Name: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic
Brand: Chevrolet

Chevrolet Sonic

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Chevrolet Sonic First Drive

Summary

Introduction

Chevrolet Sonic: Relatively quiet cabin and comfortable for class, but no fun to drive

Overview

Among subcompacts, the Sonic feels almost grown-up. It's reasonably quiet and has a relatively comfortable ride compared to its peers in this spartan class. Handling is responsive and secure, and braking performance is excellent, but the car is far from being fun to drive.

We tested a sedan with the base 1.8-liter engine and automatic, and a hatchback version with the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed manual. Both produce the same 138 hp, but the turbo 1.4 feels more relaxed and proved quicker accelerating to 60 mph on our track. And both need lots of downshifting to maintain speed on hills. The automatic is a little hesitant, and the six-speed manual, with its long throws, feels balky.

We averaged 30 mpg overall, which doesn't seem too bad until you consider the much larger Honda Accord does the same. We preferred the six-speed automatic paired with the non-turbo base engine despite its unimpressive 28 mpg, which is way behind its direct competitors such as the Honda Fit. However, both the 1.8-liter engine and manual transmissions have been discontinued.

At least the brakes performed well, producing very short stopping distances in wet or dry conditions.

The low beam headlights provide good distance and very good intensity; high beams improve the distance.

Impressions

Inside, the Sonic's seat has ample travel fore and aft and a tilt and telescoping steering column with a good adjustment range -- a feature not often found in this class. But the center console intrudes into right leg room and the left foot rest is pushed inboard, contributing to a narrow driving position. Narrow front seats with spongy cushions don't offer a lot of support, and seat adjustments are limited (typical for the class). The leatherette seats provide better cushion support than the cloth seats in lower-level models but they're still a little narrow, with flat cushions and not much side bolstering at the back. Seat cushion tilt angle isn't adjustable independent of height. But lateral support is good and a folding armrest is a nice touch.

Room is tight in the rear for either two or three passengers, but the cushion is high enough for thigh support and head room is adequate.

Visibility is good overall in the sedan, with big windows all around, but the windshield pillars are thick. The hatchback's wide rear roof pillars create some serious blind spots aft.

Most controls are straightforward, with three simple knobs for climate controls. The radio has a tune knob and buttons for presets and mode changes. Both the climate controls and the radio can be a reach away for the driver.

The Sonic's overall fit and finish are about par for the class, with hard plastics, a thin headliner, and carpeting that looks and feels more like a trunk mat.

Cabin storage is moderate; there's no console storage but there is a two-level glove compartment and several open bins on the dashboard. The carpeted trunk in the sedan is spacious for the class, and can be expanded by folding the 60/40-split rear seatbacks. For the hatchback, cargo space behind the rear seats is quite limited, and can hold only one large upright suitcase and a duffle bag.

The Sonic comes with a temporary spare tire stored under the trunk floor.

Forward collision and lane-departure warning systems are available.

Best Version to Get

We'd opt for the LT sedan for its extra cargo space and visibility and the MyLink system. We'd also get the advanced safety package with forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning.