Key Takeaways
- The two engine options deliver the same horsepower, though the smaller turbo upgrade has a bit more torque. We're not sure, either.
- The hatchback looks racier and has twice the cargo capacity
- The only subcompact assembled in the U.S.A.
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What We Think
The subcompact Chevrolet Sonic delivers more power, more space, more stuff, more choices.
The all-new Chevy Sonic replaces the subcompact Aveo model, and it's better in every respect. The Sonic is quicker, roomier, better looking and more fun to drive, and it holds its own with any car in its class. It costs about 15 percent more than the 2011 Aveo, but it's more than worth the difference.
The front-wheel-drive Sonic is offered as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, with a choice between two engines: the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four. Both generate 138 hp, although the turbo delivers 18 percent more acceleration-producing torque, and it could be a bit more frugal with gas. Either engine is more powerful than those offered in the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris.
Inside, the Sonic interior has a motorcycle-inspired instrument panel that looks sharp and communicates information clearly. The materials and finish represent an upgrade from the Aveo, and there's plenty of room in here. Chevy says the Sonic sedan has a larger trunk than its competitors (14 cubic feet), and the hatchback expands cargo volume to an impressive 30.7 cubic feet.
Both the Sonic sedan and hatchback come in three trim levels, mirroring the pattern followed by nearly all of Chevrolet's cars. The LS is the least expensive. The midrange LT should be most popular and easiest to find, while the top-line LTZ gets all the bells and whistles Sonic offers.
Available Styles
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The base Sonic packs a nice feature punch.
msrp $13,735- Very little suggests "cheap car," inside or out
- The sedan looks more conventional than the hatchback, but it's not as versatile
- The base model is available with an automatic but not the upgraded turbo engine
- Very little suggests "cheap car," inside or out
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The Chevrolet Sonic LS anchors the Sonic's 2012 hatchback lineup.
msrp $14,635- Opens wide for more cargo and better access
- Disguised rear door handles make it look like a two-door
- It has standard 15-inch aluminum wheels, where the competition gets stamped steel with plastic hubcaps
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The Chevrolet Sonic LS is inexpensive but not equipped that way.
msrp $14,805- Very little suggests "cheap car," inside or out
- The sedan looks more conventional than the hatchback, but it's not as versatile
- The base model is available with an automatic but not the upgraded turbo engine
- Very little suggests "cheap car," inside or out
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The midrange Chevrolet Sonic delivers more tunes and options.
msrp $14,935- The right equipment at a midline price
- Compares to the Ford Fiesta SE
- Should be the most popular package
- The right equipment at a midline price
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Sedan or hatchback? The Chevrolet Sonic offers lots of choices.
msrp $15,705- Opens wide for more cargo and better access
- Disguised rear door handles make it look like a two-door
- This one has standard 15-inch aluminum wheels, where the competition gets stamped steel with plastic hubcaps.
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The sweet spot in the Chevrolet Sonic lineup has a hatchback instead of a trunk.
msrp $15,735- The turbo engine option is at least as valuable for its accompanying transmission -- a six-speed manual instead of a five-speed
- Should be the most plentiful trim level on dealer lots, and the one in greatest demand
- We can think of no reason to choose the sedan over the hatchback, unless you absolutely abhor the hatchback's look.
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The Chevrolet Sonic LT is the midline automatic, and it has the right stuff.
msrp $16,005- This midline Sonic sedan has an automatic transmission
- Compares with the Ford Fiesta SE
- Should be a popular package
- This midline Sonic sedan has an automatic transmission
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Forget "economy car," the Chevrolet Sonic is refined, and this one is loaded.
msrp $16,535- Loaded with goodies, but price pushes into territory occupied by larger cars like the Ford Focus or Chevy Cruze
- The vinyl leatherette upholstery is hard to tell from the real thing
- Low-noise cabin could surprise
- Loaded with goodies, but price pushes into territory occupied by larger cars like the Ford Focus or Chevy Cruze
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This 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has five doors and a six-speed automatic transmission.
msrp $16,805- The turbo engine option is at least as valuable for its accompanying transmission -- a six-speed manual instead of a five-speed
- Should be the most plentiful trim level on dealer lots and the one in greatest demand.
- We can think of no reason to choose the sedan over the hatchback, unless you absolutely abhor the hatchback's look.
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The five-door 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ has all the goodies.
msrp $17,235- This is our favorite Chevrolet Sonic, but also the most expensive.
- All the goodies, with the most space for stuff
- Chevrolet promises go-fast, look-racy extras in the near future
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The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan is the most luxurious of Sonics.
msrp $17,795- Loaded with goodies, but price pushes into territory occupied by larger cars like the Ford Focus or Chevy Cruze
- The vinyl leatherette upholstery is hard to tell from the real thing
- LTZ includes premium sound system
- Loaded with goodies, but price pushes into territory occupied by larger cars like the Ford Focus or Chevy Cruze
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This 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is loaded, and it shifts itself
msrp $18,495- Big wheels, low-profile tires and suspension tuned by Corvette engineers
- All the goodies, with the most space for stuff
- Chevrolet promises go-fast, look-racy extras in the near future
