offered as standard features on both trims. Chevy’s MyLink System offers on the go connectivity as it allows you to receive calls, get text message alerts while your phone is tucked away. Kia’s UVO system is still the most intuitive UI, however, Chevrolet’s my link infotainment system isn't far behind.

Interior Features

The Chevrolet Sonic sedan is equipped with a good list of features. Some of these features are mentioned below:

• 7" touch-screen display
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• 6-speaker audio system
• Armrest, driver seat
• Piano Black instrument panel (Optional)
• Inside rearview manual day/night mirror

Cargo Capacity

The Sonic hatchback offers more versatility than the sedan. Sonic Sedan offers 14.9 cu-ft. of trunk space, same as the Versa, which can be easily increased to 42.0 cu-ft. by folding the rear seats. That’s a lot of space to swallow all the equipment for your next weekend getaway.

Model	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Kia Rio Sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.)	14.9	13.7	13.7	13.5	12.8	14.9

The signature two-part Chevy grille is less prominent than in years past, and adding the RS package makes the car look nearly like a hot hatchback or sedan, with the option for up to 17-inch blacked out wheels. The Sonic also refreshingly offers a number of bright colors, including a new hue for 2020 called “Shock.”- TheCarConnection

Dimensions and Weight

The exterior shell of the Chevy Sonic has sweeping lines that are engineered to maximize air flow while providing a sporty look. Front fascia is aggressive and continues on the Chevy’s motorcycle inspired design. The headlight cluster looks like a single unit but it houses the low beam and high beam bulb separately.

Model	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Kia Rio Sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Curb weight (lbs.)	2796	2714	2502	2385	2578	2,395
Length(in)	173.9	172.6	172.6	171.2	173.5	163.7
Width(in)	68.3	67.9	68.1	66.7	67.8	66.7
Height(in)	59.7	57.1	57.1	58.5	58.1	60.5
Ground clearance (in)	N/A	5.5	5.5	5.5	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	99.4	101.6	101.6	101.2	98.0	102.4
Track width (in) F/R	59.4/ 59.4	59.8/60.0	59.3/59.5	58.9/59.5	57.7/57.7	58.3/ 58.5

The Sonic hatch doesn’t score any brownie points for its dimensions. It is a relatively smaller car than the competition. Sonic has a short wheelbase of 99.4-inches, yet it offers generous room for the occupants.

The Chevrolet Sonic is available with a list of safety equipment. The Sonic Hatch also scores well on the safety tests conducted by NHSTA. It offers the following safety features:

• 4-wheel antilock front disc/rear drum brakes
• Brake Assist
• Electronic brake force distribution
• Hill Start Assist
• Electronic traction control
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• 10 airbags

Chevrolet Sonic vs Kia Rio

Kia Rio is powered by a 130 hp inline-four engine. The Rio Sedan is available in two easy to choose trim levels and the prices start at $16,400. Kia Rio is a well-known nameplate in the subcompact segment. It comes with a massive 10-year warranty for the powertrain. The space for front passengers is good but the rear seats might feel cramped for three passengers. Rio has enough power for city driving but it struggles on the highway.

For a budget car, the Rio checks most of the correct boxes. It has a well laid out cabin, a generous cargo space, relatively better handling and an easy to use infotainment system. Not everyone would be happy to be in Rio but considering the things on offer,  Kia Rio should be high on your list if you are looking for a budget car.

Chevrolet Sonic vs Hyundai Accent

Considering the generous list of equipment on offer at the price point, the Hyundai Accent is a great value for a money car. The updated Accent features an engine that has good low-end torque that make it a good performer in the city conditions. The Accent also offers one of the best cargo space in the segment along with the Sonic. The seats could have been a tad bit more supportive. The cabin is roomy and quiet. Accent seamlessly brings comfort, style, and utility together and you should definitely check out this car before you make any definitive decision. 

Chevrolet Sonic vs Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter engine that produces 106 horsepower. The power figure is one of the lowest in the segment. The Yaris has one of the lightest cars in this segment. Thus, the lack of power is duly compensated by the small size. 

The Chevrolet Sonic is equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 138 horsepower. The combination of a turbo-four engine and a 6-speed manual makes Sonic a fun to drive car. In a segment where providing affordable transportation is the top priority, Chevy Sonic doesn’t simply wear a sporty skin, it has the engine to back it up.

Sonic loses to the likes of Rio and Fiesta when it comes to interior quality and refinement. If you want a more comfortable ride and a well put together then your money would be better spent on the Kia Rio or Ford Fiesta.

Sonic Sedan brightens up an otherwise dull segment by introducing a turbocharger. The Sonic, when equipped with the optional RS package, offers a sport-tuned suspension and a performance exhaust. The Chevy Sonic easily lives up as a daily driver which can also be enjoyed around the curvy roads.